Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education diploma is designed to maximize students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for employment and advancement in the field of early childhood education. The program is implemented using adult learning principles, has opportunities for individualization, and recognizes prior learning through a Prior Learning Assessment Recognition process.
Program graduates are prepared to provide quality care and education to children in a variety of settings. Emphasis is placed on learning within the context of Northern Manitoba and, in particular, within Indigenous communities. Affirmation of Indigenous world views, values, perspectives, and traditions are an integral part of this program.
Program Information
40 Hour Child Care Courses
The 40-hour courses provide an introduction to the child care field and one is required by child care assistants within their first year of working within a licenced child care facility. UCN will provide one 40-hour course face to face on campus each term as well as a distance option. Courses are transferable to the regular program. Please contact Continuing Education for details on dates and times. There are no admission requirements for these courses.
Two-year Diploma Program
The two-year, face to face diploma program on Campus or in a Community Based Program is an outcome/competency-based program. There are no test or exams in the program. Students show their knowledge, skills and abilities through papers, assignments, projects and hands-on learnings.
Four Applications of Learning, one per term, provide students with the hands-on everyday skills required of a professional Early Childhood Educator in the field.
Admission Requirements: Manitoba Grade 12 with English 40S or equivalence or mature student (see 2.01 in academic calendar). Prior to Application of Learning students must present a clear Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Registry and Immunization Requirements.
Early Childhood Education Workplace Program via Distance
The Early Childhood Education Workplace Program student completes the diploma program by attending classes via Zoom two full days per week and remain in their place of employment for three days per week.
The program integrates the experience of employed Child Care Assistants with the knowledge and skills required to become an Early Childhood Educator
Who should apply: Child Care Assistants who are currently employed in a licensed family, school age, infant, toddler or preschool child care center with a minimum of two years of experience working in child care. Students must also meet the admissions requirements of the Diploma program.
Early Learning and Child Care Post Diploma Certificate in Administration
The post diploma certificate will provide further education for Early Childhood Educator II who are looking to pursue leadership as a Director of a Child Care Center. Graduates will have the administrative skills to lead early learning and child care programs.
Graduates will be eligible to apply for classification as and ECE III from Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care
Admission Requirements: Students entering the certificate program must have obtained a classification as an ECE II from Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care and have worked in the child care field for two years. Students must provide a copy of their classification and provide a letter of proof of child care experience from a Director or Board Member of a Child Care Facility.
