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Program Information

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Early Childhood Education

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DIPLOMA

  • School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism
  • Duration: Two Years

Applications closed to International Applicants for Online Synchronous and for the Prince Philip Drive Campus.

 APPLY NOW 

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
Show Legend Definitions
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Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
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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.
 | 
B
Blended
close
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.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
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.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
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.
Carbonear - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Gander - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Port aux Basques - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Online - Synchronous delivery - September 2025

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Careers & Pathways
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...OBJECTIVES | FIELD PLACEMENT | CERTIFICATION

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
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.
 | 
B
Blended
close
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.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
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.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
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.
Carbonear - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Corner Brook - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Gander - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Port aux Basques - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2025
Online - Synchronous delivery - September 2025

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) have a lasting, positive impact on the development of children, and provide an essential support for families, communities, and society. Early literacy and numeracy, socialization, indoor and outdoor physical activities, and creative experience in art, music, movement, and dramatic play, are some of the areas in which students will acquire knowledge and skills to support and encourage children's development. Students will have the opportunity to apply their learning on field placements, with different age groups in a variety of child care settings.

The usual work environment for ECEs involves daily indoor and outdoor activity. Being in good health and having, energy, patience, physical stamina, good communication and interpersonal skills are assets that will help students in this profession.  

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - DIPLOMA

Students in the two-year diploma program support children's learning, and their development in all areas: physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development. In addition, students learn how to develop, maintain, and evaluate a child care program based on best practices, and support the inclusion of all children, in programming. Students are introduced to the administrative skills necessary to manage a child care service. With relevant work experience, a diploma graduate will be qualified to become the Administrator of a licensed child care centre.

There is a direct link between the level of education an ECE has and the quality of education and care that is provided to children. The Early Childhood Education diploma program is an important step on the career ladder (certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, degree) to increasing qualifications as an ECE. Diploma graduates are eligible for Level II Child Care Services Certification in infant, preschool and school-age care, working with children ages 0-12.
 


OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the diploma program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Support and promote the overall development of children aged birth to 12 years.
  2. Develop and maintain developmentally appropriate programs, and indoor and outdoor environments that reflect best practices.
  3. Explain variations in the developmental abilities of children aged birth to 12 years.
  4. Maintain caring and responsive relationships with the children in their care.
  5. Carry out effective and positive behaviour guidance, and discuss challenging behaviour.
  6. Create and implement a philosophy statement, and develop programs and policies based on the philosophy.
  7. Support staff in the delivery of programs, policies and guidelines.
  8. Set up and maintain an environment that supports diversity and inclusion.
  9. Observe, document and evaluate program delivery, child development, and adult/child interactions.
  10. Discuss and illustrate the principles of early learning.
  11. Demonstrate professional behaviour, reflective practice, and effective relationships with children, families, staff, and the community.
  12. Apply provincial child care legislation, standards and policies, and all other applicable legislative and regulatory requirements.
FIELD PLACEMENT
Students complete four field placements during the diploma program, two in year 1 and two in year 2. All students have the opportunity to apply their learning with different age groups in a variety of approved early learning and child care settings. For those students attending the Corner Brook and Prince Phillip Drive campuses, field Placements include time spent at the College's onsite demonstration child care centre.  Please Note: Students work with the ECE faculty to determine approved field placement sites.
 
Prior to the start of a field placement, students must submit to Student Services 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.
CERTIFICATION
The graduate is awarded a diploma of Applied Arts in Early Childhood Education from the College. This parchment indicates successful completion of two years of post-secondary education, combining theory and practical experience in the care, education, and guidance of children, as well as best practices in developmentally appropriate programming and environments. Completion of this program is one of the steps towards provincial Child Care Services (CCS) Certification granted through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL). Currently, the Early Childhood Education diploma is equivalent to a Level II CCS Certification for infant, preschool and school-age children. Please note: Students who successfully complete EE2040 - Family Child Care will also receive a provincial CCS Certification in family home.

Admission Requirements


1.  High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2.  College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate
3.  Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4.  Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

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.

Eligibility for direct admission to Year 2 of the Early Childhood Education diploma program requires the applicant to meet the following academic criteria:

1. Have already graduated from the current CNA Early Childhood Education Certificate program (or equivalent)
OR
2. Graduated prior to the current CNA Early Childhood Education Certificate program (or equivalent) and holds minimally a current Level I Child Care Services (CCS) Certification through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL) for preschool and school-age children.

AND
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Documentation Required:

1. Certified Criminal Records Check (issued by RCMP) or Criminal Records Screening Certificate (issued by RNC)
2. Certified Vulnerable Sector Records Check (issued by RCMP/RNC)
3. Current Record of Immunization or Statement of Immunization

*Please note: The certified Criminal Records Check (issued by RCMP) or Criminal Records Screening Certificate (issued by RNC), Vulnerable Sector Records Check (issued by RCMP/RNC), and the current Record of Immunization or Statement of Immunization must be submitted to the College prior to online registration. Further information on obtaining ECE program documentation may be found HERE.
 
