Explore This Program
Program Overview
Total Tuition: $16,995*Â
Robertson’s ECE program is recognized by the Child Care Qualification and Training Committee and is provincially accredited by the Government of Manitoba. Successful graduates will be able to apply for the Early Childhood Educator, Level 2 classification (ECE II) in Manitoba. Â
This program is licensed under Manitoba’s Private Vocational Institutions Act (PVIA).
Early Childhood Educators are highly valued in Manitoba. Job demand in the province exceeds the national average and 70% of those provincial jobs are found in Winnipeg. Presently, there is a shortage of ECE II’s in the city and the need for these educators will only continue to grow.
We offer a condensed learning format, giving you the relevant information you need, delivered efficiently so that you can be work-ready in just 18 months.
The Early Childhood Education program is designed to give you the skills to help young children from all cultures and backgrounds grow intellectually, socially and emotionally. Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Create safe, healthy and inclusive learning environments
- Facilitate sensory, intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional development
- Promote positive relationships and conflict resolution
- Establish positive connections with children’s families and communities
- Create equitable, culturally-relevant teaching environments
- Use effective program development and leadership skills to facilitate early childhood programming
- Demonstrate professional behaviour and work effectively as a member of a team
Part of the Early Childhood Education diploma program focuses on teaching you how to create equitable, culturally-relevant learning environments that encourage meaningful conversation and play. This includes learning how to address the needs of Indigenous children and families and incorporating cultural touch points into learning activities.
Program Delivery
Hybrid Learning
- A mix of online and on-campus learning.
- Enjoy the flexibility of remote learning without sacrificing valuable in-person training under the guidance of your instructors.
- You only come to the campus for scheduled in-person labs! The theory portion of the program is delivered online through Brightspace, our online learning platform.
Visit our Hybrid Learning to learn more about this delivery format.
Campus Locations
Campus Availability
Program Details
Quick Facts
Duration:
77 weeks (19 Months)
Schedule:
Hybrid — 2 online classes per week
Admission Requirements
Our admissions agents can work with you to ensure you meet the program’s criteria. This program is not currently open to International Students.
Need advice? A Student Admissions Advisor is here to support you.
Contact AdmissionsAccreditation
The Robertson Early Childhood Educator diploma program is recognized by the Child Care Qualification and Training Committee and is provincially accredited by the Government of Manitoba. Successful graduates will be able to apply for the Early Childhood Educator, Level 2 classification (ECE II) in Manitoba. Â
Career Opportunities
ECE graduates have the foundational knowledge and skills needed to qualify for positions as Early Childhood Educators in the early childhood sector. There are a variety of career opportunities available for graduates, including:
- Early childhood educator in an infant, preschool, school-age centre or nursery school
- Home-based childcare provider
As you grow in your early childhood education career in Canada, you can advance into leadership roles including assistant director or director of school-age centres, nursery schools and other organizations. While your career starts at the base level, there are plenty of opportunities to build your skills and take on more responsibility later in your career.
Graduates can expect to find jobs in a variety of institutions, including:
- Early learning and childcare programs
- Nursery schools -Community health agencies
- Home-based childcare
- Family resource outlets
- Child development centres
- School-age programs
- Early intervention and public health services
- Family/group child care homes
- Civic and social organizations
- Amusement and recreation centres
- Local, municipal and regional public administration
Visit the Government of Manitoba website for job opportunities in the province, as well as frequently asked questions.
You could be earning in less than 2 year
Lifetime Career Services
Even though you’ll leave Robertson once you graduate, we will support you throughout your career. Our team will help you with resume building, job hunting and interview preparation and will continue to guide you as you advance in your role.
Before you graduate, you’ll be paired with a career specialist in your field who will help you find a meaningful place to start your career. As a graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to student services that are committed to your success and helping you thrive.
Learn more about Lifetime Career Services.
Next Start Dates
Daily online real-time lectures with your instructor; on-campus scheduled lab classes
New start dates are being released all the time. Contact us for more dates.
