Early Childhood Education St. Lawrence College

Overview

This St. Lawrence College degree of Early Childhood Education is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) under IRCC’s updated criteria for study permit applications submitted on or after June 25, 2025. Please consult the IRCC website for the most current information.

Our graduates of Early Childhood Education program at St. Lawrence College:

• Have a firm understanding of human development from birth to 12 years of age.
• Understand observation, reflection, and the preparation of pedagogical documentation.
• Know how children learn and understand how to create responsive, inclusive, play-based learning environments, to best support the child as they develop.
• Establish professional relationships with families, other professionals and colleagues.
• Apply current legislation to their practice.
• Advocate on behalf of families and the field of early childhood education.

• Maintain health and safety standards

Career

Overview

Combine theoretical study with practical experience in this program which prepares students to work with children (from birth to age 12) and their families in a variety of early childhood settings. Graduates have a firm understanding of human development from birth to 12 years of age, and can use this understanding to create responsive, inclusive, play-based learning environments to best support the child as they develop. Students receive 630 hours of practical experience in a variety of early learning environments during three field placements, starting in the first year of the program. 

Note: Interested applicants can apply to study in the online program on a part-time basis.

Program Details

Code

0302

Start Date

September

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Campus

Kingston

Program Length

2 Years

Delivery

Full-Time

Open for international students

Program Highlights

Our graduates:

Have a firm understanding of human development from birth to 12 years of age.

Understand observation, reflection, and the preparation of pedagogical documentation.

Know how children learn and understand how to create responsive, inclusive, play-based learning environments, to best support the child as they develop.

Establish professional relationships with families, other professionals and colleagues.

Apply current legislation to their practice.

Advocate on behalf of families and the field of early childhood education.

Maintain health and safety standards

Program Outline

2024-2025

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U or M level including the following prerequisites:

Grade 12 English at the C or U level

For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.

If you are missing prerequisite courses, enroll in the Career/College Prep program - free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.

Are your transcripts from outside of Canada? Please visit Applying to SLC - With Your Transcripts for more information.

Health Requirements

Immunization - Communicable Disease Requirements

Completion of the Immunization - Communicable Disease Form is a mandatory condition. 

for your clinical/practical placement. THIS FORM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

Download your Immunization - Communicable Disease Form

Questions regarding the completion of this form can be submitted to Immunizations@sl.on.ca

Note: Full-time student coverage for vaccines received on or after September 1, can be claimed under the Student Sickness & Accident Insurance Plan.

Other Requirements

Criminal Background Check:

Applicants are advised that Criminal Background Checks (CBC) conducted by the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) are required for programs with field or clinical placements. Certain criminal convictions may prevent participation in placements and program completion may not be possible. Attaining and paying for a CBC and Vulnerable Sector Screening (OPP) is the responsibility of the student, and these may have to be renewed every three to six months. Applicants with criminal records are advised to contact the Associate Dean/Campus Dean of the respective school prior to applying.

Students applying to the Kingston Campus program must obtain the Criminal Background Check from the Kingston Police Force for field placement agencies in the City of Kingston. Because these documents are time sensitive, students should not apply until informed to do so by their program.

Co-op Work Permit

For All International Students Only - students must have this document with proper remarks to begin their placement.  If you have any questions, please email isa@sl.on.ca

Placement

Students from our program have completed their placements in agencies such as: Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, Bayridge Childcare Centre, Boys and Girls Club of Kingston, EarlyON Programs, Frontenac County Childcare Centres, Helen Tufts Nursery School, Henderson Childcare Centre, Lennox and Addington Resources for Children, Les Petits Amis Childcare Centre, Limestone District School Board.

SPF/Faculty arrange placements

Student Placement Facilitator (SPF) Support

Complete SLC Placement requirements

6 Training Modules

Student Declaration/Oath of Confidentiality

Student Covid 19 Waiver

Immunization

CPIC – VULNERABLE SECTOR

First Aid & CPR

Questions:

Email: placements@sl.on.ca

Website: www.stlawrencecollege.ca/placement 

Fees

2024-2025

Canadian Students

International Students

Kingston

Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment in:

• Licensed child care agencies

• Full-day Kindergarten classrooms

• EarlyON Child and Family Centres

• Parenting and family literacy programs

• School-age child care programs

• Home child care

• Domestic or international nannies

• Community programs

• Camps