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Early Childhood Education Hybrid

Early Childhood Education In‑Person

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Get started on your early childhood education career path!

Through our Early Childhood Education program, you will earn a Diploma which qualifies you to work as an ECE or in a related position in Nova Scotia. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you also have the option of opening a regulated home daycare!

×

Get More Info Now!!!

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?
Do you have a study permit in Canada?
What type of program are you applying for?
Enter valid first name
Enter valid last name
Enter valid email address
Enter valid phone number
Enter valid postal code

I'm happy to let you store and process the personal information I've supplied. We need to process your personal data to administer your account and let you know about the products and services you have asked us about. I want emails and direct messages about studying for a vocational course on campus. Read terms.

Domestic students: Get up to $8,000 off tuition!

Get a guaranteed $3,000 scholarship off tuition for all domestic students, which can also be combined with the Government of Nova Scotia bursary of up to $5,000. This means you can get up to $8,000 off your total tuition fees! Plus, we are now offering all enrolled students free laptops!

International students: Get up to $7,500 off tuition!

Get up to $7,500 off your total tuition fees through OICC, plus enjoy a free laptop when you enroll in our Early Childhood Education program! Becoming an Early Childhood Educator has never been this affordable.

About the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Hybrid Program

Get started on your early childhood education career path and learn how to make a positive, lasting impact on young children’s lives. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or looking to make a career move, our Early Childhood Education (ECE) Hybrid Diploma program gets you into the workforce quickly while providing you with the valuable knowledge, hands-on skills, and experience employers are looking for.
Benefit from self-paced online learning blended with in-person lab schools and practicum placements to support flexible learning with valuable real-world skills development and experience.

Why Study With Us

  • Identify, develop, and map out your career plan
  • Build the skills you need to achieve your goals/li>
  • Expand your industry and employer networks in the field you’re interested in
  • Develop all knowledge and core competencies ECEs require
  • Gain valuable insights from instructors that are experts in the field
  • Build critical skills through guaranteed practicum placements
  • Earn your Standard First Aid (Level C CPR & AED), OHS, WHIMIS, Food Safety, and others to increase employability opportunities
  • 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!

Key Facts

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Duration
60 weeks

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Location
OICC Halifax Campus

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Credential
Level 2 ECE Classification

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Teaching Method
Hybrid

Program Courses

  • 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

During the ECE Hybrid program, our students complete self-paced online modules for the academic theory portion of the program, developed by qualified instructors that have years of experience in the field. These modules are developed with the latest instructional design best practices to make learning manageable and engaging, and include a variety of interactive videos, activities, and assessments. Through our quality curriculum, students develop a thorough understanding of early childhood theory, techniques, and practices required to succeed in the field.

Hybrid Learning Model

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Hybrid Diploma program is designed for flexibility, ideal for those balancing daytime jobs. It combines online and in-person learning to provide a comprehensive educational experience.


Program Structure:


  • Online Learning (40%): Asynchronous sessions every Monday for 6 hours, allowing self-paced study. From Tuesday to Friday, synchronous live lectures are held from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM AST. These sessions cover theoretical learning, group discussions, hands-on activities, and knowledge assessments.
  • In-Person Learning (60%): Includes offsite lab schools, field trips, additional certifications, and practicum placements. These components offer practical experience, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge and develop professional skills.


Key Features:


  • Certifications: Students obtain Standard First Aid (Level C CPR & AED) and Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) certifications.
  • Community Engagement: The program emphasizes building a learning community through events like school orientation and Career Academy Canada sessions, fostering meaningful connections with peers, instructors, and staff.


All course materials and resources are accessible via Moodle, the Learning Management System (LMS).
This hybrid approach ensures that students gain both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary for a successful career in early childhood education.

Program Details

Practicum 1:
Students will apply the basic principles of practice learned during the academic theory classes. During this practicum experience, students will be observing, learning how to interact with children, and will start to get comfortable in a real ECE setting.


Practicum 2:
Students will apply the basic principles of practice learned during the academic theory classes. During this practicum experience, students will be observing, begin implementing activities for children, and will be getting more comfortable with play-based curriculum.


Practicum 3:
Students will apply the basic principles of practice learned during the academic theory classes. During this practicum experience, students will be working directly with Early Childhood Educators, completing all tasks of the classroom including….


Practicum 4:
Students will apply the basic principles of practice learned during the academic theory classes. During this practicum experience, students will be a fully-integrated team member in the child care classroom and demonstrate skills and abilities that align with the expectations of a qualifie  ECE.

Apply Now!

Apply for a Bursary of up to $5,000 CAD!

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 (ECE) Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 hybrid 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.

*Domestic students = Canadian Citizens and permanent residents.

Early Childhood Education Career Opportunities

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) provide care for infants to school-aged children and lead children in activities that stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical, and emotional growth. ECEs work in childcare centres, daycare centres, pre-primary programs, kindergarten classrooms, and other settings.

The Government of Canada Labour Market Information reports that the employment outlook will be very good for Early Childhood Eductors (NOC 42202) in Nova Scotia for the 2024 – 2026 period.

