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Early Childhood Education

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Get started on your early childhood education career path!

Get started on your early childhood education career path and learn how to make a positive, lasting impact on young children’s lives. If you’re passionate about working with young children and helping them grow, our Early Childhood Education programs are the right fit for you. Learn how to best support children during their most important early years by helping them build resiliency, develop social-emotional learning, and positively impact their overall growth. Our ECE programs prepare students to become qualified Level 2 ECEs in Nova Scotia through interactive academic training, led by early childhood education experts, and hands-on practice through four guaranteed practicum placements. By the end of our programs, our graduates develop the knowledge, hands-on skills, and experience needed to succeed in this in-demand field.

×

Get More Info Now!!!

Start your journey towards a new career today by requesting program details.

  • Financial Assistance
  • Start Dates
  • Career Options
  • Job Opportunities
Are you an international student?
Do you have a study permit in Canada?
What type of program are you applying for?
Enter valid first name
Enter valid last name
Enter valid email address
Enter valid phone number
Enter valid postal code

I'm happy to let you store and process the personal information I've supplied. We need to process your personal data to administer your account and let you know about the products and services you have asked us about. I want emails and direct messages about studying for a vocational course on campus. Read terms.

Want to take your training 100% online from anywhere in Nova Scotia? Explore our ECE Online program.

Early Childhood Education scholarships

Guaranteed scholarships for all students!

PRs (who received their PRs within 2 years of the program start date) automatically receive the $1,500 Newcomer to Canada scholarship.
Apply for a bursary of up to $2,500! The Government of Nova Scotia is offering funding for domestic students* that are enrolled in full-time studies at approved Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions! Terms and conditions and eligibility criteria apply – get in touch with our admissions team, and we will walk you through the details and process!
OICC ECE program students are eligible to receive tuition and living expenses support from Nova Scotia Student Assistance (if the candidate fulfils the assistance criteria). ECE program students may also be eligible for Canada Student Loan Forgiveness if working in an eligible community and meet the eligibility criteria.

*This bursary is only applicable to domestic students who are residents of Nova Scotia.

Tuition Fee Guarantee

Our commitment to you
We are proud of the quality of our Early Childhood Education programs and are confident you will develop the skills, knowledge, and experience required to successfully enter into the workforce upon graduation.

If you are unable to secure a job offer within 6 months, your tuition will be refunded as long as all terms and conditions of the guarantee have been met. For more details, eligibility criteria, and terms and conditions, please speak to our admissions team.

About the Hybrid Early Childhood Education (HECE) Program with 100% Online Training

Get started on your early childhood education career path and learn how to make a positive, lasting impact on young children’s lives. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or looking to make a career move, our Hybrid Early Childhood Education (HECE) Diploma program with 100% online training gets you into the workforce quickly while providing you with the valuable knowledge, hands-on skills, and experience employers are looking for.

Benefit from hands-on in-person classes or engaging online study, both available with guaranteed practicum placements, to support flexible learning with valuable real-world skills development and experience.

*This program is only available to domestic students who are residents of Nova Scotia.

At OICC, we offer two Early Childhood Education Diploma programs to give you the flexibility you need.

teaching icon Hybrid Early Childhood Education

  • Evening program
  • Study 100% online or hybrid (online + in-person)
  • 55 weeks (just over one year!)

Perfect for students who work during the day and want to train for their future career in the evening

teaching icon Early Childhood Education

  • Daytime program
  • Study in-person at our OICC Halifax campus
  • 50 weeks (just under one year!)

The right option for students who are eager to start their ECE career as fast as possible

Why Study With Us

  • Achieve a recognized early childhood credential in a year (50 or 55 weeks)
  • Choose 100% online or hybrid learning in the evenings, or daytime in-person classes
  • Train for an in-demand career in Nova Scotia, with career growth opportunities
  • Upskill from a Level 1 to a Level 2 classification with special incentives and transfer credits available
  • Get access to free career readiness support for success in the workplace
  • Train for jobs including Early Childhood Educator, Day-Home Consultant, Assistant Director, and more
  • Guaranteed 535 hours of hands-on placement experience that we coordinate for you – either in Halifax or in your local community if you study the program 100% online
  • Earn additional certifications (Circle of Security Parenting and The Pyramid Model Consortium – Trauma-Informed Care) to enhance your skills and boost your resume
  • Support from day one to ensure you have the resources, knowledge, and skills needed to navigate your learning and career journey
  • State-of-the-art facilities to inspire engaged learning and collaboration or an interactive online learning experience with digital materials to support your learning and development

