Indigenous Overview
The Early Childhood Education Administration graduate certificate program provides early childhood educators with specialized knowledge, skills and abilities in administration, management and supervision applicable to the early years sector. Graduates may find employment in supervisory and administrative roles in a range of early years and child care settings, including centre-based and homebased child care, child and family programs (e.g., EarlyON child and family centres and children’s services (e.g., supports for children* with special needs, children’s mental health services and early intervention programs).
Program Details
Program Highlights
This Ontario College Graduate certificate program has been designed to meet the needs of individuals who have already received their Early Childhood Education Diploma (or its equivalent) and wish to pursue professional specialization.
The program provides Early Childhood Educators with the knowledge and techniques necessary to work in supervisory/administrative positions. The curriculum focuses on communication strategies, staff supervision and leadership skills, financial management, marketing, advocacy and professionalism in child care settings.
Program Outline
2026-2027
Students construct, practice and analyze a variety of communication strategies, related to the responsibilities of a Supervisor/administrator in Early Childhood environments. Students develop a professional communication portfolio which includes; sample formats for surveys, program brochures, business letters, media releases, newsletters, policies/procedures and business proposals. Additionally students assess and analyze which strategies are most effective with different client groups; children, parents, board of directors, volunteers, staff and other community professionals. Through online discussions, postings, case studies, readings, assignments and practical applications, students have the opportunity to practice and utilize effective communication skills including analysis, research, evaluation, and decision-making to affect change in the workplace.
Students analyze the influence of theoretical philosophies when designing curriculum models that are consistent with research and developmental principles in Early Childhood Education Administration. Administrative strategies for curriculum design and implementation are evaluated for consistency with Best Practices for children's optimal learning. The ELECT document provides a framework model for administrative analysis. Students analyze current early childhood curriculum models such as Montessori, High/Scope, Reggio Emilia; Bank Street, Creative Curriculum, and the Full Day Early Learning Program to understand the role of the administrator in curriculum design. Through discussions, postings/presentations, case studies, readings, assignments and practical applications, students have the opportunity to practice and utilize curriculum design skills including analysis, research, evaluation, decision-making to affect change in the workplace.
Students examine historical, political, professional, and social issues affecting early childhood administration practice in current Early Learning programs. Students review professional responsibilities and practices of ECE supervisors and administrators and analyze them within recognized best management practices. Students review strategies characterizing advocacy roles and responsibilities for ECE supervisors that reflect an in-depth understanding of early childhood education and ethical practices within the context of a self-regulated profession. Additionally students develop strategies for personal and professional development growth in a management capacity. Through discussions, posting/presentations, case studies, readings, assignments and practical applications, students have the opportunity to practice and utilize advocacy and professional skills including analysis and reflective practices.
This subject explores effective communication and theories of leadership. Through a process of self-evaluation, students will develop a professional leadership style appropriate to the role of an administrator of an early childhood education setting. Students will develop techniques to hire and maintain quality staff in an Early Childhood Education program.
Students examine marketing principles and practices as they apply to the manager's role in the operation of early childhood education centre. Participants will research and develop marketing plans through the identification of the needs of clients and market demands, including SWOT and PEST analyses. Strategies for effective program marketing, publicity, and promotion will be determined and evaluated for effectiveness. Through discussions, presentations, readings, research, assignments and practical applications, students have the opportunity to prepare and evaluate effective marketing plans.
This program is designed for professionals with an Early Childhood Education Diploma or recognized equivalent, who are now, or would like to be, administrators of child-care services. The program may also be of interest to child-care administrators who are: - currently learning "on the job" - early childhood educators seeking career advancement - employers encouraging staff development and training..
Students are given a comprehensive overview of developing a financial plan to incorporate the requirements of a licenced ECE program. This involves the use of computer software. Students are required to have a basic understanding of Excel and Microsoft Word
Students will integrate theory and practice by supervising in an ECE program Centre. Over an extended time period, students will demonstrate supervisory skills within the specified framework of their individual settings.
*210 hours
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements:
Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, degree or equivalent in Early Childhood Education. It is recommended students have one year post graduation work experience, though students can begin directly upon graduation from their ECE Diplomas.
Other Requirements:
a. The Early Childhood Education Administration graduate certificate program is based on Ontario childcare regulations as outlined in the Child Care and Early Years Act. It is not relevant to practices outside of Ontario or academic school administration.
b. Students should be prepared to arrange the time required to complete fieldwork placement. In most cases the fieldwork requirement may be completed in the student's workplace with the approval of the St. Lawrence College field placement instructor. Field placement hours may be completed over two semesters as arranged with the St. Lawrence College Field Placement Instructor. Students must complete a minimum of 4 courses before beginning field placement. Field placement may be taken concurrently with the student's final two courses.
c. Students must complete a minimum number of credits in this program with their registering college to meet the Program Residency requirement to graduate from the program.
Health Requirements
Immunization - Communicable Disease Requirements
You must complete the Pre-Placement Health Form as a condition of your placement. THIS FORM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Completed forms are to be uploaded via Placement Pass by ParaMed. To learn more, please visit our ParaMed information page.
Questions can be directed to placements@sl.on.ca.
Other Requirements
Criminal Background Check:
Applicants are advised that Criminal Background Checks (CBC) conducted by the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) are required for programs with field or clinical placements. Certain criminal convictions may prevent participation in placements and program completion may not be possible. Attaining and paying for a CBC and Vulnerable Sector Screening (OPP) is the responsibility of the student, and these may have to be renewed every three to six months. Applicants with criminal records are advised to contact the Associate Dean/Campus Dean of the respective school prior to applying.
Students applying to the Kingston Campus program must obtain the Criminal Background Check from the Kingston Police Force for field placement agencies in the City of Kingston. Because these documents are time sensitive, students should not apply until informed to do so by their program.
Placement
Students in the online ECE program are responsible for finding and setting up their own field placements for the 210-hour field practicum course NEW7. Placements must be within a licensed childcare centre and/or Ministry of Education Kindergarten classroom. Students must be supervised and mentored by a Registered Early Childhood Educator.
Essential Requirements for Field Placement
- 6 program courses
- Student Declaration/Oath of Confidentiality
- Student Covid 19 Waiver
- Immunization
- CPIC – VULNERABLE SECTOR
- First Aid & CPR
Field Placement is physically demanding. It involves the following tasks:
- carrying and lifting children and objects
- responding quickly to emergency situations which may involve assisting with first aid and/or CPR and Epipen
- physically intervening when children are aggressive with materials or other children
- monitor the children’s safety, nutrition, health and general wellness.
Fees
For course fees, please view the following page and click "Part-Time Fees - Quick Reference". Please note that fees are subject to change and updated fees will be available each semester during the registration process.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may be employed as supervisors/administrators in a variety of Early Childhood Education settings.
Program Contacts
Program Contact:
Erin Kehoe
EKehoe@sl.on.ca
Kim Hawley
KHawley@sl.on.ca
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.