Diploma in Early Childhood Education

This technical Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC) in Early Childhood Education at Cégep de Jonquière spans six semesters and prepares students to support the physical, motor, emotional, intellectual, and social development of children up to age 12. Coursework combines child-development theory with the design of activities adapted to different ages and needs. The program includes two supervised practical internships: an earlier placement in which students apply foundational skills, and a later one focused on working with greater professional autonomy. Students gain hands-on experience through the college's on-site early childhood centre and a dedicated resource room for early-learning materials. The program suits candidates who enjoy working with children and are patient, observant, and comfortable collaborating with colleagues and families. Graduates work as early childhood educators in daycare centres, school-based childcare services, family childcare settings, and recreational or day-camp programs, and some go on to coordinator or pedagogical-advisor roles. Students who wish to continue their studies can receive recognition of prior learning toward early childhood or special-education teaching programs at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi.