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Early Childhood Education - Online Asynchronous

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Early Childhood Education - Online Asynchronous

  • Program Code: 867
  • Credential: Diploma
  • Duration: Varies
  • School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism
  • Area: Applied Arts
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: CLOSED
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Program Overview

Print Overview
Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
  • OA
    Online - Asynchronous - September 2026

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program is also offered fully online in an asynchronous format.  Program descriptions, objectives, graduation requirements and the list of courses may be found on the Early Childhood Education full-time program pages. 

A Learner Course Plan for ECE 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. Learner Course Plans are posted on the Early Childhood Education – Online Learning  program pages.

Online students register each semester from a list of course offerings. These offerings, and other important information about ECE online, are posted on the Early Childhood Education – Online Learning  program pages. Students may enroll on a part-time basis. Students who go beyond the time frame for completion may be required to complete additional or revised courses before being deemed eligible to graduate.

FIELD PLACEMENT

Students in the ECE Online Diploma program are required to complete four Field Placements: FW1605 (5 weeks); FW1610 (5 weeks); FW2605 (4 weeks) and FW2610 (4 weeks). Provincial program standards require that learners must complete a majority of their placements in a regulated child care centre. For the Diploma program, a minimum of 500 hours must be completed in a regulated child care centre, while the remaining hours may be in a regulated family child care home, child care centre, a family child care agency, a kindergarten classroom or a family resource centre. For new students accepted into College of the North Atlantic's Early Childhood Education (2nd year) of the Diploma (Online) program, FW1605 (FW1600) and FW1610 (FW1601) are already completed, or an equivalency has been granted.
 
For those online students currently working in regulated child care for less than 12 consecutive months, from the start of FW2605, a minimum of 1 week must be completed at a College of the North Atlantic (CNA) demonstration child care centre. Written confirmation of work experience will be required. An additional week at a CNA demonstration child care centre (for a total of 2 weeks out of the required 8 weeks) will be mandatory for students not working in regulated child care.
 
Applicable students will be assigned a CNA demonstration child care centre based on geographical location. Our centres are located in St. John's, Corner Brook and Happy Valley - Goose Bay. As well, any weeks already completed at a CNA demonstration child care centre will be credited towards this graduation requirement (as applicable).

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.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNITION (PLAR)

Students will be given every opportunity to receive credit for past learning experience through a comprehensive systematic process of evaluation. Once enrolled and active in the program, students will be permitted to submit PLAR applications for any courses in the program for which they believe they have already acquired the appropriate level of knowledge and skills, except: FW1610, FW2605, FW2610, EE1180, EE1181, EE2180, EE1360, EE1290, and EE2255  For further information, please refer to the  Early Childhood Education – Online Learning program pages.  

CERTIFICATION

The Diploma program 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 through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL). Currently, the Early Childhood Education Diploma is eligible for Level II CCS Certification for infant, preschool and school-age classifications.

INCENTIVES

Early Childhood Education incentives such as bursaries, grants and benefits can be explored by visiting https://aecenl.ca/index.php/bursariesgrants

Admission Requirements

All entrance requirements listed on the Early Childhood Education full-time program pages must be met including: both the academic requirements and the ECE program documentation requirements. Further information on obtaining ECE program documentation may be found HERE 

To participate in courses, students must have an internet-ready computer system. General internet/computer knowledge (e.g. e-mail, ability to save files, install programs, and related applications) would be a valuable asset.
 
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.
 
Applicants currently working in a regulated child care service:

Applicants must submit a current copy of the following program documentation: 
1. Certified criminal records check (issued by RCMP) or clear criminal records screening certificate (issued by RNC)
2. Vulnerable sector records check (issued by RCMP/RNC) and
3. 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 Record of Immunization or Statement of Immunization must be submitted to the College prior to online registration.

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.
 
Once admitted into the program, a student who does not enroll in courses for six months or more must re-submit a current copy of all of the above required ECE program documentation.
 
Applicants not working in a regulated child care service:

Applicants must submit a current copy of the following program documentation: 
1. Certified criminal records check (issued by RCMP) or clear criminal records screening certificate (issued by RNC)
2. Vulnerable sector records check (issued by RCMP/RNC) and
3. 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 Record of Immunization or Statement of Immunization must be submitted to the College prior to online registration.
 
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.
 
Once admitted into the program, a student who does not enroll in courses for six months or more must re-submit a current copy of all of the above required ECE program documentation.
 

Courses

For the complete listing of courses required for the diploma program, please see the Early Childhood Education full-time program page.

Careers & Pathways

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

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Early Childhood Education Diploma $216.00 (per course) $216.00 (per course)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Early Childhood Education Diploma $216.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

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.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $100.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Deposit Fee - $1,500.00 (Included in First Semester Tuition)

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to secure your seat. Included in first semester tuition.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $4,581.00 (per semester) $2,291.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2026–2027 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

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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