LOCATION & DELIVERY MODES
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Delivery Legend:
On Campus
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
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Blended
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
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Online - Asynchronous
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
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Online - Synchronous
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Online - Asynchronous delivery - September 2025
A brighter future through inclusive learning.
Early childhood educators have a lasting, positive effect on the development of children and provide essential support for families, communities, and society.
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Advanced Studies in Inclusive Practice advanced diploma program is designed to equip current early childhood educators with the specialized knowledge and skills required to provide high-quality early learning and child care to children with diverse abilities and needs.
These studies focus on an inclusive philosophy to ensure that children with physical, intellectual, social, and emotional needs are benefiting from the program they attend. In an inclusive educational setting, it is essential that early childhood educators have the tools to support the unique needs of every child.
You will learn to identify the components of communicational, behavioural, physical, and intellectual diversity and their effects on child development.? You will gain insight to assess a child’s progress, adapt curriculum methods accordingly and track developmental milestones. In addition, you will build the skills to communicate effectively with families and other professionals involved in the child’s education and care.
This advanced diploma is designed for graduates of CNA’s ECE diploma program or a recognized ECE diploma (or equivalent) program.
Students may complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis and have a maximum of 12 semesters to complete the program. A Learner Course Plan for course completion is developed with each student, based on an assessment of any previous ECE or related training they may already have, and any PLAR credits received.
Enroll today to make a difference in the lives of children who require unique supports and provide them with the inclusive and nurturing education they deserve!
Program Highlights
- Apply advanced skills to collaborate with families and other professionals to assist in the identification of diverse abilities and needs in children
- Create enhanced inclusive learning environments that celebrate diversity and include children with additional support needs
- Navigate legal and ethical aspects of inclusive education
Did You Know?
- The pandemic has shifted the public understanding of how access to early learning and child care supports children, their families and our economy.
- TD Economics has pointed to a range of studies that have shown that for every dollar spent on early childhood education, the broader economy receives between $1.50 and $2.80 in return. (Department of Finance Canada, , Budget 2021: A Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan, para 8)
- This advanced diploma is eligible for Level III Child Care Services (CCS) Certification in classifications the individual already holds. For information on certification, please visit Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL).
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Create a supportive and inclusive early learning and child care culture that celebrates diversity and fosters positive attitudes towards differences among children
- Assist children in developing self-advocacy skills and independence, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence within an inclusive environment
- Adapt and modify teaching strategies and classroom arrangements to accommodate children with support needs, promoting an inclusive and accessible atmosphere
- Facilitate positive interactions and social relationships among children of varied abilities
- Monitor and track the progress of children with diverse needs, utilizing assessment tools to inform and adjust instructional strategies
- Promote a sense of belonging and community in an early childhood education setting
- Integrate technology and assistive devices effectively to support children with diverse needs, promoting inclusive learning experiences
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission into the Early Childhood Education Advanced Studies in Inclusive Practice program requires the applicant to meet one of the following criteria:
- Have graduated from the Early Childhood Education diploma program at College of the North Atlantic;
OR
- Have graduated from a recognized post-secondary Early Childhood Education diploma (or equivalent) program.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to
AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.
Note:
International Applicants must reside in Canada due to program alignment with provincial and federal legislation and regulations.
PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNITION (PLAR)
Once enrolled and active in the program, students will be given every opportunity, through a comprehensive systematic process of evaluation, to receive credit for past learning experience in
EE3100 Foundations of Inclusion,
EE3105 Working with Diverse Families and
EE3110 Adv Health, Safety & Nutrition. These three courses expand on content offered in the diploma program and given the nature of work in an early learning and child care setting, students entering this proposed program in Early Childhood Education Advanced Studies in Inclusive Practice may have a combination of education and experience to warrant a prior learning assessment and recognition opportunity.
