Early childhood education

Prerequisites

The applicant must hold at least one of the following secondary school diplomas (Grade 12):

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment (for applicants 19 years of age or older).
• Quebec Secondary School Diploma (DES) or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment (for candidates 19 years of age or older).
• New Brunswick Secondary School Diploma (DES) or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment (for applicants 19 years of age or older).

If the candidate does not hold one of the qualifications mentioned above, they must pass the Mature Student Assessment, which consists of 4 sections. To pass the test, the candidate will be asked to complete the following diagnostic tests on the skills platform:

• Digital skills
• Reading comprehension (in French)
• Numeracy
• Reading (in French)

To pass the test, the candidate must obtain the minimum required points in Reading comprehension in French on one of the following tests:

• Test diagnostique de compétences pour réussir (CPR), minimum 250 points.
• Test de la connaissance du français (TCF), minimum 406 points.
• Test d’évaluation de français (TEF), minimum 393 points.

Status in Canada

To be eligible for the program, the applicant must hold either:

• Canadian Citizenship
• Permanent Residency
• Accepted protected person status: A notice of receipt of a refugee claim does not provide the necessary status.

Prerequisites for internships (Stages 2, 3 and 4):

• Up-to-date immunization record;
• Criminal record check from the local police service or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or proof of pardon;
• Red Cross Standard First Aid Certificate or equivalent;
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate – Level C.

All certificates must be valid throughout the study program.

Please note: a criminal record for which a pardon has not been applied for or obtained reduces the chances of obtaining an internship in the workplace and employment.

Based solely on work experience, the prior learning assessment and recognition process makes it possible to assess the skills already acquired and to streamline the academic process. Thus, it is possible to earn a diploma in as little as two semesters of full-time study. Subject to the successful completion of the assessment process, La Cité can recognize up to 1,300 hours of training, or nearly 75% of the program's hours. The full program is divided into five stages.

Upon completion, students receive an Ontario College Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

Note: Work experience acquired outside of Canada will not be recognized under this program.

To have their work experience recognized, the candidate must:

• Produce a portfolio
• Take a written exam
• Participate in an interview with a panel of experts

In addition, an interview with a professional reference will be conducted by the Collège.

The prior learning assessment and recognition process takes place during the first session of study. In total, it will take about 8 weeks to obtain the assessment results.

Results

Three levels of results are possible:

• Recognition of nearly 75% of the program's hours (must have at least 2 years of full- time work experience). The student can thus obtain their diploma after only two stages.
• Recognition of nearly 50% of the program's hours (must have at least 2 years of full- time work experience). The student can obtain their diploma after three or four stages.
• Recognition of internships (must have at least 6 months of full-time work experience). The student can obtain their diploma after four stages.

For each level, several courses are mandatory. The first two stages are made up of compulsory courses, regardless of the results of the assessment. The assessment takes place during the 1st stage of the program and the results are applied to the courses and internships planned for the subsequent stages. Regardless of the results of the assessment, the student must register for and successfully complete the first two stages of the program.

Criteria for starting the process:

• Complete the Eligibility Self-Assessment Form
• Have at least six months' work experience in the field of early childhood education, with duties similar to those of a qualified educator in one of the three territories (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut).

1. Complete the eligibility self-assessment form

The applicant must complete the online self-assessment form to determine their eligibility for the prior learning assessment and recognition process.

2. Complete the ESE Program Application Form.

The applicant must complete the dedicated admission form so they can be contacted by Student Services.

3. Verification of the applicant's eligibility

The Student Experience and Quality Assurance team (SEQA) will assess the applicant's eligibility for the program within 3 business days of receiving the application.

The applicant must wait for the results of the SEQA assessment before proceeding with registration.

4. Application payment

Following the results of the eligibility assessment, the applicant pays the application fee of $150 on the Ontario Colleges website.

5. Submission of supporting documents

At Collège La Cité's request, applicants will send all the documents necessary to process their application:

Proof of status in Canada

• If a high school graduate in Canada: Diploma of Secondary Studies (DSS)
• If you graduate from outside Canada: Skills tests for success*

6. Offer of acceptance sent to the student

Following the evaluation of the submitted documents and the applicant's eligibility, Collège La Cité will issue an official letter of admission. The offer must be accepted by the student on the portal (www.collegesontario.ca(Opens in a new tab)).

