Early Childhood Education DIPLOMA at Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Program Overview

As an early childhood educator, you play a big role in how kids shape their lifelong view of learning. You connect with kids and their families. You use reading, writing, art, music, drama and science to enrich young lives. It’s a big responsibility … and a lot of fun.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's two-year Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program is offered on-campus in Saskatoon or Regina, or through regional colleges or through distance learning wherever you live.

It is a highly respected program that integrates the most current research on early childhood education. You’ll build on the knowledge, attitudes and skills you developed in the ECE certificate program, including:

• administration and child care regulations
• children with diverse abilities
• child guidance techniques
• family and community relationships
• observation, assessment and documentation
• play environments and program planning
• programming for infants, toddlers and school age children

Build Your Confidence and Independence

The ECE diploma program continues where the ECE certificate program left off. Throughout the year, you’ll have opportunities to work independently with children in a variety of child care situations. You’ll also participate in two 6-week practicums in a child care or preschool setting.

Through practical experience, you’ll get the feedback you need to develop best practices, recognize stages of development and understand the impact of environment on behaviour. Saskatoon students will participate in course work at the Early Childhood Demonstration Centre.

Become a Level III ECE

When you graduate, you’re eligible to apply to become a licensed Level III Early Childhood Educator (ECE). If you plan on becoming a child care centre director, you must have your ECE III. If you’re interested in going farther, you’ll be able to transfer some of your credits to the University of Regina’s Bachelor of Education degree program in Elementary Education.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

There’s high demand for Level III ECEs in Saskatchewan. Your diploma lets you work in group care settings with children from birth to age 12. Start your career in a child care centre, preschool, elementary school, Kids First/Aboriginal Head Start program, family day homes and private homes.

Get involved in programming for infants and children with diverse abilities, or become an inclusion coordinator, preschool teacher, child care centre director, early childhood interventionist or family support worker.

For more information, contact the Student Employment Services at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus nearest you.