Algonquin College offers Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Accelerated), a diploma in Early Childhood Education programme in Ottawa, Canada. The programme runs for 3 semesters, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English.
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Early Childhood Education
Duration: 3 semesters
Delivery: On Campus
Language: English
We have no tuition fees on record for this programme yet — see the official programme page.
— it helps other students.
Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
Overview Facilitating children's learning through play. This accelerated two-year Early Childhood Education Ontario College Diploma program, delivered over three academic semesters, prepares you to become an educator in a variety of early learning and care settings. You gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work with children, families and other professionals. Benefit from three practicum experiences focusing on working directly with children and their families ranging from birth to age 12. You support children's learning and development through planning and implementing play and inquiry-based curriculum and creating stimulating learning environments. You gain valuable hands-on skills and experience by taking on the roles and responsibilities of an early childhood educator. Through a combination of theoretical and practical experience, you develop in-demand skills and knowledge in areas of: child development curriculum design and implementation observation and reflective practices learning theories inclusive practices early literacy and language development science, technology, engineering and mathematics play and creativity family and community partnership professionalism and ethics By the end of the program, you will be well-prepared to pursue career opportunities in diverse industry sectors, including but not limited to: early learning and care programs nursery schools kindergarten classes community health agencies home childcare organizations entrepreneurial opportunities Upon graduation, you are eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE). Registration with the CECE is required to work as an Early Childhood Educator in Ontario.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: College Eligibility requires an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or Mature Student status for applicants 19 or older without a diploma. Program Eligibility, for this accelerated non-semestered delivery of the Early Childhood Education diploma, adds Grade 12 English (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher. International applicants must meet Algonquin's English Language Proficiency requirement: IELTS Academic overall band 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band, the Duolingo English Test at 120 overall with no component below 105, or TOEFL iBT at the score Algonquin publishes for the test's current format; international transcripts require evaluation through ICAS or WES. Where qualified applicants exceed available places, Algonquin selects on English proficiency alone.
Application Details
Start Date:Spring
Application Deadline:Domestic applicants apply through ontariocolleges.ca: for September 2027 entry the application portal opens 26 September 2026, the equal consideration date is 1 February 2027, and offers must be accepted by 1 May 2027, while later applications are still assessed as space allows; Algonquin publishes no separate equal-consideration date for the January 2027 intake. International applicants apply directly via Algonquin's own International Application Portal, not ontariocolleges.ca; instead of one fixed date the college posts a program-by-program closing-date list shortly before each term starts - for Fall 2026 most programs closed 16 September 2026, technology programs by 9-10 September; no Winter 2027 or Fall 2027 international list has been posted yet, so admission remains effectively rolling until each list is published and fills. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