The certified Criminal Records Check or Criminal Records Screening Certificate and the Vulnerable Sector Records Check:
• Must be dated no more than three months prior to the first scheduled day of classes for the program;
• Is valid for a period of three years unless the student is absent from the program for six months or more.
 
To be employed in the field of early childhood education and to successfully fulfill field placement requirements, students must be able to lift and move children, materials and equipment (up to 50 pounds) on a consistent basis. As well, physical effort, strength and endurance is required in the supervision and care of children, e.g., maintaining balance, kneeling and bending, pushing and pulling strollers and carts, and moving quickly to assist children in emergency situations.
 

Courses


CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1 - Fall Cr Le La
EE1180
close
Curriculum I 3 3 0
EE1340
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Child Development I 2 2 0
EE1290
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Positive Behaviour Guidance 4 4 0
EE1420
close
Creative Experiences I 3 2 2
FH1340
close
Health & Safety 3 3 0
FW1605
close
Field Placement I 6 1 5 wks
         
Five weeks of Field Placement during the semester; Field Placement lecture in the other 10 weeks. Hours of other courses will be adjusted to reflect 10 weeks of the semester.
         
Semester 2 - Winter Cr Le La
EE1181
close
Curriculum II 3 3 0
EE1341
close
Child Development II 3 3 1
EE1360
close
Observation 2 2 1
EE1421
close
Creative Experiences II 3 2 2
FH1360
close
Childhood Nutrition 2 2 0
HR1300
close
Communications & Human Relations 2 2 0
FW1610
close
Field Placement II 6 1 5 wks
         
Five weeks of Field Placement during the semester; Field Placement lecture in the remaining 10 weeks. Hours of other courses will be adjusted to reflect 10 weeks of the semester.
         
Semester 3 - Intersession Cr Le La
EE2500
close
School-Age Development & Care 4 4 0
EE1440
close
Family Studies I 3 3 0
EE1480
close
Inclusion I 2 2 0
         
The lecture and lab hours per week are based on a 15-week semester. In Intersession, the lecture and lab hours will be adjusted to reflect the shorter semester length. Refer to course outline.
         
Semester 4 - Fall Cr Le La
EE2180
close
Curriculum III 5 4 2
EE2340
close
Child Development III 4 4 0
CM2300
close
Report Writing 2 2 0
EE2255
close
Advanced Behaviour Guidance 3 3 0
EE1870
close
Community Resources 2 2 0
  OR      
FH1500
close
Personal Wellness 2 2 0
  OR      
EE2040
close
Family Child Care 2 2 0
FW2605
close
Field Placement III 5 1 4 wks
         
Four weeks of Field Placement during the semester; Field Placement lecture in the other 11 weeks. Hours of other courses will be adjusted to reflect 11 weeks of the semester.
         
Semester 5 - Winter Cr Le La
EE2260
close
Introduction to Child Care Administration 3 3 0
EE1441
close
Family Studies II 3 3 0
EE2350
close
Professional Practice 2 2 0
EE2470
close
Infant Development and Care 3 3 1
EE1481
close
Inclusion II 4 4 0
FW2610
close
Field Placement IV 5 1 4 wks
         
Four weeks of Field Placement during the semester; Field Placement lecture in the other 11 weeks. Hours of other courses will be adjusted to reflect 11 weeks of the semester.

ECE Certificate courses are those listed in Semesters 1, 2, and 3 above.

Careers & Pathways


CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the diploma program will be prepared for employment with organizations providing early learning and child care, or self-employment in the child care field. With relevant work experience, graduates will be able to develop programs for and/or supervise in child care services in communities throughout the province.

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


Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $79.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $1,140.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $545.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $305.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 

International Students

A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $100.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • The following fees are due during confirmation of acceptance to each program at the college:
    • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
      Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
    • Deposit fee - First semester tuition of which $1500 is non-refundable
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $79.00
line-separator

Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $4,363.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism (per semester) - $2,182.00
line-separator

Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $1,046.00
Exceptions:
  • Heavy Equipment Operator (per week) - $337.00
  • Commercial Driver (per week) - $337.00
  • All other Trade programs (per week) - $298.00

Estimated Program Costs

The document below is meant to highlight estimated program costs for the intake of 2024-2025. The estimates apply only to International Student. All costs shown are subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs for International Students (2024-2025) 


Making Payments

Application fee:
If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card when completing and submitting your application to College of the North Atlantic.

For all other tuition payments:
College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have being assigned a CNA student number.
PayMyTuition Logo


Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).



 APPLY NOW 
College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.
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