The Infant & Early Child Mental Health (IMH) graduate certificate program at Seneca Polytechnic prepares professionals to support positive mental health outcomes for infants, young children and their families. This specialized program focuses on early intervention, attachment theory, brain development, trauma-informed practice, family dynamics and mental health promotion.
Students develop advanced skills in identifying risk and protective factors, applying evidence-based intervention strategies and supporting families through responsive communication and relationship-building. Graduates are prepared to work in children's mental health services, family support programs, early intervention agencies, settlement services, child welfare organizations and educational settings.
- Academic Requirement: Ontario University Degree, Three-Year College Diploma or Equivalent Applicants with a Two-Year College Diploma and at least 6 months of full-time work experience in Early Childhood Development or a related field may be considered Resume and References required for work-experience-based admission WES or ICAS Credential Evaluation required for international applicants educated outside Canada
- ELP Requirement: IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (No band below 6.0) OR PTE Academic: 60 Duolingo: 120-125 TOEFL iBT: Minimum 22 per skill CAEL: 70 (Writing minimum 60) Cambridge English: 176 (No skill below 169)
- Special Requirement: Vulnerable Sector Check Medical Form (Immunization Records) Chest X-Ray or Tuberculin Skin Test Standard First Aid & CPR-C Certification International Students require a valid Study Permit with on-campus work authorization Placement compliance requirements must be completed through Seneca's designated provider Additional fees may apply for placement clearance requirements
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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: $16,468
- Total Tuition Fee: $16,468
- Course Duration: 8 Months
- Credentials: Certificate
- Intake: September 2026 (Fall Intake)
Academic Documents
- Bachelor's Degree Certificate
- Bachelor's Degree Transcripts / Mark Sheets
- College Diploma Certificate (if applicable)
- College Diploma Transcripts (if applicable)
- WES or ICAS Credential Evaluation (if required)
Identity Documents
- Valid Passport
English Language Documents
- IELTS / PTE / TOEFL / Duolingo Score Card
Supporting Documents
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Updated Resume / CV
- Reference Letters (Required for work-experience based admission)
Financial Documents (Visa Stage)
- Tuition Fee Receipt
- Bank Statements
- Financial Support Documents
Placement & Compliance Documents
- Vulnerable Sector Check
- Medical Clearance Form
- Immunization Records
- Chest X-Ray or Tuberculin Skin Test Report
- Standard First Aid & CPR-C Certificate
- Valid Study Permit with Work Authorization (International Students)
Additional Documents
- Passport Size Photograph
- Work Experience Letters (If Applicable)
- Professional Certifications (Optional)
- Childcare / Early Childhood Education Experience Documents (If Applicable)