Home
Programs
Canada
Durham College
Diploma
Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Official program page (opens in a new tab)

Durham College offers Diploma in Early Childhood Education, a diploma in Early Childhood Education programme in Oshawa, Canada. The programme runs for 4 semesters, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition for international students is CAD 15,489 per year (CAD 2,776 per year for local students).

At a glance

Degree: Diploma

Field: Early Childhood Education

Duration: 4 semesters

Delivery: On Campus

Language: English

Local tuition: CAD 2,776 / year

International tuition: CAD 15,489 / year

Last reviewed September 2026 ·

Program details

Overview

Quality early childhood education (ECE) is critical in preparing children for future learning. Early childhood educators play an integral role in promoting children’s development from birth to age 12 within the following five domains: cognitive, social, emotional, language and physical. In the ECE program, students engage in theoretical studies along with practical applications. Learning is complemented by three separate field placements under the supervision of a Registered ECE. These field placement opportunities will be chosen from a variety of early learning settings that serve young children and their families.

Requirements

Admission Requirements: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status, plus English at Grade 12 (C or U) at 60 per cent or better. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is recommended. Students entering in January cover Year 1 across the January-to-August period, then repeat that same pattern for Year 2.

Application Details

Start Date: Three intakes a year - September, January and May. Current cycle class starts: 8 September 2026, 11 January 2027 and 3 May 2027.

Application Deadline: Domestic (apply at ontariocolleges.ca): equal-consideration date 1 February 2026 for September 2026 entry, 1 October 2026 for January 2027 entry and 1 February 2027 for May 2027 entry - Durham's standing rule is 1 February for a September start, 1 October for a January start and 1 February for a May start. Applications completed after the equal-consideration date are still accepted and assessed while seats remain. International: apply through Durham College's own international application, not ontariocolleges.ca; Durham publishes no general international closing date and directs applicants to the Intakes and Availability table on the program page.

About Durham College

Type: College

Campus setting: Suburban

Founded: 1967

Students: 13,000

Programs: 156

Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

View the full Durham College profile

Similar programs in Canada

Diploma in Developmental Studies - Child Development & Child Care / Early Childhood Education

The University of Winnipeg · Winnipeg · 2 years

Early Childhood Education Diploma

University of the Fraser Valley · Abbotsford · 1 year

Cé

Diploma in AEC Stimulation du langage

Cégep de Drummondville · Drummondville · Online

Cé

Diploma in AEC Techniques d'éducation à l'enfance (Parcours travail-études)

Cégep de Drummondville · Drummondville · 18 months · Online

Cé

Diploma in AEC Techniques d'éducation spécialisée

Cégep de Drummondville · Drummondville · 22 months · Hybrid

Diploma in Child and Youth Care

NorQuest College · Edmonton · 4 semesters

More programs at Durham College

Diploma in 9-1-1 Emergency and Call Centre Communications

4 semesters · On Campus

Diploma in Accounting - Business

4 semesters · On Campus

Accounting - Business - Transfer to Ontario Tech University Bachelor of Commerce (Hons)

4 semesters · On Campus

HD in Accounting - Business Administration

6 semesters · On Campus

Addictions and Mental Health (graduate certificate)

3 semesters · On Campus

Diploma in Advertising and Marketing Communications

4 semesters · On Campus

Cert in Animal Care

2 semesters · On Campus

HD in Animation - Digital Production

6 semesters · On Campus

Applied Data Analytics (graduate certificate)

2 semesters · On Campus

HD in Architectural Technology

6 semesters · On Campus

Other universities in Canada

Ontario Tech University

Oshawa · THE 2026 #801-1000

University of Toronto

Toronto · QS 2027 #32

The University of British Columbia

Vancouver

McGill University

Montréal · QS 2027 #30

University of Alberta

Edmonton · QS 2027 #96

University of Calgary

Calgary · QS 2027 #249

Scholarships in Canada

Degree Entrance Award — CAD 3,000
Global Entrance Scholarship — CAD 3,000
Indigenous Student Bursary — CAD 3,500
Ontario First Generation Bursary — CAD 3,500
Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship — CAD 10,000

Frequently asked questions

What degree does Diploma in Early Childhood Education award?

Durham College awards a Diploma in the field of Early Childhood Education on completion of this programme.

How long does Diploma in Early Childhood Education take?

The programme runs for 4 semesters.

How much does Diploma in Early Childhood Education cost?

Tuition for international students is CAD 15,489 per year (CAD 2,776 per year for local students).

Can Diploma in Early Childhood Education be studied online?

No — the programme is taught on campus at Durham College.

What language is Diploma in Early Childhood Education taught in?

The programme is taught in English.

Career Planning Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit: Field-of-Study Rules and Eligibility for ASEAN Graduates

Money & Budgeting Part-Time Work Rules and Realistic Earnings for ASEAN Students in Canada

Guides Surviving the Housing Crisis: Student Accommodation Budgeting in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal

Student Life Canadian Student Housing Guide: Basement Rentals, Tenant Rights by Province, and How to Avoid Deposit Scams

Career Planning Spousal Open Work Permit Ban for Undergraduates: What Are Your Alternatives?

Study Abroad Getting a Work Visa Sponsored in Europe, Canada, or Asia as a New US Grad

Browse all articles →

Spotted something outdated or missing?

Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.

More diploma programs in Canada Early Childhood Education programs in Canada About Durham College

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

At a glance