Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Honours Program (Degree Completion) (C305)
Program Description
Program Overview
This program is eligible for a degree entrance scholarship. Visit our entrance scholarship page for details.
George Brown's Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Honours (Degree Completion) program will take your education and career to the next level in just two years. Apply to this program if you have an early childhood education diploma and want to develop the skills you need to work as a leader in the sector. This program is available as a part-time study option.
Full Description
*This opportunity is funded in partnership with the City of Toronto, The Region of Durham, The Region of Peel, the Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada under the new Canada-Ontario Early Childhood Workforce Agreement, which provides one-time federal funding to support the retention and recruitment of a high-quality child care and early years workforce.
With the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Honours (Degree Completion) (C305) program, you will earn a degree in two years and prepare for progressive leadership roles in early childhood education. This program provides a part-time study option.
You will explore pedagogy and policy as they relate to the early childhood education (ECE) sector and take an in-depth look at leadership. You will also take part in an industry internship*, which can be focused on an area of research, policy or practice.
*This is an unpaid internship and a required element of the degree program.
We believe that to be a successful leader in the ECE sector, you need to have a deep understanding of both human development and teaching and learning. You will study each subject as it relates to early childhood education care and practice.
Throughout this program, you will learn about human development from a variety of perspectives, including:
- developmental psychology
- population health
- neurobiology
- sociology
- anthropology
- critical theory
You will also study teaching and learning through an early childhood lens. This includes a thorough overview of curriculum planning and design, and through a socio-cultural perspective and how this forms the foundation of early childhood leadership.
Before completing your degree, you will have the opportunity to conduct research in an area of your choice. You will complete a research project that will ultimately support your final thesis.
Your Field Education Options
To support your learning outcomes and ensure you have access to facilities that model the best practices we consider essential, we operate Ontario's largest network of college-run lab school child care centres that serve over 1,000 children and their families each year. These 13 child care centres, located across Toronto, will not only expose you to the kinds of environments where you will eventually work, but they also provide valuable services to the families and communities they serve.
Field placement is offered in each year of this ECE Degree Completion program with the longest being a 14-week full-time internship that takes place between semesters 6 and 7. This internship is unpaid and may be local, elsewhere in Canada or in an international setting.
While on placement, you will be expected to demonstrate your learning through exemplifying the leadership skills you have been taught in class.
Please note: Many field placement partners may require you to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (a person is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after their second dose). As such, if you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you may be unable to complete your program's required field placement component in the regularly scheduled time frame.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Previous ECE degree completion graduates who wished to pursue further education have successfully gained admission to master's degree programs and/or the faculty of education at notable universities.
Toronto Metropolitan University offers several postgraduate study opportunities for graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Education degree program, including their Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies. View the complete list of relevant post-graduate study opportunities offered by Toronto Metropolitan University.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Ministry Consent
George Brown has been granted consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree. In conformity with the Minister’s criteria and requirements, George Brown will apply for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. George Brown will ensure that all students admitted to this program will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 5
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ECL 2102 | Applied Research Methods |
| ECL 3101 | Quality Assurance for Early Childhood Programs |
| ECL 3102 | Leadership in Learning Organizations |
| ECL 3103 | Leadership in a Technological World |
| Select Two Liberal Studies Electives | |
Semester 6
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ECL 3201 | Human Development: Current Topics |
| ECL 3202 | Building Healthy Communities: Advocacy and Leadership |
| ECL 3205 | Internship Seminar |
| ECL 4102 | Curriculum Leadership in Early Learning and Care |
| ECL 4103 | Managing Projects as an Early Childhood Leader |
| Select One Liberal Studies Elective | |
Field Placement Work Term
Third-year internship is a 14-week work experience in an early childhood program, a related child and family service, or a relevant government department. Internship may be local, elsewhere in Canada or in an international setting.
Semester 7
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ECL 3203 | Early Childhood Program and System Delivery |
| ECL 4105 | Field Seminar 3 |
| ECL 4106 | Field Practicum 3 |
| ECL 4111 | Research in Early Childhood Studies |
| Select Two Liberal Studies Electives | |
Semester 8
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ECL 4211 | Current Issues – Leadership for Quality (independent studies) |
| LHUM 1215 | Social Policy in Canada |
| Select One Liberal Studies Elective | |
Course revisions are currently taking place. Course offerings may change without notice.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyze the interacting social and biological forces that collectively shape early brain development and set the stage for lifelong learning, behaviour and health.
