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Program Index Health & Human Services Early Childhood Education Diploma (Full-Time)

Health & Human Services

Program Index Health & Human Services Early Childhood Education Diploma (Full-Time)

Health & Human Services

Diplomas

Early Childhood Education Diploma (Full-Time)

Fall 2025
Yorkton
View Intake

Overview

General Program Information

As an early childhood educator, you will support children as they learn through play. Your role includes:

  • Creating developmentally appropriate curriculum
  • Designing inviting and effective quality learning environments
  • Developing holistic programs that encompass early literacy and language, creative arts, numeracy, and open-ended play experiences both indoors and outdoors
  • Building relationships with children, families, community partners, and other professionals

All domestic students who successfully complete year 1 of the ECE Diploma program as a full-time student in 2025-26 will receive a tuition bursary.  Please note, all tuition must be paid at the beginning of the program.

Certification and Further Education

  • ECE Diploma Graduates: Eligible to apply for Level III Early Childhood Educator (ECE) license through the Ministry of Education of Saskatchewan
  • Child Care Centre Director: ECE III certification required
  • Further Education: Transfer credits to the University of Regina's Bachelor of Education degree program in Elementary Education

Potential Careers

High demand for Level III ECEs in Saskatchewan. Career options include:

  • Group early learning and care settings (birth to age 12)
  • Working with children with diverse needs
  • Frontline educator or director in early learning and child care centres
  • Preschool or elementary school settings
  • Kids First or Aboriginal Head Start programs
  • Early childhood intervention programs (ECIP)

Admission Requirements

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for most of Suncrest college's programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission the more likely it is you will secure a seat in the program of your choice.  Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

If you have an admissions questions email [email protected]. 

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. 

Grade 12 with English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30

1 Intake Option Available

Fall 2025 Full-Time
Yorkton

Yorkton

Full-Time
Fall 2025
Start Date October 6, 2025
End Date June 4, 2027
Length 2 Years
Domestic Tuition $10,200.00
International Tuition $36,000.00

Additional Fees

Domestic Tuition & Fees per year
 

Tuition
 		$5100 / yr
*Books and Materials$1500 (includes GST)
*Student Fee
 		$100.00
*Health & Dental Fee
 		$252.00
*Tech Fee$100.00

*Note: Tuition, Books and Supplies, Health and Dental, etc amounts are approximate, based on last year's program and may change at anytime.

Courses

Year 1
Year 2
Year 1
Year 2

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Credit Units: 4.00

Course Hours: 60.00

You will study the developmental milestones from conception through the stages of infancy, toddlerhood to age five. The course provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality, brain development and methods of studying human behavior, including indigenous world views. You will learn about the effects of heredity and the environment, including culture, on the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children and behavior.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Credit Units: 4.00

Course Hours: 60.00

Credit Units: 9.00

Course Hours: 135.00

Prerequisite(s)

ECE181 or HUMD183

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

ECE107

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

ECE181

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Credit Units: 9.00

Course Hours: 135.00

You will examine the development of infants and toddlers. You will plan a curriculum which includes intercultural experiences and environments that will encourage the holistic development of infants and toddlers.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

PRAC119

Your studies will focus on the concepts and strategies of inclusion. You will discuss historical and current approaches, trends, and issues as they impact the practices of inclusion. You will examine practices related to identification and early intervention.

Credit Units: 4.00

Course Hours: 60.00

Prerequisite(s)

PRAC119

You will explore the elements of curriculum design with a focus on the Project Approach. You will acquire knowledge about emergent curriculum using a holistic approach in designing a responsive and culturally relevant program.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

PRAC119

You will develop knowledge and skills to provide rich opportunities for children to explore and develop holistically through play and learning outdoors. You will examine current research and theories, and practice planning provocations that trigger children’s curiosity and wonderment in four-seasons. You will examine naturalized and urban outdoor places and spaces with consideration to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

PRAC119

You will apply a variety of observation methods and tools used to collect an ethical, objective and holistic view of a child.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

PRAC119

You will gain competence in working with children, families and communities in early learning and childcare education programs. You will complete the first of two practicums in one of the following specialized areas: infant, toddler, diverse needs, frontline educator and administrative.

Credit Units: 9.00

Course Hours: 135.00

Prerequisite(s)

PRAC119

You will use play theory to design developmentally appropriate early learning indoor and outdoor play environments. The course content provides an introduction to approaches in design that support Indigenous ways of knowing and diversity.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

PRAC119

You will focus on the issues related to providing respectful and relevant early learning and childcare for all children and families. You will have opportunities to examine your personal beliefs and values as they relate to the planning and implementation of an anti-bias curriculum for children. You will acquire the knowledge and develop the skills needed to build partnerships with families while respecting their diverse needs and cultures.

Credit Units: 4.00

Course Hours: 60.00

Prerequisite(s)

PRAC119

You will examine the development and characteristics of school age children. This course focuses on the unique role of the educator, childcare issues distinctive to this age and the curriculum that can be designed to accommodate them.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

PRAC119

You will examine additional approaches for guiding children who present more challenging behaviours.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

PRAC119

Your studies will focus on the role of the early childhood educator as it relates to current issues, advocacy, leadership and professionalism.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

PRAC119

You will gain competence in working with children, families and communities in early learning and childcare education programs. You will complete the second of two practicums in one of the following specialized areas: infant, toddler, diverse needs, frontline educator and administrative.

Credit Units: 9.00

Course Hours: 135.00

Prerequisite(s)

PRAC217 or HUMD200 or PD240 or ECE202 or ECE203 or ECE204 or ECE205 or ECE206 or ECE220 or ECE221 or ECE226

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Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories and the homeland of the Métis. Learning takes place at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.

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Why Study Here?

Students who attend Suncrest College can expect smaller class sizes and an easier transition. At Suncrest College students typically receive more one-on-one time with instructors. Our staff will know your name not just your student number.

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Live where you learn, spend less on the extras

I chose College because it was close to home and I could attend classes while I was working. The best thing about College is the small class sizes and awesome instructors.

I would recommend the College because it is a great place to learn and the staff and students are awesome to work with.

Kelly Wog

Early Childhood Education

Get credit for what you know

Do you have prior education, work experience and/or job training that relates to your program area? If so, you could be eligible for credit that reduces your study time and cost. Credit can also be applied from your Sask Polytech program to another institution.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Frequently Asked

You can apply anytime for SaskPolytech certificate programs at "College". However, please note that applicants are accepted on a first come/first qualified basis. Original transcripts are required for acceptance into a program. Applications can be sent without the original but will not be officially considered until all entrance requirements are met (original transcript included).

Yes, most of the programs are available on a class by class basis (for domestic students only). If you are interested in taking a program but can only do a few classes per semester we can create a schedule that will suit your needs. Some classes do have a prerequisite requirement and need to be taken in a certain order. We can help guide you through the process!

Students can complete the online application form and pay the $140.00 processing fee. Applications must include secondary and post-secondary transcripts and documents. English proficiency results must also be attached.

All programs require an IELTS minimum 6.5 with no bands less than 5.5.

Students will cover several courses in each semester and are responsible for assignments and studying. This will definitely require homework outside of class time.

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