Become a Qualified Early Childhood Educator in 16 Months.
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
Ontario needs Early Childhood professionals.
Here's the fastest path to becoming one.
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
Two programs.
Both in Early Childhood Education.
Both at OIHI.
Both programs run hybrid from OIHI's Midtown Toronto campus, with practicum placement arranged through 80+ GTA employer partners.
ECE Diploma
One of the few private colleges in Ontario offering it.
- 16 months · 4 semesters · 1,742 hours
- Financial aid available · Talk to admissions
- In-person / Hybrid · 3 × 6-week placements · 540 practicum hours
*Financial assistance options may be available for those who qualify.
ECA Diploma
OIHI's Early Childhood Assistant Program is the best starting path to begin your career in the childcare sector.
- 30 weeks · 725 hours
- Financial aid available · Talk to admissions
- In-person / Hybrid · 1 × 6-week placement
- NACC certified · Pathway into ECA roles in Ontario
*Contact admissions for tuition and financial aid details. ECA to ECE pathway available.
As an ECE graduate, you can pursue roles across a wide range of settings:
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.
Leadership & Administrative Roles
- Lead Educator / Pedagogical Leader
- Child Care Centre Supervisor / Manager
- Quality Assurance Coordinator
Specialized Roles
- Resource Consultant (special needs)
- Family Support Worker
- Early ON Child & Family Centre Facilitator
School Board & Educational Support
- Designated Early Childhood Educator (DECE)
- Educational Assistant / Special Needs Assistant
- Student Support Worker
What OIHI graduates said about the program
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.
Your practicum is arranged and supervised — it's part of the program.
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.
OIHI arranges your practicum placement
From our network of 80+ GTA employer partners. We handle the placement — you don't source it yourself.
You complete supervised placements in real settings
ECE Diploma includes 3 × 6-week placements — each in an actual childcare or early learning environment with experienced supervisors on site.
You graduate with career support behind you
OIHI's Career Services team supports you with job searches, resume prep, and interview guidance after you graduate.
It starts with a simple call.
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.