Key Facts

time icon

Duration
50 weeks (in person)
or 55 weeks (online/hybrid)

location icon

Location
OICC Halifax campus
or online (Moodle)

graduation cap icon

Credential
Level 2 ECE Classification

teaching icon

Teaching Method
In person, online,
or hybrid

Program Courses

  • Child Development from Conception to Age 12
  • Respectful and Responsive Relationships
  • Diversity and Inclusion 1: Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education in NS
  • Observing, Assessing and Documenting
  • Computer, Communication and Employability Skills
  • Understanding and Engaging Families
  • Learning Through Play 1: Intentional Planning in Play
  • Guiding Children’s Behaviour
  • Diversity and Inclusion 2: Supporting Multiple Developmental Pathways
  • Community and Workplace Relationships
  • Supporting Children’s Health, Safety and Well-Being
  • Learning Through Play 2: Outdoor and Indoor Learning Environments
  • Responsive Infant and Toddler Care and Development
  • Administration and Management of Early Learning Programs
  • Becoming a Professional Early Childhood Educator in Nova Scotia
  • Working With School Age Children
  • Pedagogical Documentation of Children’s Learning


Online & Hybrid Learning Model

The Hybrid Early Childhood Education program (55 weeks) offers flexible learning for students, especially those with daytime jobs. Domestic students can choose to take the program 100% online, with local practicum placements and certifications training in their communities. Domestic and international students can choose to study the Hybrid model, which offers a mix of online and in-person study.


Domestic students study schedule:


  • Mondays: 6 hours of asynchronous learning (study at your own pace)
  • Thursdays – Fridays: In-person or live online classes from 6:00pm – 9:30pm AST


International students study schedule:


  • Mondays: 6 hours of asynchronous learning (study at your own pace)
  • Thursdays – Fridays: In-person classes at OICC Halifax campus from 6:00pm – 9:30pm AST


Online Learning Model

The Hybrid Early Childhood Education (HECE) Online Diploma program is designed for flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments while progressing through structured online coursework.


  • Hybrid Early Childhood Education (HECE) program with 100% online training
  • Flexible online learning with a combination of self-paced modules and live evening lectures
  • All course materials and resources are accessible via Moodle, our Learning Management System (LMS)

Program Details

Practicum 1 (60 hours):
Observation, interacting with children, and getting comfortable.


Practicum 2 (135 hours):
Observation, begin implementing activities and getting comfortable with play-based curriculum.


Practicum 3 (140 hours):
Working directly with ECEs and children, doing all tasks of the classroom.


Practicum 4 (200 hours):
Become a fully-integrated team member in the childcare classroom and demonstrate skills and abilities that align with the expectations of a qualified ECE.


For the ECE in-person program (50 weeks), practicum placement 4 is eligible for paid workplace practicum. For the ECE Hybrid program (55 weeks), all practicum placements are eligible for paid workplace practicum!

Enquire Now!

Apply for a Bursary of up to $5,000 CAD!

The Government of Nova Scotia is currently offering bursaries of up to $5,000 CAD for domestic students* that are enrolled in full-time studies at approved Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions!


In order to apply for this bursary, students must be:


  • Studying full-time and remain in good academic standing.
  • A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Nova Scotia* (temporary foreign workers, international students, or any other person in Canada on a temporary resident visa do not qualify).

In order to apply, please contact Oxford International College Halifax to obtain the bursary terms and conditions and learn more. Once you are enrolled as a student in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Hybrid Diploma Program, you can apply directly through Oxford International College Halifax.


Additional to note:

  • Payments will be issued to the training institution (Oxford International College Halifax) on behalf of successful applicants in the fall and winter semesters. Training institutions will apply the bursary to each successful student's account.
  • Priority for funding will be given to students from equity-deserving groups.
  • The following students are not eligible to apply:
    - Students currently enrolled in an ECE Hybrid Diploma already funded by EECD.
    - Students who are currently receiving other EECD funding (e.g., staff receiving continuing education funding for part-time studies).

