People come to early childhood education from all kinds of places — a career that stopped feeling right, years working with children without the credential. Whatever brought you here, the next step is the same: the Early Childhood Education diploma.
Guided by Registered ECE Instructors · Practice in State-of-the-Art Lab · Build Hands-On Experience Through 3 Industry Placements · 16 Months Comprehensive Training
Two Early Childhood Education programs in Toronto, built for flexibility. Hybrid schedule. Practicum included.
The Situation
People come to early childhood education from all kinds of places — a career that stopped feeling right, years working with children without the credential. Whatever brought you here, the next step is the same: the Early Childhood Education diploma.
OIHI's ECE Diploma takes 16 months on a hybrid schedule — theory online, practical sessions at our Midtown Toronto campus. It's one of very few private colleges in Ontario offering the full ECE Diploma with NACC certification.
The programs
Both programs run hybrid from OIHI's Midtown Toronto campus, with practicum placement arranged through 80+ GTA employer partners.
One of the few private colleges in Ontario offering it.
*Contact admissions for tuition and financial aid details.
OIHI's Early Childhood Assistant Program is the best starting path to begin your career in the childcare sector.
*Contact admissions for tuition and financial aid details. ECA to ECE pathway available.
The ECE diploma opens doors across a range of settings — from government-funded childcare centres to school boards.
Here are the environments where qualified ECEs are actively hired.
With experience and qualifications, you can grow into higher-paying roles like lead educator or pedagogical leader.
ECA Graduate · 7 months
Every professor I met at OIHI treated me with respect, inclusion, and kindness. They saw my potential, honored my journey, and helped me grow. The staff at OIHI have been nothing short of extraordinary. Each department is filled with professionals who care deeply about student well-being. To them, I offer my heartfelt gratitude — for their encouragement, their trust, and their belief in me.
Finding a practicum on your own can be a serious obstacle, especially for someone who doesn't already have connections in the sector.
At OIHI, you don't find your own placement. OIHI arranges it for you, through an established network of 80+ GTA employers.
From OIHI's network of 80+ GTA employer partners. We handle the match — you don't source your own placement.
ECE Diploma includes 3 × 6-week placements — each in an actual childcare or early learning environment with experienced supervisors on site.
OIHI's Career Services team supports you with job searches, resume prep, and interview guidance after you graduate.
Leave your details and an admissions advisor from OIHI will be in touch.
They'll walk you through which Early Childhood Education program fits your situation, what funding options are available, and when the next intake opens.
