Early Childhood Education Workplace
Limited seats for Winter 2025
Combine your experience as a child care assistant (CCA) with in-depth learning and practical training.
Pursue a rewarding career as an early childhood educator while making a difference in the lives of children and families.
This program is specifically designed for experienced child care assistants (CCAs) working in licensed childcare programs across Manitoba.
Early Childhood Education Workplace is an accelerated program that provides the specialized training and credentials you need become an early childhood educator (ECE) Level II, enhance your employment potential and achieve your career goals while you work.
Through a combination of theoretical and practical learning, you’ll integrate your existing experience as a CCA while building your professional skills of an early childhood educator. You will attend classes for two full days every week while working at your current position for the remaining three. You’ll also complete a practicum experience each term at your workplace under the guidance of a practicum liaison.
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Program TypeFull-time
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CredentialDiploma
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Program DeliveryProgram courses are delivered primarily in person, with some components delivered online. See locations to understand where the in-person components of this program take place.In-person hybrid
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In-person LocationsExchange District Campus, Notre Dame Campus, Interlake and Peguis – Fisher River Campus, Portage Campus, Steinbach Campus and Winkler Campus
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IntakesFall, Winter and Summer
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Program Length2 years
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Total Tuition / Fees for CoursesEstimated total tuition fees for all terms of this program for domestic students. Other fees not included in this total include textbooks, supplies, application fee, etc. Learn more ›$10,400 – $11,900
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How to EnrolThis program requires a formal application. Find out how to apply ›Application required
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Application TypeRRC Polytech programs have different types of applications. Learn more about application types ›Direct entry
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Work-Integrated LearningWork-integrated learning includes opportunities like co-op, field and clinical placements, internships and industry projects.Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities
Choose Your Path
Take the Program at Your Preferred Speed
The Early Childhood Education Workplace program offers two different speeds, giving you the flexibility to find learning that fits your experience and advances your career goals.
Accelerated
Students attend academic courses two days per week and work the other three days a week. Each year, students have a break in their schedule during the Spring/Summer term (from late April through August).
Fast-Track
Students attend academic courses two days per week and work the other three days a week. Students complete four consecutive terms including the Spring/Summer term (from late April through August).
Experience a Polytechnic Education
Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term
In this program, you will learn to provide high-quality, inclusive care to children and families across diverse early learning settings. You’ll also combine your experience with knowledge in play-based curriculums, guidance techniques, child development, family relations and professional communication.
TERM 1
Develop practical early childhood education knowledge and build professional communication and planning skills through a variety of foundational courses. Apply your new skills and knowledge in your first practicum.
TERM 2
Build on your foundational knowledge and learn more about planning play-based curriculums, child guidance, relationships and the most current research in child development. Complete your second practicum in your workplace.
TERM 3
Learn to engage the diverse experiences of children, families and communities while building and supporting collaborative partnerships. Complete your third practicum in your workplace.
TERM 4
Integrate your knowledge, skills and experience in your final term as you prepare for a successful career in early childhood education.
Employment Potential
Prepare yourself for career success
Potential Grad CAREERS
- Infant care
- Preschool programs
- Before and after school programs
- Nursery schools
- Family child care
- Family resource programs
- ECE supports in early years classrooms
- Supervisor and assistant director
- Child development counsellor
Affiliations and Accreditations
What to Expect in This Program
Get Prepared for the Future of Work
Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.
Applied Research
Bridging Theory and Practice for Real-World Impact
RRC Polytech is a leader in applied research in Canada. Matching industry needs with College resources and facilities drives innovation and growth in our province — and beyond.
Connect theoretical knowledge with practical solutions, foster innovation and contribute to industry advancements as part of this program.
Graduate Success
RRC Polytech grads play a significant role in fulfilling the demand for early childhood educators. As a graduate of the Early Childhood Education Workplace program, you’ll join a community of successful alumni who socialize, educate and empower children, families and community members across Manitoba.
The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2019-2020 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.
98% – NEW GRADS HIRED
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Workplace program can apply for ECE Level II classification through the Government of Manitoba. This credential, alongside the advanced knowledge and industry connections you build at RRC Polytech, gives you everything you need to achieve your career goals.
98% – SATISFIED WITH RRC POLYTECH EDUCATION
RRC Polytech graduates confidently pursue careers in their industry thanks to our combination of in-depth theory and practice. With this versatile set of skills and knowledge, you’ll be able to re-establish your career, develop your guiding and planning skills and pursue exciting new opportunities.
100% – CONSIDER INSTRUCTORS KNOWLEDGEABLE
RRC Polytech instructors are experts and industry leaders with years of experience in various child care settings. They regularly update their skills, work with the community and maintain strong links with employers to ensure your education is practical, up to date and aligned with industry needs.
Who Should Enrol?
Turn your talents into academic success
As a student in the Early Childhood Education Workplace program, you want to help children, families and communities reach their full potential. You’re currently working as a child care assistant (CCA) and want to enhance your education and expand your career opportunities.
Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.
PERSONALITY TRAITS
- Adaptable
- Big-picture thinker
- Community-oriented
- Creative
- Team-oriented
SKILLS
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Positive attitude
- Problem solving
INTERESTS
- Child development and guidance
- Child-inspired play
- Inclusion
- Families
- Community
All the Information You Need
MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.
LOCATION, DATES AND FEES
Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.
OTHER INFORMATION
Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.
DATES AND FEES
Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.
LIST OF COURSES
Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.
OTHER INFORMATION
Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.
Begin Your Journey
Get Started with RRC Polytech
Start Your Application
Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.
Funding Your Education
Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.
Future Student Events
Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.