In 2021-2022 EECD offered one-time bursaries for up to 300 students studying full-time in an ECE hybrid diploma or degree program in Nova Scotia. To support Nova Scotia’s focus on the development of a diverse and inclusive workforce, students belonging to an underrepresented group received additional funds. Visit the Nova Scotia Education and Early Childhood Development website for more details on the bursary.

*Domestic students = Canadian Citizens and permanent residents.

Our Employment and Practicum Partners

Crystal-Daycare logo Needham logo It-takes-a-village logo Maritime-Muslim-Academy logo Allegro-Child-Care-Centre logo HRCE logo Beech-Tree-Academy logo Kids-and-Company logo YMCA logo

Early Childhood Education Career Opportunities

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) provide care for infants to school-aged children and lead children in activities that stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical, and emotional growth. ECEs work in childcare centres, daycare centres, pre-primary programs, kindergarten classrooms, and other settings.

The Government of Canada Labour Market Information reports that the employment outlook will be very good for Early Childhood Educators (NOV 42202) in Nova Scotia for the 2025 – 2027 period. Overall, ECEs are in high demand in Nova Scotia and across Canada, and job opportunities continue to remain strong for certified staff in licensed childcare, offering 30% wage increases under a new compensation framework.

Our Early Childhood Education Diploma programs are designed to meet the demand… Once you graduate from one of our Early Childhood Education programs, popular career options include:

  • Early Childhood Educator (Level 2)
  • Early Childhood Educator (Level 3)
  • Day-Home Consultant
  • Assistant Director
  • Director of ECE Programs

Plus, if you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you’ll also have the option to open your own regulated home daycare!

When you are enrolled in one of our Early Childhood Education programs, you also Career Academy Canada… and successfully enter into the early childhood field.

Additional Certifications Earned During the Program

During our ECE programs, you not only earn your mandatory certifications that are required for all Early Childhood Educators to work in childcare settings, but you also have the unique opportunity to earn additional certifications that are only available through OICC that help you be better prepared to work with young children. These additional certifications not only enhance your resume to help you stand out amongst other applicants, but they increase your employability opportunities.

Standard certifications

  • Standard First Aid (Level C CPR & AED)
  • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHIMIS)
  • Food Safety
  • Child Abuse Protocol Training

Bonus certifications

  • Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) to learn how to follow cues of children, helping build secure attachments and positive relationships.
  • The Pyramid Model Consortium – Trauma-Informed Care to learn how to understand a child’s lived and family experiences in order to provide the most effective care.

What Our Students Say About Us:

My classroom and practicum experience in the ECE program at OICC Halifax has been really great. The classroom atmosphere is calm and soothing, which makes it a comfortable place to learn. The teachers are very nice and always ready to help. The materials in the class are really useful and well-organized, making it easier to understand the content.

Varneet, ECE Graduate

I would recommend the CCA program to another student because of its comprehensive curriculum, practical experience through co-op placements, and the supportive learning environment provided by Oxford International. The program prepares students well for a career as a Continuing Care Assistant by offering hands-on training.

Janiecel, CCA Graduate

In the ECE class I learned the theory and practice of infant development. In particular, in depth about how to understand and appropriately support the physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional developmental processes. In Practicum, with the help of mentors and other educators, I put into practice what I learned in class.

Eriko, ECE Graduate

The school has a positive environment. Everyone at Oxford International College is friendly, cooperative, and willing to help at any given time.

Karen, current CCA Graduate

My classroom experience in the ECE program at OICC Halifax has been enriching and insightful. The coursework has deepened my understanding of child development, educational theories, and effective pedagogical practices. The hands-on activities, group discussions, and access to various resources have greatly enhanced my learning, enabling me to develop the skills required to support young children's social, emotional, and cognitive development. My practicum experience has been both rewarding and eye-opening. Being able to apply what I've learned in real-life settings has given me invaluable insights into children's learning processes.

