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Child Development Practitioner
Program at a glance
(Formerly Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship)
Earn while you learn with this flexible delivery option. There is an increasing demand for early childhood educators who are not only skilled in the practical aspects of the trade, but also have a sound theoretical knowledge. The majority of the training takes place while working on the job as a paid apprentice, and the formal education portion can be taken either in-class or via distance education. Courses are offered in the evening through Contact North, through correspondence or online. This program can be completed in as little as three years.
For registration information and/or enrolment criteria contact your local Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities - Apprenticeship Branch (Employment Ontario) at 800.387.5656.
Download a printable bochureWhat is an apprenticeship program?
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, 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 Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship program (CDP) via distance education. Courses are offered through Contact North (night classes), correspondence and online.
How long is the program?
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).
The information provided on this handout is subject to change based on changes in College policy (as set by the Board of Governors) or by the guidelines set by the MTCU.
- There is a “classroom fee” payable to the institution for each of the courses in the program. Generally, theory courses are $70 each while placement courses are $20 each. Once an apprentice pays the “classroom fee” she/he becomes registered/enrolled with the College as an CDP student. 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).
- There are six placement courses associated with specific theoretical courses in the CDP program. It is strongly recommended that they be taken concurrently. Involvement, cooperation and participation between the sponsor educator and college supervisor are vital to the success of the Apprentice.
| Title | Delivery Method |
Offered | ||
| Fall | Winter | Spring/Summer | ||
| Year 1 | ||||
| ECA100: Child Development I | CN | X | ||
| ECA105: Health, Safety, and Nutrition | IL | X | X | X |
| ECA110: Creative Arts | IL | X | X | X |
| ECA115: Child Development II | CN | X | ||
| ECA125: Preschool Learning Environment I | CN | X | ||
| ECA140: Preschool Learning Environment I Placement | IL/Placement | X | ||
| Year 2 | ||||
| ECA120: Advocacy and Bias-Free Practice | IL | X | X | X |
| ECA130: Preschool Learning Environment II | CN | X | ||
| ECA145: Preschool Learning Environment II Placement | IL/Placement | X | ||
| ECA135: School Age Learning Environment | CN & IL | X | ||
| ECA150: School Age Learning Environment Placement | IL/Placement | X | ||
| ECA200: Child Development III: Assessment and Inclusion | CN | X | ||
| ECA205: Administration | IL | X | X | X |
| ECA225: Interpersonal Communication | IL | X | X | X |
| Year 3 | ||||
| ECA210: Child, Family, & Community | CN | X | ||
| ECA215: Infant/Toddler Learning Environment | IL | X | X | X |
| ECA240: Infant/Toddler Learning Environment Placement | IL/Placement | X | X | X |
| ECA220: Pre-School Learning Environment III | CN | X | ||
| ECA245: Pre-School Learning Environment III Placement | IL/Placement | X | ||
| ECA230: Philosophy of Early Childhood Education | IL | X | X | X |
| ECA235: Advanced Curricula | CN & IL | X | ||
| ECA250: Advanced Curricula Placement | IL/Placement | X | ||
| *CN = Contact North **IL = Independent Learning/Correspondence/Web |
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