7. Tuition fees payment

Once the offer of admission has been accepted, the student will either pay a deposit on the tuition fees and sign a payment agreement,or pay the full fees for the 1st stage.

8. Prior learning assessment and recognition

During the first session of study, Collège La Cité provides the student with access to the assessment and handles of the logistics. The student will then have 30 days to complete the assessment, and the results will be communicated to them during an interview. A specific pathway will be proposed according to the results of the assessment.

Note: A fee of $650 is required for the professional skills assessment.

WINTER 2025

• Admissions deadline: January 9, 2025
• First course: January 18
• Last course: April 27

FALL 2025

• Admissions deadline: September 4, 2025
• First course: September 13
• Last course: December 14

WINTER 2026

• Admissions deadline: January 8, 2026
• First course: January 17
• Last course: April 26

Tuition fees (2024 – 2025)

• Stage 1: $1,702.02
• Stage 2: $1,590.97

Students may pay tuition fees in full for each semester of study upon receipt of the invoice. However, a payment arrangement can be established with Collège La Cité.

Ancillary fees (2024 – 2025): $307

Regarding ancillary fees, CNF students pay all Collège La Cité fees except: Placement, Student success service (Carrefour réussite), Tech service (Service techno pour le carrefour), Safe walk-home service (Service de raccompagnement), Respect for people coordinator (Coordonnateur respect de la personne (RHO)), and Counselling service (La Boussole).

For the Students' Association fees, CNF students pay only: Representation and Sponsorship Fees. The health care plan is optional.

Salaries

Effective November 14, 2024, the GNWT made changes to the Northwest Territories' (NWT) Early Learning and Child Care Regulations.

The updated regulations introduce a wage grid and certification process for staff in licensed childcare facilities.

The wage grid(Opens in a new tab) sets the minimum hourly rate of pay for employees based on the community in which they work, the type of position they hold, their years of experience, their level of education, their knowledge of Indigenous realities, and their experience in the North.

According to the current wage grid, the salary of an educator starting at level 1 in Zone A (Yellowknife) is $26.50.

Please refer to the wage grid for more information on NWT educator salaries by zone and certification level.

Employment Opportunities and Work environment Educators can work in a number of areas, including:

• Educational centres (infants, toddlers, preschools)
• Full-day kindergarten and preschool programs
• After-school programs
• EarlyON child and family centres
• Parent and child resource centres
• Family daycare agencies
• Educational settings and childcare services for children with special needs
• Personal business (dayhomes)

The program is offered in hybrid mode, combining two types of scheduled courses:

• Online pre-recorded courses : These asynchronous courses are spread over the entire duration of the session (14 weeks). Students can complete the readings and assignments at their convenience, as long as they respect the established schedule. Although there is no teacher, a class tutor is available to answer questions by email.
• Weekend videoconference courses in real-time : offered on an intensive basis, these courses take place over two weekends during the session, with a new course starting every other week. They include synchronous periods with the teacher, as well as periods of individual or group work.

These classes take place on Saturdays and Sundays, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and are taken one at a time. Once both weekends of a course have been completed, a new course begins the following weekend. This method of organization allows students to balance their studies with a full-time job and their family responsibilities. A sample schedule is attached to illustrate the course schedule.

Click on this link(Opens in a new tab) for course details for each stage of the program.

You may be eligible for the NWT Student Financial Assistance Program.

A good knowledge of English is desirable for the on-site internships.

A criminal record for which a pardon has not been applied for or obtained reduces the chances of obtaining an internship and employment in the field.

Required equipment: a computer with a camera and microphone, as well as an Internet connection.

Students can request equipment loads from Collège Nordique and use the study rooms.

1. Is it possible to be registered part-time, especially for a person with  young children?

Yes, it is possible to enroll part-time. However, when applying for admission, registration is by default for a full-time course load. Once admitted, the student will have to request a course withdrawal to reduce their course load. That said, the program is designed to allow people to maintain a full-time course load while managing family responsibilities (see point 3 for explanations).