Amos, ECE Graduate

The best decision I have made in my entire life! Thank you Oxford International College. And special thanks to my instructors, Shannon Thixton, Avis Morehouse, the director-Sheila Nunn and the entire team. I love you all so dearly. Thank you 🙏

Richard, CCA Graduate

The practicum experience has been transformative, allowing me to connect theory with real-life practice. I have observed and documented children’s developmental progress while creating activities tailored to their interests and needs. Collaborating with experienced educators has helped me refine my communication and teaching strategies, emphasizing the importance of fostering a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for children.

Sawanpreet, ECE Graduate

Personality Assessment

Find out what your personality is like and discover your traits, worries & concerns about taking the next step to study at school towards a new and rewarding career. This quick and easy assessment will provide you with some insight into what to focus on and what you might need to watch out for to best prepare you for your new career and school goals!

Save thousands on your education!

At OICC | Oxford International Career Colleges, we care about affordable education and our students' success. Save on tuition with a wide variety of unique scholarships and get rewarded for your hard work and academic performance. Eligibility criteria apply.

Newcomer to Canada

Our Newcomer to Canada scholarship automatically grants all newcomers a $1,500 scholarship to be applied to their OICC program tuition fee. Terms and conditions and eligibility criteria apply.

Student Merit Award

The Student Merit award grants one student per graduating class a $1,000 grand prize for overall best academic performance. Terms and conditions and eligibility criteria apply.

English to Career Fast-Track

Quickly improve your English skills and achieve the required English levels for your OICC program. Get free English lessons for the first 8 weeks of study and discounted pricing on any additional weeks required. Terms and conditions and eligibility criteria apply.

Next Career Scholarship

Changing your career path is a big but exciting move to make and at OICC, we're here to help you every step of the way. The Next Career Scholarship awards eligible students a $1,000 scholarship to be applied to tuition fees. Terms and conditions and eligibility criteria apply.

Financial Aid

Our financial aid team helps students explore financial assistance options available to support their education.

When you apply for Nova Scotia Student Assistance for Full-Time Studies, you are applying for both Loans and Grants, from both the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada.

Students are required to apply for Nova Scotia Student Assistance full-time funding and Canada Student Loan Forgiveness every year.



Canada Student Loan Forgiveness

OICC students may also be eligible for Canada Student Loan Forgiveness to borrowers who work in eligible occupations in eligible communities. Loan forgiveness applies to the outstanding part of your federal loan only.

If you will need full-time Student Assistance funding, you must re-apply again each academic year (study period).

Our Financial Aid Expert will provide you with best options to make education investment in yourself, both realistic and affordable. Let us help you find option that suits you best

Tuition Payment Plans

Start your stress-free and affordable career training with our tuition payment plans! At OICC, we aim to make your career training affordable and accessible. All students have the option to sign up for one of our flexible payment plans to get started on their career journey more easily.

Ready to Get Started on Your Academic Journey?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why OICC?

At OICC | Oxford International Career Colleges, we care about our students’ success. Not just through the programs and career support we offer, but through how we teach out students and the experiences we deliver.

How to apply?

Simply fill out an enquiry form so our team can get in contact with you ASAP. We’ll answer any questions you have, identify which scholarships and funding opportunities you’re eligible for, and guide you through the simple application process.

Admissions Process

The first step in your journey is to fill out our online enquiry form. This is just like introducing yourself – telling us who you are and what you’re interested in studying. You’ll need to provide some basic information, like your name and contact details, and a member of our admissions team will get in contact ASAP to help answer your questions! Please follow this link to begin the process.

Do you offer financial aid?

Yes! Our students are eligible for a variety of financial aid and funding options, including grants, loans, private student loans, and financial assistance. When you fill out an enquiry form, our admissions team will walk you through the various options.

OICC Halifax Campus

Located in the heart of downtown Halifax, our campus is walking distance from the beautiful waterfront with easy access to a variety of famous historical sites and local shops.

1801 Hollis St(4th floor), Halifax, NS B3J 3N4, Canada

OICC Vancouver Campus

Situated in the heart of Vancouver’s bustling downtown district, our campus is immersed in a thriving tech hub, home to global giants like Amazon and Apple. Amidst the urban synergy of creativity and innovation, our location affords exceptional networking opportunities.

250-815 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1B4, Canada