- Respect families’ central role in child-rearing and early learning and the impact of family structures, community support systems, culture and socioeconomic status on parenting.
- Lead the design and implementation of inclusive, effective curricula for young children, based upon a critical analysis of historical perspectives, observation, current research and understandings of early human development.
- Develop inclusive early intervention programs that respond to children with identified special needs.
- Evaluate early childhood programs, engaging stakeholders in the process and addressing diverse needs of young children and families.
- Acquire self-knowledge, critical thinking skills and professional habits of mind essential to the practice and leadership of early childhood education.
- Apply research skills, including assessment of the research process, formulation of research questions and collection and interpretation of data in a variety of research projects.
- Establish responsive and reciprocal relationships with children, families, colleagues and other stakeholders.
- Perform responsibilities in a manner consistent with ethical and professional codes of conduct; in compliance with legislative and legal requirements; and, within the defined scope of practice limitations.
- Advocate on behalf of children, families, colleagues and the broader community, promoting the principles of quality in early childhood programs.
- Apply the principles of human resources, financial and facilities management to the operations of an early childhood program.
- Collaborate with early childhood educators and other professionals in multidisciplinary or cross-sectoral environments and across diverse domains of practice.
- Communicate in a professional manner in all verbal, non-verbal and written mediums.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
*Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
‡ Students will be required to purchase books and other course materials.
† Internship cost is in addition to fees
^ All courses in the bridging program for the degree, including the lower level Liberal Arts electives, have an additional cost.
This program is eligible for two separate entrance scholarships — an entrance scholarship and a second $1200 entrance scholarship. Visit our entrance scholarship page for details.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Honours (Degree Completion) program is currently offering a $4,000 tuition grant to domestic students starting in September 2024. Students will receive $2,000 in each of Semesters 5 and 6.*
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma (two years) with a minimum program GPA of 2.5; OR Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma with a minimum three years related work experience in ECE (resumé and reference letters required).
- Completion of three (3) George Brown College Continuing Education bridge courses that must be completed by mid-August with a minimum grade of B- (B minus) (*see bridging details further below).
- A Liberal Studies course must also be completed prior to completing Year 3 of the program (*).
NOTE: Eligible applicants who are registered in the bridging courses may receive a conditional offer of admission, based on successful completion of the bridging courses with the grade of B-.
English Language Proficiency:
- George Brown College ESL Level 9; TOEFL 84 overall and 21 in each skill band (online); IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each skill band; MELAB 85; CAEL overall 70 (writing 60).
Please visit English Proficiency page for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Field placement is a mandatory and complex component of the program. Should accommodation issues arise, an Accessible Learning Consultant may be called upon to assist the applicant in determining whether they can meet the requirements necessary for safe education and care for young children.
In compliance with requests from our student placement partners and requirements from Public Health and Ontario legislation, all students in this program must have completed the following prior to beginning field placement:
- standard first aid with CPR level C course
- police vulnerable sector check
- medical clearance
Students who are unable to provide completed field clearance documents may be unable to complete their field placement and, therefore, be unable to complete the program.
For more information on the ECE field placement requirements, please email ece@georgebrown.ca.
Bridging
*From Admission Requirements above
ADVANCED STANDING – ENTRY TO THIRD YEAR
The third-year entry to the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program allows working professionals to take part in a degree program, while building intellectual and social connections with a diverse and stimulating cohort of student colleagues and with faculty through face-to-face and online supports. This program offers those with an ECE diploma an opportunity to pursue a degree in the field.
The program only starts in September, and three Continuing Education "Bridge" courses must be successfully completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
To be considered for the Early Childhood Leadership (Fast-Track) program, applicants must successfully complete three bridge courses (below) with a minimum grade required by mid-August.
- ECE 2058 Competent Learner
- ECL 1002 Introduction to Early Childhood Leadership
- ECL 1308 Human Development
- ECL 1205 Composition & Rhetoric (this mandated bridge elective must be successfully completed prior to completing Year 3 of the program)
Applicants accepted into the program will be assigned a faculty advisor. Each participant is assigned a faculty supervisor who will also supervise the independent study in Year 4.
George Brown has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting August 29, 2017. In conformity with the Minister’s criteria and requirements, George Brown will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. George Brown will ensure that all students admitted to this program will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Early Childhood
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2310
Email: ece@georgebrown.ca
Our office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Honours Program (Degree Completion) (C305)
Program Description
Program Overview
Take your education and career to the next level with the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Honours (Degree Completion) program. This two-year program is designed for students with an early childhood education diploma and prepares you for leadership roles in the sector. We also offer a part-time study option for this program.