The very strong demand for ECEs in Nova Scotia is related to he ongoing implementation of the Nova Scotia Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, where the number of childcare workers is expected to increase into the thousands across the province. “Qualified jobseekers should have little difficulty finding employment through the province.” – Government of Canada Labour Market Information

Our Early Childhood Education Hybrid Diploma program is designed to meet the demand for qualified and high-performing ECEs in Nova Scotia by equipping our graduates with the right knowledge and skillsets required to succeed in this rewarding field. We’re here to help you get started on your new career path. Once you graduate from our Early Childhood Education Hybrid Diploma program, popular career path options include:

  • Early Childhood Educator (Level 2)
  • Early Childhood Educator (Level 3)
  • Day-Home Consultant
  • Assistant Director
  • Director of ECE Programs

When you are enrolled in our Early Childhood Education Hybrid Diploma 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.

Additional Certificates Earned During the Program

During the ECE Hybrid program, you not only earn your mandatory certifications that are required for all Early Childhood Educators to work in childcare settings, but you also have the unique opportunity to earn additional certifications that are only available through OICC that help you be better prepared to work with young children. These additional certifications not only enhance your resume to help you stand out amongst other applicants, but they increase your employability opportunities.

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

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.

BONUS Memberships

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 Hybrid 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 You Will Learn During the Program

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Hybrid Diploma program equips students with the necessary knowledge, technical skills, and soft skills required to succeed in this rewarding field. Early childhood education is a field where you work directly with children and their families, building important relationships at a formative time in children’s lives. Through our program, you will learn how to help children build resiliency, develop social-emotional learning, and have a direct impact on children’s growth. Beyond the program courses, students participate in practicum placements under the guidance of experts in the field:

  • 1070 hours of in-person or online synchronous academic theory (60 weeks at 20 hours per week)
  • 535 hours of in-person practicum placements (total 4 practicums; 38 weeks at 40 hours per week)

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

Personality Assessment

Find out what your personality is like and discover your traits, worries & concerns about taking the next step to study at school towards a new and rewarding career. This quick and easy assessment will provide you with some insight into what to focus on and what you might need to watch out for to best prepare you for your new career and school goals!

Save up to 50% off your tuition with our unique scholarships!

At OICC | Oxford International Career Colleges, we care about affordable education and our students' success. Save on tuition with a wide variety of unique scholarships and get rewarded for your hard work and academic performance. Eligibility criteria apply.

Stellar Student

With the Stellar Student Scholarship, you can save up to 20% off your OICC program tuition per installment on your payment plan.

OICC Ambassador

Apply to the OICC Ambassador Scholarship, where we choose one OICC Student Ambassador per program intake to partner closely with us and help tell their peers' success stories through social media, and be awarded 15% off your total tuition.

Newcomer to Canada

Our Newcomer to Canada scholarship automatically grants all newcomers a $1,500 scholarship to be applied to their OICC program tuition fee.

Next Career

The Next Career scholarship awards one chosen student per program intake a $1,000 scholarship to be applied to their tuition. All you have to do is tell us your story - what are you hoping to change about your life with your new chosen career path through OICC?

Community Impact

The Community Impact scholarship awards one chosen student per program intake a $1,000 scholarship to be applied to their tuition. We want to hear about how you positively impact and give back to your local community, and how you'll continue to do so once you graduate from your OICC program.

Student Merit Award

The Student Merit Award recognizes academic achievement, classroom contributions, and practicum placement performance. This award grants one student per graduating class a $1,500 prize for overall best academic performance.

Financial Aid

Our Financial Aid Office helps students explore financial assistance options to support their education.

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

Tuition Fee Guarantee - Our Commitment to You

We are proud of the quality of our Continuing Care Assistant and Early Childhood Education programs and are confident that you will receive an offer of employment (full-time or part-time) in the healthcare of childcare fields upon graduation. In fact, we are so confident in our quality assurance that we commit to refunding your tuition fees in full if you graduate from the OICC | Oxford International Career Colleges CCA or ECE program, but do not receive any offer of employment (full-time or part-time)! Terms and conditions apply.

Payment Plan Program

OICC | Oxford International Career Colleges aims to create equal educational opportunities for all students. Through our payment plan program, students can get tarted on their career journey more easily with affordable payment plan options. 

Ready to Get Started on Your Academic Journey?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why OICC?

At OICC | Oxford International Career Colleges, we carry a rich history that stretches back over 30 years. Our prime goal? To propel the global education sector with unrivaled momentum.

How to apply?

It’s easy! To start the application process, simply fill up the form!

Admissions Process

The first step in your journey is to fill out our online application form. This is just like introducing yourself, telling us who you are and what you’re interested in studying. You’ll need to provide some basic personal information, like your name and contact details. Please follow the link below to begin your registration.

Do you offer financial aid?

Yes, we offer Grants, Loans and Private Student Loans. You can Contact us and one of our financial aid counselors will walk you through your various options.

OICC Halifax Campus

Located in the heart of downtown Halifax, our campus is walking distance from the beautiful waterfront with easy access to a variety of famous historical sites and local shops.

1801 Hollis St, Halifax, NS B3J 3N4, Canada

OICC Vancouver Campus

Situated in the heart of Vancouver’s bustling downtown district, our campus is immersed in a thriving tech hub, home to global giants like Amazon and Apple. Amidst the urban synergy of creativity and innovation, our location affords exceptional networking opportunities.

815 W Hastings St Office 250, second floor, Vancouver, BC V6C 1B4, Canada

OICC Toronto Campus

Study in the heart of downtown Toronto, walking distance from some of the best major attractions, restaurants, and shopping nearby. Our bright and modern classrooms, fun student vibe, and highly-qualified instructors foster a vibrant learning environment. At OICC Toronto campus, you have everything you could possibly need within arm's reach.

111 Peter St #220, Toronto, ON M5V 1X1, Canada