Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership Program (Degree Completion) (C301)
Program Description
Program Overview
Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (Degree Completion) is a two-year program designed for those with an Early Childhood Education diploma wishing to pursue a degree in early childhood leadership. This program will prepare you to become a progressive leader in this complex and evolving sector. Part-time program option available.
Full Description
Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (Degree Completion) is a two-year program suitable for those with an Early Childhood Education diploma wishing to pursue a degree in early childhood leadership. This program will prepare you to become a progressive leader in this complex and evolving sector. Part-time program option available.
You will study pedagogy and policy as it relates to the Early Childhood sector and will take an in-depth look at leadership. In the spring/summer semester following the third year, you will participate in a 10-week internship* in the sector and have the opportunity to focus on an area of research, policy or practice.
*PLEASE NOTE: This is an unpaid internship and is a required element of the degree program.
We believe that to be a successful leader in this sector, you need to have a deep understanding of both human development and teaching and learning. We’ll guide you through a comprehensive look at each subject as it pertains to early childhood education and practice.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
As human development plays an ongoing and integral role in our lives, and in particular in a child’s early years, we will expose you to this important topic from a variety of perspectives including:
- developmental psychology
- population health
- neurobiology
- sociology
- anthropology
TEACHING AND LEARNING
You’ll also study teaching and learning through an early childhood lens. This will encompass a thorough overview of curriculum planning and design as this forms the foundation of early childhood leadership.
Prior to completing your degree, you will have the opportunity to conduct research in an area of your choice and will complete a research project that will ultimately support your final thesis.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of our clinical or work placement partners may require students to show proof of full vaccination. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame. Please visit this page for the latest updates on COVID-19.
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 12 child care centres that are located across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). These lab schools 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 the 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.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Previous 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 post-graduate study opportunities for graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership 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.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ECL 3101 | Quality Assurance for Early Childhood Programs |
| ECL 3102 | Leadership in Learning Organizations |
| ECL 3103 | Leadership in a Technological World |
| ECL 2102 | Applied Research Methods |
| 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 4111 | Research in Early Childhood Studies |
| ECL 4105 | Field Seminar 3 |
| ECL 4106 | Field Practicum 3 |
| 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
Additional Costs
*Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2021. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2022 and at later dates.
‡ Students will be required to purchase books and other course materials. Internship cost is in addition to fees.
† 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.
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.
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 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 (*).
- Online information session – other arrangements will be made for applicants who are unable to attend the online information session.
NOTE: Information sessions are by appointment only and invitations are sent to students who have applied to a program in our School of Early Childhood.
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 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 ECL 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 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) 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
Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership Program (Fast-Track) (C301)
Apply Now:
Domestic StudentsProgram Description
Program Overview
Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (Fast-Track) is a two-year program designed for those with an Early Childhood Education diploma wishing to pursue a degree in early childhood leadership. This program will prepare you to become a progressive leader in this complex and evolving sector. Part-time program option available.
Full Description
Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership (Fast-Track) is a two-year program suitable for those with an Early Childhood Education diploma wishing to pursue a degree in early childhood leadership. This program will prepare you to become a progressive leader in this complex and evolving sector. Part-time program option available.
We believe that to be a successful leader in this sector, you need to have a deep understanding of both human development and teaching & learning. We’ll guide you through a comprehensive look at each subject as it pertains to early childhood education and practice.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
As human development plays an ongoing and integral role in our lives, and in particular in a child’s early years, we will expose you to this important topic from a variety of perspectives including:
- developmental psychology
- population health
- neurobiology
- sociology
- anthropology
TEACHING AND LEARNING
You’ll also study teaching and learning through an early childhood lens. This will encompass a thorough overview of curriculum planning and design as this forms the foundation of early childhood leadership.
Prior to completing your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to conduct research 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 12 child care centres that are located across the Greater Toronto Area. These lab schools 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 the program with the longest being a 14-week full-time internship that takes place between Semesters 6 and 7. This internship 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.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Your Career
This program prepares graduates for positions as Registered Early Childhood Educators, working in partnership with certified teachers in the Full-Day Early Learning programs that are replacing junior and senior kindergarten.
Graduates will be prepared to guide and lead curriculum and pedagogy in a variety of Ontario’s early childhood settings such as:
- child care centres
- family drop-in programs
- early intervention services
- family support programs
Emerging Best Start Child and Family Centres will be integrated with existing early childhood programs and graduates will be well positioned to assume leadership positions within these centres.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ECL 3101 | Quality Assurance for Early Childhood Programs |
| ECL 3102 | Leadership in Learning Organizations |
| ECL 3103 | Leadership in a Technological World |
| Liberal Arts Electives (choose two) |
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 |
| Liberal Arts 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 4111 | Research in Early Childhood Studies |
| ECL 4105 | Field Seminar 3 |
| ECL 4106 | Field Practicum 3 |
| Liberal Arts Electives (choose two) |
SEMESTER 8
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ECL 4211 | Current Issues – Leadership for Quality (independent studies) |
| LHUM 1215 | Social Policy in Canada |
| Liberal Arts 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 socio-economic 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 multi-disciplinary 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
Additional Costs
*Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2020. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2021 and at later dates.
‡ Students will be required to purchase books and other course materials. Internship cost is in addition to fees.
† 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.
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.
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 with a minimum program GPA of 2.5; OR Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma with a minimum 3 years related work experience in ECE (resume 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 (*)
- Online Information session – Other arrangements will be made for applicants who are unable to attend the online information session
NOTE: Information sessions are by appointment only and invitations are sent to students who have applied to a program in our School of Early Childhood.
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 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 ECL 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 3 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 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) 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
