Accredited by the College of Early Childhood Educators

Become a Qualified Early Childhood Educator in 16 Months.

Three education programs in Toronto, built for flexibility. Hybrid schedule. Practicum pathways for every program.

An OIHI educator working with a child at a table

Reserve My Spot

Leave your details and an admissions advisor will be in touch.

Program of Interest, required
Province, required
Status in Canada, required

THE PROGRAMS

Three programs. One field: working with children. All at OIHI.

All three run from OIHI's Midtown Toronto campus. ECE and ECA include practicum placements arranged through 80+ GTA employer partners; the EA diploma offers an optional 180-hour practicum pathway.

An early childhood educator reading with a young child
162k ECE jobs projected in Canada, 2024 to 2033
Full ECE Credential

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.

An early childhood assistant supporting a child at play
Hybrid scheduleSupervised Practicum 540hrs Placements in real childcare settings, arranged by OIHI through 80+ GTA employer partners.
ECA Diploma

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.

An educational assistant supporting a student in a classroom
Educational Assistant

Educational Assistant

Want to support students in classrooms and school settings? The EA diploma covers child and adolescent development, inclusive education and learning support, with a flexible study load.

  • 38 weeks · Full online or hybrid · 20 to 25 hrs/week
  • Optional 180 hour practicum pathway (6 weeks)
  • Diploma credential · First intake: Fall 2026
  • Financial aid: ask admissions*

*Financial assistance options may be available for those who qualify.

Reserve My Spot — EA

Your practicum is arranged and supervised — it's part of the program.

3 placements × 6 weeks (540 hrs)

Each in an actual childcare or early learning environment, with experienced supervisors on site.

Arranged by OIHI

From the network of 80+ GTA employer partners. We handle the placement, you do not source it yourself.

Career support after

OIHI's Career Services team supports job searches, resume prep and interview guidance after you graduate.

As an ECE graduate, you can pursue roles across a wide range of settings:

Leadership & Administrative Roles


  • Lead Educator / Pedagogical Leader
  • Child Care Centre Supervisor / Manager
  • Quality Assurance Coordinator

School Board & Educational Support


  • Designated Early Childhood Educator (DECE)
  • Educational Assistant / Special Needs Assistant
    Now a direct program
  • Student Support Worker

Specialized Roles


  • Resource Consultant (special needs)
  • Family Support Worker
  • EarlyON Child & Family Centre Facilitator