Smiling child in a daycare

Program Explorer

Early Childhood Education

Guide the next generation of learners and connect children, families and communities through education.

Learn to create environments that stimulate the intellectual, emotional and social development of young children.

Through the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, you will develop the knowledge and skills and learn to provide quality, child-centred guidance to young children.

Through RRC Polytech’s nationally recognized training program, you’ll explore play-based curriculums, guidance techniques, child development and family relations while developing critical communication and professionalism skills. You’ll also build practical work experience under the guidance of centre mentors in vital work placement opportunities. This program offers the crucial training and engaging learning you need to succeed, pursue new opportunities and continue your lifelong learning journey, whether you’re new to ECE, currently working as a child care assistant (CCA) or planning to move and work in Manitoba.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Diploma
  • Program Delivery
    In-person hybrid
  • In-person Locations
    Notre Dame Campus, Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River Campus, Portage Campus and Winkler Campus
  • Intake
    Fall
  • Program Length
    2 years
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $11,400 – $12,600
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    Direct entry
  • Work-Integrated Learning
    Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities
  • International Program
    Open to students from around the globe

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this program, you’ll explore early childhood education techniques, learn to create meaningful and diverse educational experiences and prepare for Manitoba’s Level II ECE classification through in-depth classroom learning and work placement opportunities.

TERM 1

Explore the essentials of early childhood education and professional communication through a variety of foundational courses.

TERM 2

Build on your foundational knowledge and learn to plan play-based curriculums in preparation for your first practicum experience.

TERM 3

Develop practical skills, meet employers and expand your professional network through a dynamic practicum experience in an early childhood setting.

TERM 4

Strengthen your planning skills and learn to support and incorporate the diverse experiences of children, families and professionals in early childhood education.

TERM 5

Plan and implement a community-based project, explore advanced topics in child development and recognize the diverse experiences of Indigenous peoples.

TERM 6

Integrate your knowledge, skills and experience in a final practicum placement, preparing yourself for a successful career in early childhood education.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Infant care
  • Preschool programs
  • Before and after school programs
  • Nursery schools
  • Family child care
  • Family resource programs
  • ECE supports in early years classrooms
  • Supervisors and assistant directors
  • Child development counsellor

Affiliations and Accreditations

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Smiling daycare worker looking at a book with a child
Experience the joy of learning to engage and inspire children through language and literacy.
Group of women sitting around a table
Build confidence and share your perspective with passionate peers, instructors and mentors in small, collaborative classes.
Child playing with wooden toy
Learn to create exciting educational environments and plan activities that develop a child’s sense of wonder and curiosity.
Daycare worker helping children with a puzzle at daycare
Learn through play. Apply your knowledge of child development, play-based curriculums and guidance techniques in real-world practicum experiences.
Daycare worker reading book to a child
Early childhood educators help children discover their identities and explore, learn and grow with others.
Group of people sitting around a table talking to one another
Professional development opportunities encourage you to bring new ideas and personal perspectives into your coursework and practicum experiences.

Applied Research

Bridging Theory and Practice for Real-World Impact

RRC Polytech is a leader in applied research in Canada. Matching industry needs with College resources and facilities drives innovation and growth in our province — and beyond.

Connect theoretical knowledge with practical solutions, foster innovation and contribute to industry advancements as part of this program.

Learn more about Applied Research ›

RRC Polytech Applied Research logo

Graduate Success

The Early Childhood Education program is vital in fulfilling Manitoba’s need for early childhood educators. RRC Polytech graduates are recognized as valuable, versatile and thoughtful professionals and are crucial for many families who require quality child care to work and study.

The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2019-2020 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.

Woman reading a book to a child

100% – SATISFIED WITH RRC POLYTECH EDUCATION

Through the Early Childhood Education program, you’ll build the skills you need to attain a provincial ECE II classification and start a successful career after graduation. You’ll also have the communication, collaboration and learning skills you need to pursue further education and career advancement.

100% – RECOMMEND PROGRAM TO OTHERS

RRC Polytech’s blend of in-depth instruction and practical experience creates a strong foundation for success and opens the door to exciting new opportunities. As an Early Childhood Education graduate, you’ll have everything you need to lead, succeed, adapt and surpass employer expectations.

Two daycare workers playing with child at daycare
Instructor and student looking at laptop screen

100% – CONSIDER INSTRUCTORS KNOWLEDGEABLE

RRC Polytech instructors constantly work with the community and are always welcoming new ideas and best practices. Your mentors and instructors bring this wealth of professional experience to the classroom, creating engaging, collaborative learning experiences that prepare you for a rewarding career.

“I come from a small northern Indigenous community; few attend post-secondary education. My mother was an ECE, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. RRC Polytech helped me in that journey.”

Sharlena Chippeway – Early Childhood Educator II
Concordia Child Care Centre

“My path was paved by my dedicated ECE program instructors. They taught me to strive for the best version of myself as a student and as a newcomer to Canada. I am forever indebted to their generosity.”

Anahita Aminian – Instructor, ECE Program
Red River College Polytechnic

“With an education from RRC Polytech, I became better equipped to help people work through life’s challenges. I want to stay in childcare for a long time to help children who need additional support.”

Anli He – Early Childhood Educator II

“The instructors bring expertise, experience and dedication to their students, creating a rich and inclusive learning environment where I could freely build on my strengths and explore my potential.”

Faith Wong – Early Childhood Educator II

“A perfect day is when a child learns something that completely fascinates them. Credit to RRC Polytech’s practicums and hands-on learning for helping students encounter real-life job situations.”

Robyn Clisby – Early Childhood Educator III, Team Leader
Cairns Children’s Centre Inc.

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

As a student in the Early Childhood Education program, you enjoy spending time with children. You are a highly motivated, organized and self-disciplined individual who can take the initiative when helping others. You are also in good general health and can keep up with children for eight or more hours a day.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Adaptable
  • Critical thinker
  • Empathetic
  • Practical
  • Team-oriented

SKILLS

  • Communication
  • Integrity
  • Motivation
  • Positive attitude
  • Writing

INTERESTS

  • Child care
  • Early childhood
  • Play and learning
  • Child-inspired
  • Families
  • Young children
  • Community
  • Guidance
  • Inclusion
  • Child development

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

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DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

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LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

Future Student Events

Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

Learn more ›