Students enrolled in the ECA program with Canadore College will have the opportunity to receive an Early Childhood Education diploma (students are required to take additional courses, approximately six, within a one-year period beyond the required ECE Apprentice courses).

1. Additional courses include: ECE250 - Children’s   Technology; two, communication courses (CMM125   & CMM180); and three general education courses (PSY100, SOC100, & HUM115).
2. This program enables Apprentices who currently work in the field to remain employed without disruption to their income. All courses are offered by distance education - print-based correspondence and/or night classes via Contact North - audiographics.
3. Instructors are experts in the field of childcare and early childhood education. Instructors for all courses are varied so that students experience diverse teaching methods and approaches.

The apprenticeship model is centered on the workplace - training takes place predominantly on the job and apprentices earn while they learn. The apprenticeship contract outlines the commitment of both the employer and the apprentice to the terms of the apprenticeship and provides a basis for accountability. In-school instruction is the primary means for delivering the theoretical component of apprenticeship training.

Students must be enrolled through the Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities (MTCU) - Apprenticeship branch. More information is available at the Ministry website http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/apprentices/ or by calling Employment Ontario 1-800-387-5656.

To meet the needs of smaller and/or isolated communities in Northern Ontario, Canadore College offers the ECE Apprenticeship program (ECA) via distance education. Typically courses are offered through Contact North (night classes) and print-based correspondence (independent learning) formats.

The complete program, which can be completed in three years, consists of two levels. The program follows the typical college calendar year: Fall semester is from September to December; the Winter semester is from January to April; and the Spring semester is from  May to June/August.
Students may choose to register in any number of courses they wish in a given semester; two per semester is recommended (plus applicable placement course).