Full Description
This program is eligible for two separate entrance scholarships — an entrance scholarship and a second $1200 entrance scholarship. Visit our entrance scholarship page for details.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Honours (Degree Completion) program is currently offering a $4,000 tuition grant to domestic students starting in September 2024. Students will receive $2,000 in each of Semesters 5 and 6.*
*This opportunity is funded in partnership with the City of Toronto, The Region of Durham, The Region of Peel, the Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada under the new Canada-Ontario Early Childhood Workforce Agreement, which provides one-time federal funding to support the retention and recruitment of a high-quality child care and early years workforce.
Earn a degree in two years and prepare for progressive leadership roles in early childhood education with the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Honours (Degree Completion) (C305) program. This program provides a part-time study option.
Explore pedagogy and policy as they relate to the early childhood education (ECE) sector and take an in-depth look at leadership. Students take part in an industry internship* and can focus on an area of research, policy or practice.
*This is an unpaid internship and a required element of the degree program.
We believe that to be a successful leader in the ECE sector, you need to have a deep understanding of both human development and teaching and learning. You'll study each subject as it relates to early childhood education and practice.
Learn about human development from a variety of perspectives, including:
- developmental psychology
- population health
- neurobiology
- sociology
- anthropology
You will also study teaching and learning through an early childhood lens. This includes a thorough overview of curriculum planning and design, as this forms the foundation of early childhood leadership.
Before completing your degree, you will have the opportunity to conduct research in an area of your choice. You will complete a research project that will ultimately support your final thesis.
Your Field Education Options
To support student learning outcomes and ensure you have access to facilities that reflect the best practices that we consider essential, we own and operate Ontario's largest network of school-owned and operated child care centres that serve over 1,000 children each year. These 12 child care centres, located across Toronto, expose you to the kinds of environments where you will eventually work and provide valuable services to the families and communities that they serve.
Field placement is offered in each year of this ECE Degree Completion program with the longest being a 14-week full-time internship that takes place between semesters 6 and 7. This internship is unpaid and may be local, elsewhere in Canada or in an international setting.
While on placement, students are expected to demonstrate their learning through exemplifying the leadership skills they have been taught in class.
Please note: Some field placement partners may require students to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (a person is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the second dose). As such, students not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may be unable to complete their program's required field placement component in the regularly scheduled time frame.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Previous ECE degree completion graduates who wished to pursue further education have successfully gained admission to master's degree programs and/or the faculty of education at notable universities.
Toronto Metropolitan University offers several postgraduate study opportunities for graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Education degree program, including their Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies. View the complete list of relevant post-graduate study opportunities offered by Toronto Metropolitan University.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Ministry Consent
George Brown has been granted consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree. In conformity with the Minister’s criteria and requirements, George Brown will apply for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. George Brown will ensure that all students admitted to this program will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ECL 2102 | Applied Research Methods |
| ECL 3101 | Quality Assurance for Early Childhood Programs |
| ECL 3102 | Leadership in Learning Organizations |
| ECL 3103 | Leadership in a Technological World |
| Select two Liberal Studies electives | |
SEMESTER 6
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ECL 3201 | Human Development: Current Topics |
| ECL 3202 | Building Healthy Communities: Advocacy and Leadership |
| ECL 3205 | Internship Seminar |
| ECL 4102 | Curriculum Leadership in Early Learning and Care |
| ECL 4103 | Managing Projects as an Early Childhood Leader |
| Select one Liberal Studies elective | |
FIELD PLACEMENT WORK TERM
Third-year internship is a 14-week work experience in an early childhood program, a related child and family service, or a relevant government department. Internship may be local, elsewhere in Canada or in an international setting.
SEMESTER 7
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ECL 3203 | Early Childhood Program and System Delivery |
| ECL 4105 | Field Seminar 3 |
| ECL 4106 | Field Practicum 3 |
| ECL 4111 | Research in Early Childhood Studies |
| Select one Liberal Studies elective | |
SEMESTER 8
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ECL 4211 | Current Issues – Leadership for Quality (independent studies) |
| LHUM 1215 | Social Policy in Canada |
| Select two Liberal Studies elective | |
Course revisions are currently taking place. Course offerings may change without notice.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyze the interacting social and biological forces that collectively shape early brain development and set the stage for lifelong learning, behaviour and health.
