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ECE Training Institutions

Nova Scotia’s ECE Support Sites are affiliated with provincially recognized ECE training programs. Those interested in learning more about continuing their education and obtaining a Diploma in Early Childhood Education or a Degree in Child & Youth Studies can access information about individual programs by following these links. 

  • Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education

    Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education provides an opportunity for students to study and gain experience through a diverse range of courses and practical settings. NSCECE offers 6 different programs, 
5 online and 1 onsite, that are founded on decades of research and developmentally appropriate practice. Students enrolled in the program are introduced to various courses focused on working with children, families and the ECE profession and will acquire the knowledge, practices, and skills that will develop high self-esteem, independence, and beginnings of social responsibilities. NSCECE offers individual guidance and support and a specialized program totally focused on early childhood education. Students can also work toward an Early Childhood Education Classification Level or Diploma while working full-time. Level one courses are available online and can be transferred to the Diploma program if students wish to continue their studies. 

    Students who have one year experience and 1080 hours working in a childcare setting may be eligible for credit toward a portion of the program after demonstrating their knowledge and skills through our Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) program. 

    Graduates find employment in various settings, including childcare centres, schools, private home daycares, and family resource centres. Over 95% of NSCECE graduates find ECE employment following graduation. NSCECE has been training and supporting Early Childhood Educators since 1970. 

      • 12-month Accelerated ECE Diploma Onsite
      • 16-month Accelerated ECE Diploma Online
      • 14-month PLAR  Online
      • 12-month ECA Online
      • 26-month Hybrid Online
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  • Université Sainte-Anne

    Offert entièrement en ligne, ce programme permet d’acquérir une solide formation en éducation à la petite enfance. Conformément aux exigences gouvernementales, il combine les apprentissages théoriques et pratiques. Tous les cours reflètent les concepts de diversité et d’inclusion, tant dans les contenus que dans les approches pédagogiques. 


    Ce programme répond aux exigences du Ministère de l’éducation et du développement de la petite enfance de la Nouvelle-Écosse, en vertu du Day Care Act and Regulations, Classification for Child Care Staff.

      • Full time Online
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  • Jane Norman College

    The early childhood education program at Jane Norman College is a two year diploma program which prepares graduates to work in a variety of early learning environments such as early learning and child care centers, preschool programs, pre-primary, and pyramid model, to name a few. Students participating in this program will acquire an understanding of the theories of child development as well as the ability to plan, implement and administer a balanced early learning curriculum. The early childhood education program provides students with a balance of theoretical and practical experiences which gives them the opportunity to develop caring, professionalism and integrity in their interactions with children, families and the larger community.

     

      • 2-year diploma Onsite
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  • Nova Scotia Community College

    The program is offered full-time in class (at multiple locations) and part-time online. Early childhood educators plan education programs that help to nurture the physical, psychological and social well-being of children and their families. This project-based program was developed to meet the provincial standards for early childhood education training in Nova Scotia. It blends classroom study with applied learning with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children so you learn:

    • The major theories of child care and development within a warm, caring and stimulating environment
    • The knowledge and skills you need to work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children in a variety of settings
    • Effective communication strategies for working with children, parents, early childhood educators and other professionals
    • How to assess children’s abilities and skills so you can develop programs that emphasize the development of the whole child as a unique individual.

      • Full-time Onsite
      • Full-time Online
      • Part-time Online
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  • Mount Saint Vincent University

    The Mount is proud to offer the only university-level Child & Youth Study program in Atlantic Canada. Students gain both practical training and theoretical knowledge in child and youth work, early childhood education, early intervention, and inclusive development. As strong supporters of experiential learning, we provide four supervised practicum placements, allowing students to apply classroom learning in meaningful, real-world settings.

    The BA (CYS) degree is available through online study, on-campus learning, or a combination of both, with an emphasis on small class sizes, active engagement, and supportive learning environments. Courses are supported through Moodle and Collaborate. You may also choose to complete an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Concentration within the structure of the program.

    The program duration is flexible and depends on factors such as the number of required courses, your choice between full-time or part-time study, and your course load each semester. For more information, please contact the Department of Child and Youth Study through our Administrative Assistant, Sandra Schnare, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

    Our Department is committed to preparing the next generation of leaders in Early Childhood Education and Child and Youth Care. The BA (CYS) degree also provides an excellent foundation for further studies in fields such as education, speech-language pathology, social work, counselling, and graduate studies. Many of our graduates go on to pursue a Bachelor of Education (Elementary).

      • 4 year degree program - Full time Onsite
      • 4 year degree program - Part time Onsite
      • 4 year degree program - Hybrid Onsite
      • 4 year degree program - Full time Online
      • 4 year degree program - Part time Online
      • 4 year degree program - Hybrid Online
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