The Early Childhood Education diploma program at Seneca Polytechnic prepares students to support the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of children from infancy through school age. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, helping students understand child development, inclusive learning environments, curriculum planning and family engagement.
Students study child development, communication, philosophy of education, administration and inclusive programming while developing the skills needed to create safe, healthy and engaging learning environments. A significant component of the program includes more than 500 hours of field placement experience in childcare and early years settings.
Graduates are prepared for careers in childcare centres, nursery schools, kindergarten programs, family resource centres, EarlyON centres, settlement services and organizations supporting children with special needs. Graduates may also pursue further education opportunities through Seneca degree pathways.
- Academic Requirement: • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. • Successful completion of Grade 12. • International applicants must submit academic transcripts and graduation documents. • Interest in child development, education and community services is recommended.
- ELP Requirement: • IELTS Academic: 6.0 Overall (No Band Below 5.5) • PTE Academic: 58 • Duolingo English Test: 105-110 • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 20 in each skill • CAEL: 60 • Cambridge English: 169 (No skill below 162)
- Special Requirement: • More than 500 hours of mandatory field placement. • Field placement must be completed in person. • Students must reside in Ontario during placement periods. • Police Vulnerable Sector Check may be required before placement. • Additional placement requirements may include immunization and health records as required by placement providers. • International students seeking PGWP eligibility must attend required in-person components.
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Students whose study permit applications are still pending may request a deferral to the next available intake, provided the request is submitted before Day 10 of classes and the program is available. Deferrals are granted only once.
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Students awaiting an IRCC decision must still meet the deferral deadline. Requests submitted after Day 10 of classes will not be approved solely because a study permit decision is pending.
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Students may alternatively withdraw and apply for a refund by submitting the required withdrawal form and supporting documentation. Applicable administrative fees may be deducted.
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If a study permit application is refused, students may defer their admission and request a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to support a future study permit application. PAL issuance is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
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Refund requests due to study permit refusal must include a copy of the official IRCC refusal letter and be submitted within 14 days of the refusal date.
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Only the refusal letter associated with the intake being withdrawn from will be considered for refund eligibility.
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Students whose second study permit application is refused before the start of classes may still qualify for a refund, subject to Seneca’s refund policy.
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Deferral requests are subject to program availability, and late requests may require a written appeal.
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Approved late deferrals may be subject to a CAD $200 late fee.
- Application Fee: $90
- LOA Deposit: $0
- Annual Tuition Fee: $16,178
- Total Tuition Fee: $32,760
- Course Duration: 2 Years
- Credentials: Diploma
- Intake: September 2026 January 2027 May 2027
• Completed application form
• CAD $90 application fee
• Passport copy
• Grade 12 certificate
• Academic transcripts/marksheets
• English language proficiency test results (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo)
• Proof of name change (if applicable)
• Placement-related documents (if required)
• Additional documents requested by Seneca Polytechnic
• Monitor application status through Seneca Student Home