- Respect families’ central role in child-rearing and early learning and the impact of family structures, community support systems, culture and socioeconomic status on parenting.
- Lead the design and implementation of inclusive, effective curricula for young children, based upon a critical analysis of historical perspectives, observation, current research and understandings of early human development.
- Develop inclusive early intervention programs that respond to children with identified special needs.
- Evaluate early childhood programs, engaging stakeholders in the process and addressing diverse needs of young children and families.
- Acquire self-knowledge, critical thinking skills and professional habits of mind essential to the practice and leadership of early childhood education.
- Apply research skills, including assessment of the research process, formulation of research questions and collection and interpretation of data in a variety of research projects.
- Establish responsive and reciprocal relationships with children, families, colleagues and other stakeholders.
- Perform responsibilities in a manner consistent with ethical and professional codes of conduct; in compliance with legislative and legal requirements; and, within the defined scope of practice limitations.
- Advocate on behalf of children, families, colleagues and the broader community, promoting the principles of quality in early childhood programs.
- Apply the principles of human resources, financial and facilities management to the operations of an early childhood program.
- Collaborate with early childhood educators and other professionals in multidisciplinary or cross-sectoral environments and across diverse domains of practice.
- Communicate in a professional manner in all verbal, non-verbal and written mediums.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
*Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
‡ Students will be required to purchase books and other course materials.
† Internship cost is in addition to fees
^ All courses in the bridging program for the degree, including the lower level Liberal Arts electives, have an additional cost.
This program is eligible for two separate entrance scholarships — an entrance scholarship and a second $1200 entrance scholarship. Visit our entrance scholarship page for details.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education – Honours (Degree Completion) program is currently offering a $4,000 tuition grant to domestic students starting in September 2024. Students will receive $2,000 in each of Semesters 5 and 6.*
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma (2-years) with a minimum program GPA of 2.5; OR Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma with a minimum three years related work experience in ECE (resumé and reference letters required).
- Completion of three (3) George Brown College Continuing Education bridge courses that must be completed by mid-August with a minimum grade of B- (B minus) (*see bridging details further below).
- A Liberal Studies course must also be completed prior to completing Year 3 of the program (*).
NOTE: Eligible applicants who are registered in the bridging courses may receive a conditional offer of admission, based on successful completion of the bridging courses with the grade of B-.
English Language Proficiency:
- George Brown College ESL Level 9; TOEFL 84 overall and 21 in each skill band (online); IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each skill band; MELAB 85; CAEL overall 70 (writing 60).
Please visit English Proficiency page for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Field placement is a mandatory and complex component of the program. Should accommodation issues arise, an Accessible Learning Consultant may be called upon to assist the applicant in determining whether she/he can meet the requirements necessary for safe caregiving for young children.
In compliance with requests from our student placement partners and requirements from Public Health and Ontario legislation, all students in this program must have completed the following prior to beginning field placement:
- standard first aid with CPR level C course
- police vulnerable sector check
- medical clearance
Students who are unable to provide completed field clearance documents may be unable to complete their field placement and, therefore, be unable to complete the program.
For more information on the ECE field placement requirements, please email ece@georgebrown.ca.
Bridging
*From Admission Requirements above
ADVANCED STANDING – ENTRY TO THIRD YEAR
The third-year entry to the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program allows working professionals to take part in a degree program, while building intellectual and social connections with a diverse and stimulating cohort of student colleagues and with faculty through face-to-face and online supports. This program offers those with an ECE diploma an opportunity to pursue a degree in the field.
The program only starts in September, and three Continuing Education "Bridge" courses must be successfully completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
To be considered for the Early Childhood Leadership (Fast-Track) program, applicants must successfully complete three bridge courses (below) with a minimum grade required by mid-August.
- ECE 2058 Competent Learner
- ECL 1002 Introduction to Early Childhood Leadership
- ECL 1308 Human Development
- ECL 1205 Composition & Rhetoric (This mandated bridge elective must be successfully completed prior to completing Year 3 of the program)
Applicants accepted into the program will be assigned a faculty advisor. Each participant is assigned a faculty supervisor who will also supervise the independent study in Year 4.
George Brown has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting August 29, 2017. In conformity with the Minister’s criteria and requirements, George Brown will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. George Brown will ensure that all students admitted to this program will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Early Childhood
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2310
Email: ece@georgebrown.ca
Our office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