Topics of Study
Child Development 1 (60 Hours)
This course introduces the principles, processes and theories of human development. Influences on prenatal development and the newborn’s capacities are explored. The physical, cognitive, language, emotional and social domains of development and milestones reached through infancy and toddlerhood are the focus of this course.Â
Guiding Children's Behaviour 1 (40 Hours)
This course introduces students to the basic concepts related to guiding children’s
behaviours. Students will learn strategies, processes, behaviours, and routines that
support the development of a nurturing and respectful early childhood environment. Students will explore their own values regarding children’s behaviour, learn basic guidance techniques, and develop an initial understanding of the early childhood educator’s role in fostering healthy child behaviours. Finally, students will explore how positive interactions and relationships between ECE staff and children contribute to all aspects of guidance.
Curriculum Approaches (60 Hours)
This course introduces students to the different approaches to early childhood
education. Students will be introduced to the history of early
childhood education development in Canada and the factors that have influenced this. Students will explore a variety of models and approaches to early childhood care.
Play Based Curriculum (40 Hours)
This course introduces students to the value of play in children’s learning and
development. The course examines how play changes as children reach each stage
of development, the factors that influence play, and the early childhood educator’s
role in supporting play.
Introduction To The ECE Profession (40 Hours)
This course provides an overview of the field of early childhood education. Students
will be introduced to the profession of early childhood education. Early learning
program components, career options and the role and qualities of an early childhood educator will be explored.
Observation and Assessment (60 Hours)
This course focuses on observation and assessment. Documentation techniques and formats will be taught in this course. Students will practice these techniques by observing children and the environment in child care environment.
The Indigenous Perspective: History, Culture, Equity and Diversity (40 Hours)
This course introduces students to the principles of racism, inequity and exclusion as it pertains to Indigenous Peoples and will focus on building an awareness of Indigenous history and culture. ECE educators develop cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity and cultural competence to best support Indigenous children and families.
Child Development 2 (60 Hours)
This course focuses on the development of the preschool child. The physical, cognitive, language, emotional and social domains of development and milestones of children ages two to six will be explored through theory, research and observation.
Guiding Children Behaviour Part 2 (40 Hours)
This course builds on part I of the course related to guiding children’s behaviours. Students will go deeper by analyzing strategies, processes, behaviours, and routines that support the development of a nurturing and respectful early childhood environment. Students will understand how to differentiate their guidance approach to meet the needs of children, taking into account each child’s developmental stage, temperament, individual needs and the child’s level of understanding. Finally, students will explore unique approaches to child rearing in Indigenous societies and design a personal approach to guidance.
Designing Learning Experience (80 Hours)
This course focuses on designing effective learning experiences within the early childhood environment by developing the necessary background, tools, and strategies. Students will explore the impact of the early childhood center’s philosophy, environment, materials, and resources on learning experiences.
Family Dynamics (60 Hours)
This course introduces students to different family structures and dynamics. The course develops also an understanding of the significance of family on the life of a child. Students will develop strategies to support families facing crisis and stress.
Self-understanding (60 Hours)
This course focuses on the self. The course supports the student in examining their own personal development, identity, and understanding of self and others.
Child Development 3 (60 Hours)
This course involves the study of the development of the school age child and adolescent. Through the study of theory, research and observation, students will explore the physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development and milestones of children ages six to twelve, as well as the stages of development that mark the transitions through adolescence.
Health and Wellbeing (60 Hours)
This course introduces students to the basic principles and practices of health promotion, nutrition, illness prevention and management, safety, and occupational health.
Early Childhood Literacy (60 Hours)
Early childhood educators require knowledge and understanding of how to promote literacy. This course develops an understanding of both theory and literacy and language development activities in an early childhood environment.
Early Childhood Numeracy (60 Hours)
Early childhood educators require knowledge and understanding of how to promote numeracy. This course develops an understanding of both theory and numeracy development activities in an early childhood environment.
Understanding Child Abuse (40 Hours)
This course is an introduction to the Early Childhood Educator’s (ECE’s) role and responsibilities in identifying, recording and responding; as well as educating for preventions, on behalf of children who may be victims of physical, emotional and sexual abuse or neglect. This will include the identification of personal feelings and responses to abuse.
Interpersonal Communication (60 Hours)
This course provides students with a general introduction to the theory and principles of interpersonal communication. In this course, students will be given the opportunity to develop and practice skills to improve their communication effectiveness.
Inclusive Education (40 Hours)
This course provides an overview of supporting children with special needs in the early childhood setting. The course examines the causes and characteristics of a variety of exceptionalities, as well as their effect on the child’s development. Existing practices of assessment, referral, and intervention for young children are explored. The focus of this course is on developing practices and procedures that build inclusive environments.
