Program Overview

Program Information

Program Description

Within this program’s unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, students prepare to work with children (birth to 12 years old) and their families. Students learn how to support children’s holistic development and facilitate their adaptation to the challenges of everyday life. Students acquire the skills to be responsive caregivers while respecting diversity and the rights of children and families. They discover the multifaceted benefits of play-based learning through experiential courses that focus on outdoor learning, creative expression, and science and technology. Emphasis is placed on partnerships with families, other professionals, and community programs, as these form the foundation of working in the field of early learning and care. This approach to learning reflects the view that children are curious, capable and skilled and grow up in families with diverse social, linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Through two field placements, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and transfer their skills as they engage with children and adults in early years learning settings within the community. Students develop a range of abilities and best practices crucial for success in the various learning environments they may find employment in within the field of early childhood education.

Course Information

Course Offerings and Equivalents

• Child Development (birth to 12 years)
  • ECED 1012
  • OntarioLearn equivalents: Child Development 1 (ODE)
• Child Development: Inclusivity and Diversity
  • ECED 2021
• Children's Health and Wellness
  • ECED 1025
  • OntarioLearn equivalents: Wellness for Children (ODE)
• Creative Expression
  • ECED 1039
• Curriculum and Practice
  • ECED 2031
• Developing Partnerships with Families
  • ECED 1040
  • OntarioLearn equivalents: Working with Parents (ODE)
• Ethics and Advocacy for the Field of ECE
  • ECED 2025
  • OntarioLearn equivalents: Advocacy and Prof in ECE (ODE)
• Field Placement Seminar 1
  • ECED 1031
• Field Placement Seminar 2
  • ECED 2023
• Field Placement: Early Learning 1- Childcare
  • ECED 1036
• Field Placement: Early Learning 2 Kindergarten and Unique
  • ECED 2030
• Foundations in ECE
  • ECED 1018
  • OntarioLearn equivalents: ECE Practices (ODE)
• Inclusive Learning and Play
  • ECED 2027
• Legislation and Standards of Practice
  • ECED 2012
  • OntarioLearn equivalents: Child Care Admin (ODE)
• Nurturing Infants and Toddlers
  • ECED 1014
• Observation and Documentation
  • ECED 1029
  • OntarioLearn equivalents: Observation/Documentation(ODE)
• Professional Practice and Preparation for Field Placement
  • ECED 1035
• Programming School Age Experiences
  • ECED 1034
  • OntarioLearn equivalents: School Age Environment (ODE)
• Responsive Relationships in Diverse Communities
  • ECED 1042
• Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math and Outdoor Learning
  • ECED 1041
• Social Entrepreneurship
  • ENTR 1004
  • OntarioLearn equivalents: Entrepreneurship (ODE)
• Social/Emotional Health and Development
  • ECED 2011
  • OntarioLearn equivalents: Guidance of Young Child (ODE)
• Supporting Inclusive Play Experiences
  • ECED 1033

How to Apply

1. Make sure you meet program admission requirements
2. Complete an online application using the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) using the part-time program code
3. When registration opens, select the course(s) from the program webpage course listing and follow the prompt steps to register and pay

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Finance and Fees

• Are part-time students eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)? As a part-time student, you may be eligible for OSAP funding, depending on the number of courses you take per semester.
• What is the cost of the program? As a part-time student, you can take one to three courses per semester, paying on a course-by-course basis.

Online Learning

• What is an OntarioLearn (ODE) course? These courses are offered through OntarioLearn. Visit the OntarioLearn webpage to learn more. OntarioLearn courses are set up as equivalents to the Georgian courses. You can choose to take the ODE courses or the Georgian courses.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

• Can I transfer credits or prior life or work experience to fast track my studies? Previous postsecondary education: If you’ve completed courses, or some or all of a program, at another accredited postsecondary institution, you may be able to transfer all or some of your courses into a related program at Georgian. Relevant work or life experience: If you have relevant work and/or life experience that relates to your program(s) of interest at Georgian, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is an academic credit option. To learn more about transfer credit and PLAR, visit the Credit for Prior Learning webpage.