2. What is the total cost of the program?

The program includes at least two mandatory stages. The cost per session is approximately $1,600, for a total of $3,200 for 2 stages. The purchase of books is not usually necessary, but it is recommended to budget $200 for the two stages in case of one-time purchases. Additional fees may apply if additional courses or internships are required after the assessment.

With prior learning recognition: Approximately $3,200 + $200 (books, if applicable). Without prior learning recognition: Approximately $6,500 to $6,700 ($1,600 x 4 + ~$300).

These amounts do not include taxes and are subject to change.

3. Can a childcare educator complete the program while working full-time?

Yes, the program is specifically designed to adapt to the reality of working people. Offered in hybrid mode, it includes two types of courses:

• Online pre-recorded courses: these asynchronous courses run over 14 weeks, allowing students to work at their own pace. Students do not have a fixed schedule but must respect deadlines. A class tutor is available via email for any questions.
• Weekend videoconference courses in real-time: these intensive courses take place over two weekends per session (starting every other week). They include synchronous sessions with a teacher and periods of individual or group work.

Classes take place on Saturdays and Sundays, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Once both weekends of a course have been completed, a new course starts the following weekend. This arrangement allows participants to work full-time and manage family obligations. A sample schedule is available to better visualize the course schedule.

4. How many hours per week should be spent on the program?

It is recommended to allow between 10 and 15 hours per week for readings, assignments and online courses. This time includes work on synchronous courses (those that take place on weekends) but does not include time spent in synchronous classes.

It is important to keep in mind that this is a college program, which requires a serious commitment, despite the great flexibility of the courses. For those with limited time, it is always possible to follow the program on a part-time basis.

5. How long does it take to complete the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process?

It takes approximately 40 hours to complete the assessment process, spread over a period of 4 to 6 weeks.

6. Can I register for the program with an open work permit?

An open work permit does not allow enrollment in a certificate or diploma program. However, a person with this status can take up to four courses of a program without any problem.

7. How long does it take to evaluate an application for admission, especially if the person does not have a Grade 12 diploma in Canada?

After submitting an application for admission, the Collège requests proof of status, usually within 2 business days. In the same email, a link is provided to access the admission tests, which give an immediate result.

If the applicant submits their proof of status quickly and passes the admission tests as soon as they are received, the entire process can take about 4-5 business days. Please note that, even if a World Education Service (WES) equivalence is provided, admission tests are still mandatory.

8. How much does is cost to register for general education for temporary foreign workers (student fees, registration fees, credit fees)?

Information regarding registration costs is currently pending with the Admissions Office. An update will be provided as soon as details are received.

9. How do the weekend intensive courses work?

Intensive courses take place over two full weekends, with scheduled times on Saturdays and Sundays. Between these weekends, students must set aside time to complete assignments, readings or research. These activities take about 1 hour per day to complete.

10. Can a childcare centre pay for the entire training program for each employee, but receive an itemized invoice for each registered student?

Yes, this is entirely possible. The childcare centre must complete a sponsorship form for each employee for whom it wishes to pay the fees. This allows individual invoices to be issued for each registered student.

11. How much time should I allow to complete assignments outside of class?

It is recommended to allow at least 1 hour per day per course to complete assignments and studies.

For online pre-recorded courses, assignments can be submitted at your own pace up to the deadline set out in the course outline. For the weekend videoconference intensive courses, arrangements for submission dates can be negotiated with the teacher at the beginning of the course, but it is the teacher who will decide on any adjustments.

12. How many credits or hours does each course represent?

Each course represents 42 hours.

13. What if an employee requires 60 hours or 15 hours of credited early childhood training to meet the Child Care Level 1 requirements?

To obtain Level 1 (60 hours of credit training), several courses can be combined until the required hours are reached. Specific needs should be discussed with the Admissions Office or Academic Advisor to ensure that the selected courses meet the requirements.

14. For employers wishing to pay for training for their employees, what documents must be provided to Collège La Cité?

The employer must complete a sponsorship letter, ensuring that the following information is included in the letter:

• Letterhead
• Student’s full name
• Student’s ID number
• Duration of the sponsorship and/or the maximum contribution amount by the sponsor
• Physical address and email of the sponsor
• Name and title of the sponsor
• Sponsor’s Signature