Early Childhood Education Diploma is a diploma in Early Childhood Education programme taught at Great Plains College in Macklin, Canada. The programme runs for 2 years. Tuition is CAD 0 per total for local students.
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Early Childhood Education
Duration: 2 years
Local tuition: CAD 0 / total
Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
This program leads to an Early Childhood Education Diploma at Great Plains College, delivered through Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and prepares educators to plan and organize activities that support the intellectual, physical and emotional development of preschool and school-aged children, with attention to the developmental and educational value of play. The credential is built in stages: a Level 1 certification covering three core courses, followed by a Level 2 certification adding ten further courses plus two practicums. Coursework includes the dynamics of play, health and well-being, child guidance, observation and documentation, growth and development, curriculum design, family relationships, and specialized topics such as autism spectrum disorder and inclusion. A full-time option runs over two years at the Warman campus, while part-time evening study is available at Maple Creek, Swift Current and Warman from September to June. Admission requires Grade 12 with English 30 or equivalent (except for Level 1 courses alone) and Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, with a criminal record check, immunization records, First Aid and CPR required before practicum placements. It suits those seeking work in early learning centres, preschools and private day homes.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Entry requires Grade 12 with English 30 or equivalent, and Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (Grade 12 is waived for Level 1 Early Childhood Education courses, which only need to work in a licensed Saskatchewan child care centre). Non-native English speakers must meet Great Plains College's institution-wide Saskatchewan Colleges English Language Requirements: a minimum overall IELTS Academic band of 6.5 with no band below 5.0, TOEFL iBT overall 81 with at least 19 in each skill, PTE Academic overall 63 with component minimums of 50, or Duolingo English Test 110. Before practicum placement, students must provide a criminal record check, current immunization records, Standard First Aid certification, and CPR certification. The program notes that special admission options may be available to applicants who do not meet the standard entrance requirements.
Application Details
Start Date:September, November and January
Application Deadline:Great Plains College does not publish fixed application deadlines by intake for either domestic or international applicants. Domestic admission runs on an ongoing basis through the college's general 'apply today' process, with no stated opening or closing date. International applications are processed on a rolling basis: the college responds within 7-10 business days of a completed application, applicants must pay a tuition deposit within 30 calendar days of their offer letter, and are advised to apply for a study permit at least three months before their program starts. No cycle year or program-specific deadlines are published on the college's site. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