Art, Music and Movement (40 Hours)
This course focuses on the importance of creative self – expression for the young child. Emphasis is on art experiences, movement and music that are appropriate to the developmental levels of children.
Science and The Nature Environment (40 Hours)
This course focuses on engaging children with science and the natural environment. This course early childhood educators develop strategies to help children engage with and make sense of the world around them.
Critical Issues in Early Childhood Education (40 Hours)
This course introduces students to the basic techniques involved in research and critical analysis of current issues relevant to the field of early childhood education.
Building Partnership (40 Hours)
In this course students will develop the skills and strategies to develop effective partnerships with parents, guardians, and community agencies.
Professionalism (60 Hours)
This course provides students with the knowledge essential to providing quality early childhood care and education by focusing on professional behaviors, ethical practice, and growth as advocates for the rights of children and families.
Working in Teams (40 Hours)
This course introduces students to the principles, issues, and skills involved in developing effective teams. The course emphasizes team dynamics, leadership skill, group processes, communication and problem.
Financial Assistance & Funding
Tuition ReimbursementÂ
The Government of Manitoba is currently offering tuition reimbursements for students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program. Eligible students may receive up to $5,000 per academic year to help cover tuition-related costs for the program.
Application Deadlines for Academic Year 2023/24 – March 1, 2024
Application Deadlines for Academic Year 2024/25 – March 1, 2025
Application Deadlines for Academic Year 2025/26 – March 1, 2026
Financial Assistance
Robertson offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation. Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Questions about tuition & financial assistance?
Contact Admissions
Practicum
The practicum is an essential part of a learner’s program. It is both a graduation requirement and an extension of in-class learning. The practicum asks you to apply the skills, theories, and concepts that you learned in your classes in an entry-level work experience situation.Â
Practicum must begin and end within the dates outlined in your program schedule and enrolment contract. Practicum is a full-time, unpaid commitment, and is jointly-procured — where you work directly with our Practicum team to obtain a training-related placement. Your active participation with our Practicum team in the search for your practicum placement will enhance your career development skills, industry networking opportunities, and professional communication skills.
ECE Practicum Overview
The practicum experience at Robertson is designed to complement and support the learning experiences students have in the classroom. In this program, we split the practicum into four blocks to give students time to build on their skills before applying them in the field. The chart below represents the coursework and practicum associated with each program block.Â
Block   Coursework   Practicum
1       300 hours     120 hours
2       340 hours     120 hours
3       340 hours     120 hours
4       300 hours     160 hours
Each practicum block will touch on new skills students have learned in the classroom, allowing them to apply their knowledge hands-on in a real work environment. Students will have the opportunity to work in child care centres throughout Manitoba and practice their skills alongside industry professionals. Each student will work with a practicum supervisor who will provide support and guidance during their placement.
Testimonials
“Graduates of Robertson College’s Early Childcare Program inspire and ignite children’s natural and constantly evolving love of learning. Opportunities for employment and advancement exist and are increasing in a variety of child care settings and include an array of roles and positions.Programs include nursery, infant care, preschool, school age, Montessori etc.”
Kym Schmidt
Child care provider with over 30 years of experience in the field.
Who Should Enroll?
It takes a special type of person to work in the childhood education sector. This program would be a good fit for students who have these characteristics.
You enjoy working with children. This is a must in this career path. You should be enthusiastic and passionate about working with children and want to make a difference in their lives.
You’re a patient person. Patience is key when working with youngsters. They have short attention spans and can be energetic for long periods of time, so it’s important to exercise patience and take every day in stride.
You’re ready to be active. Early childhood education is a physically-demanding career. You must be able to lift children and learning materials as well as move quickly to keep them safe.
You’re creative. The more creative you are, the easier a time you’ll have at crafting learning activities that interest children and keep their attention. It’s important to be a good observer and an analytical thinker.
You have strong interpersonal skills. All children are different and you may work with some that are more difficult than others. Showing compassion and empathy will help you work with those children and support them when they’re struggling.
You have strong communication skills. You must be able to communicate with children and their families, as well as actively listen.
You enjoy challenges. Every day will be different and not every day will be easy. You must be able to adapt and think quickly to resolve any issues as they come up.
Let's Get Started
Simply fill out the form below and one of our Student Advisors will provide any extra information you need and get your account activated as early as today.
Program Availability
This program is delivered through our Winnipeg campus.