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The legacy of learning.
 
Studies show that children who participate in early learning and child care programs grow to build positive work habits, develop strong social skills and make gains in all areas of learning that benefit them throughout their lives.¹
 
Early childhood educators contribute to this legacy of learning, as they lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical, and emotional growth and ensure their security and well-being. Driven by multidisciplinary research-based practices, early childhood educators not only support children’s learning and growth, but also the dynamic and diverse needs of families and communities.
 
This continuously expanding and rapidly developing field plays an integral and essential role in the health and well-being of societies. Quality early learning and child care depends on qualified and resourced early childhood educators.
 
Building on the established Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma programs, the Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education can be completed in two semesters for  graduates meeting all entrance requirements.
 
Throughout this applied degree, you will gain practical knowledge and vital hands-on experience in child development, as well as planning, developing, and evaluating responsive early learning and child care programs. As you advance through the degree, you have the opportunity to further deepen your understanding and develop competencies in program and curriculum design, supporting equity and inclusion, relationship-building, mentorship, leadership, and advocacy. Similarly, courses in this program will encourage students to be active participants while exposing students to diverse ideas and approaches as they engage in group work and develop skills valued by leaders in the early learning field: problem-solving, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and time management.
 
Through a sequence of educational experiences integrating theory and practice, this applied degree is designed to prepare you for work in a variety of early learning and child care programs.
 
As you build your own skills, you gain the knowledge to empower future generations.
 
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. The Learner Course Plan specific to this program can be found HERE.

Online students register each semester from a list of course offerings. These offerings, and other important information about the Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education program, are posted on the Online Learning program webpage Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education Degree Program.  To participate in courses, students must have an internet-ready computer system, including a webcam and head-set as per program specifications.  General internet/computer knowledge (e.g. e-mail, ability to save files, install programs, and related applications)  is a valuable asset.
 
 

Eligibility for direct admission to Year 4 of the Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education program requires the applicant to meet the following academic criteria:
 
1.   Have already graduated from the Early Childhood Education Diploma program at College of the North Atlantic (or equivalent*) within the last five (5) academic years from date of application or have graduated prior to the last five (5) academic years and hold minimally a current Level II Child Care Services (CCS) Certification through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL) for infant, preschool and school-age children. 
 
AND
 
2.   Have already graduated from the Early Childhood Education Administrative Leadership Advanced Diploma program or the Early Childhood Education Advanced Studies in Inclusive Practice Advanced Diploma program at College of the North Atlantic (or equivalent) within the last five (5) academic years from date of application or have graduated prior to the last five (5) academic years and holds minimally a current Level III Child Care Services (CCS) Certification through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL) for infant, preschool and school-age children. 
 
*Graduation from a recognized College or University with a diploma or degree in the area of Early Childhood Education. A combination of other post-secondary and industry experience acceptable to the college as an entrance requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Information
To be employed in the field of early childhood education 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.

Entrance Requirements Effective 2027- 2028:

Eligibility for direct admission to Year 4 of the Bachelor of Applied Arts: Early Childhood Education program requires the applicant to meet the following academic criteria: 

1. Have already graduated from the Early Childhood Education Diploma program at College of the North Atlantic (or equivalent*) within the last five (5) academic years from date of application or have graduated prior to the last five (5) academic years and hold minimally a current Level II Child Care Services (CCS) Certification through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL) for infant, preschool and school-age children.

AND 
 
2. Have already graduated from the Early Childhood Education Administrative Leadership Advanced Diploma program or the Early Childhood Education Advanced Studies in Inclusive Practice Advanced Diploma program at College of the North Atlantic (or equivalent) within the last five (5) academic years from date of application or have graduated prior to the last five (5) academic years and holds minimally a current Level III Child Care Services (CCS) Certification through the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL) for infant, preschool and school-age children.

*Graduation from a recognized College or University with a diploma or degree in the area of Early Childhood Education.

Additional Information
To be employed in the field of early childhood education 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.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Upon successful completion of the program, combined with relevant industry experience, graduates will be prepared for employment in a variety of early learning and child care settings. These could include but are not limited to the following:

• Early Childhood Educator
• Administrator of a regulated child care service
• Instructor of ECE
• Program Consultant
• Inclusion Consultant
• Capacity Consultant
• Family Child Care Home Monitor
• Employee of an ECE Professional Association
• Independent Consultant
• Industry Policy Analysis

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 and child care 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