Documentation Requirements:
Please note that the following is required and must be submitted to student services to be permitted into
FW3200 WIL Practicum:
1. A certified Criminal Records Check (issued by RCMP) or Criminal Records Screening Certificate (issued by RNC) from the jurisdiction where you reside. The certified Criminal Records Check/Criminal Records Screening Certificate must be dated no more than three months prior to the first scheduled day of classes for the semester in which you are completing this course. The certified Criminal Records Check or Criminal Records Screening Certificate is valid for a period of three years from the date of issue.
Please Note: If you are currently working in a regulated child care service, you may submit copies of your current certified Criminal Records Check or Criminal Records Screening Certificate to Student Services.
2. A certified Vulnerable Sector Records Check (issued by RCMP or RNC) from the jurisdiction where you reside. The certified Vulnerable Sector Records Check must be dated no more than three months prior to the first scheduled day of classes for the semester in which you are completing this course. The certified Vulnerable Sector Records Check is valid for a period of three years from the date of issue.
Please Note: If you are currently working in a regulated child care service, you may submit copies of your current certified Vulnerable Sector Records Check to Student Services.
3. You must obtain a record of immunization, obtained from a local Public Health provider in the area where you reside. The record can consist of a photocopy of the immunization card and must have dates of the immunization and the signature of the nurse or physician. Records of immunization that show no updates in immunization in the past ten years are not considered up-to-date and it is strongly recommended that you update your immunizations as recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada. If you do not have an up-to-date immunization record, unable to locate your immunization record, or you are not immunized, you must complete and submit a
College of the North Atlantic (CNA) Statement of Immunization.
Please Note: The completion of a College of the North Atlantic (CNA) Statement of Immunization also acknowledges awareness that you may be asked to leave a child care service at the request of a public health official in the event of a communicable disease outbreak and may be unable to return for the duration of that outbreak.
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. A current copy of at least an emergency level (one day) diploma/certificate in first aid and CPR dealing with children. A list of approved first aid training providers can be found on the
Workplace NL website.
Please note that the following is required and must be submitted to student services to be permitted into
PR3200 WIL Project:
1. A certified Criminal Records Check (issued by RCMP) or Criminal Records Screening Certificate (issued by RNC) from the jurisdiction where you reside. The certified Criminal Records Check/Criminal Records Screening Certificate must be dated no more than three months prior to the first scheduled day of classes for the semester in which you are completing this course. The certified Criminal Records Check or Criminal Records Screening Certificate is valid for a period of three years from the date of issue.
Please Note: If you are currently working in a regulated child care service, you may submit copies of your current certified Criminal Records Check or Criminal Records Screening Certificate to Student Services.
2. A certified Vulnerable Sector Records Check (issued by RCMP or RNC) from the jurisdiction where you reside. The certified Vulnerable Sector Records Check must be dated no more than three months prior to the first scheduled day of classes for the semester in which you are completing this course. The certified Vulnerable Sector Records Check is valid for a period of three years from the date of issue.
Please Note: If you are currently working in a regulated child care service, you may submit copies of your current certified Vulnerable Sector Records Check to Student Services.
3. Additional documentation as required by your approved project site.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared for employment in in a variety of early learning and child care positions. These could include but are not limited to the following:
- Early Childhood Educator
- Family Home Provider
- Inclusion Support Worker
- Quality Enhancement Consultant
- Teaching and Learning Assistant
- Respite Worker
- Research and Advocacy
- Private Consultant and Trainer
- Inclusion Coordinator
*CERTIFICATION
Upon completion of this program, individuals may apply for provincial Child Care Services (CCS) Certification through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL). The Early Childhood Education Advanced Studies in Inclusive Practice advanced diploma (with an ECE Diploma) is eligible for Level III CCS Certification in classifications the individual already holds. For information on certification, please visit
Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL).
There’s a world of possibilities in the Early Childhood Education sector! With a variety of dynamic roles and settings to choose from, you will inspire and nurture young minds during their most formative time, while gaining certification in early-learning environments and growing your career along the way. Learn more about one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most in-demand sectors at
https://www.ecehrc.ca/become-an-ece