Early Childhood Education

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Start your journey towards a new career today by requesting program details.

Financial Assistance
Start Dates

Career Options
Job Opportunities

Are you an international student?

Yes

Do you have a study permit in Canada?

Yes

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Duration
50 weeks

Location
Halifax

Equivalency
Post-secondary diploma
Level 2 ECE classification

Teaching Method
In-person

Child Development from Conception to Age 12
Respectful and Responsive Relationships
Diversity and Inclusion 1: Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education in NS
Observing, Assessing and Documenting
Computer, Communication and Employability Skills
Understanding and Engaging Families
Learning Through Play 1: Intentional Planning in Play
Guiding Children’s Behaviour
Diversity and Inclusion 2: Supporting Multiple Developmental Pathways
Community and Workplace Relationships
Supporting Children’s Health, Safety and Well-Being
Learning Through Play 2: Outdoor and Indoor Learning Environments
Responsive Infant and Toddler Care and Development
Administration and Management of Early Learning Programs
Becoming a Professional Early Childhood Educator in Nova Scotia
Working With School Age Children
Pedagogical Documentation of Children’s Learning

Our Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma program was specially designed to meet industry demand and employer needs. Within the program, you will develop a thorough understanding of early childhood education theory, techniques, and practices to help you succeed in the field.

Practicum 1: Observation, interacting with children, getting comfortable.

Practicum 2: Observation, start implementing activities, getting comfortable with play-based curriculum.

Practicum 3: Working directly with ECEs and children, doing all tasks of the classroom.

Practicum 4: Become a fully-integrated team member in the childcare classroom and demonstrate skills and abilities that align with the expectations of a qualified ECE.

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The Government of Nova Scotia is currently offering bursaries of up to $5,000 CAD for domestic students* that are enrolled in full-time studies at approved Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions in 2024-2025!

In order to apply for this bursary, students must be:

Studying full-time and remain in good academic standing.
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Nova Scotia* (temporary foreign workers, international students, or any other person in Canada on a temporary resident visa do not qualify).

In order to apply, please contact Oxford International College Halifax to obtain the bursary terms and conditions and learn more. Once you are enrolled as a student in the Early Childhood Education Diploma program, you can apply directly through Oxford International College Halifax.

Additional to note:

Payments will be issued to the training institution (Oxford International College Halifax) on behalf of successful applicants in the fall and winter semesters. Training institutions will apply the bursary to each successful student's account.
Priority for funding will be given to students from equity-deserving groups.
The following students are not eligible to apply:
- Students currently enrolled in an ECE Diploma already funded by EECD.
- Students who are currently receiving other EECD funding (e.g., staff receiving continuing education funding for part-time studies).

In 2021-2022 EECD offered one-time bursaries for up to 300 students studying full-time in an ECE diploma or degree program in Nova Scotia. To support Nova Scotia’s focus on the development of a diverse and inclusive workforce, students belonging to an underrepresented group received additional funds. Visit the Nova Scotia Education and Early Childhood Development website for more details on the bursary.

Whether you aim to work as an ECE in a licensed daycare facility, work with families in their homes, or even open your own licensed home daycare, our Early Childhood Education Diploma program will help you get started on your career path and one step closer to achieving your goals.

The Government of Canada Labour Market Information reports that the employment outlook will be very good for Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202) for the 2023-2025 period. The very strong demand for ECEs in Nova Scotia is related to the ongoing implementation of the Nova Scotia Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, and the number of open ECE positions is expected to grow through 2026 due to the planned creation of thousands of new child care spaces. “Qualified jobseekers should have little difficulty finding employment through the province.” – Government of Canada Labour Market Information.

Our program is designed to meet the demand for qualified Early Childhood Educators in Nova Scotia by equipping you with the academic knowledge and practical skills required to succeed in various rewarding career paths within the early childhood field. Once you graduate from our Early Childhood Education Diploma program, some popular career path options include:

Early Childhood Educator
Inclusion Coordinator
Day-Home Consultant
Assistant Director
Director of ECE Programs

When you are enrolled in our Early Childhood Education program, you also join Career Academy Canada - a free career-readiness program that's designed to help you identify and map out your career goals, as well as build the skills you need to not only succeed during interviews, but land your dream job. From resume and cover letter writing to networking and interview practice, you'll get access to a variety of in-person and virtual workshops and tools that will help you build your career confidence and successfully enter into the healthcare field.

In addition to your Level 2 Early Childhood Education Diploma, you will also earn 4 mandatory certifications that will not only better prepare you to safely work with young children, but will also enhance your resume:

Standard First Aid (Level C CPR & AED)
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHIMIS)
Food Safety

There are also two additional certifications that you will earn, helping increase your employability opportunities:

Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) to learn how to follow cues of children, helping build secure attachments and positive relationships.
The Pyramid Model Consortium – Trauma-Informed Care to learn how to understand a child’s lived and family experiences in order to provide the most effective care.

As a special bonus, you will receive a membership to the Association of Early Childhood Educators (AECENS), which is something only the Oxford International Early Childhood Education Diploma program provides. The following are included as part of your membership:

Access to professional development and networking opportunities.
Attend key Early Childhood Education conferences at a discounted rate.

Your tuition also includes a membership to a Lending Library so you can access various resources for your practicums without spending your money, such as:

Materials
Toys
Books

What Our Students Say About Us:

I would recommend the CCA program to another student because of its comprehensive curriculum, practical experience through co-op placements, and the supportive learning environment provided by Oxford International. The program prepares students well for a career as a Continuing Care Assistant by offering hands-on training.

Janiecel, CCA program graduate

The school has a positive environment. Everyone at Oxford International College is friendly, cooperative, and willing to help at any given time.

Karen, current CCA program student

The best decision I have made in my entire life! Thank you Oxford International College. And special thanks to my instructors, Shannon Thixton, Avis Morehouse, the director-Sheila Nunn and the entire team. I love you all so dearly. Thank you 🙏

Richard, CCA program graduate

Loans and Grants for Full-Time Studies

When you apply for Nova Scotia Student Assistance for Full-Time Studies, you are applying for both Loans and Grants, from both the Government of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada.

Student Assistance for Part-Time studies

Loans and Grants from the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program

The federal government provides Student Assistance in the form of loans and grants to help part-time students from Nova Scotia access post-secondary education. This program has recently been enhanced to make studying while working more accessible than ever.

If you will need full-time Student Assistance funding, you must re-apply again each academic year (study period).

Our Financial Aid Expert will provide you with best options to make education investment in yourself, both realistic and affordable. Let us help you find option that suits you best

Nova Scotia citizens, permanent residents, and refugees may be eligible to apply for a bursary of up to $5,000 for the Oxford International Early Childhood Education Diploma program.