As an early childhood educator, you plan and organize activities for preschool and school-aged children. You also lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth.
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Entrance Requirements
- Grade 12
- English 30 or equivalent
- English language requirement
- Permanent Resident or Canadian citizenship
- Criminal record check, immunization record, Standard First Aid, and CPR may all be required prior to practicum.
Please note that if you do not meet these entrance requirements, special admissions options may be available.
*Grade 12 is not required for Level 1 Early Childhood Education courses, which is a requirement to work in licensed Saskatchewan child care centres.
Kindersley
Completion of ECE 106, ECE 142 and HUMD 183 meet the Ministry's minimum training requirements for Level 1 certification. Completion of these three courses also qualifies you to receive a Certificate of Achievement from Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
All classes are delivered in the evening.
Part-time classes offered in 2026 are:
LEVEL 2 - DIPLOMA IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECE 100): January 6 - February 6, 2026
- Observation & Documentation (ECE 181): February 10 - March 19, 2026
- Effective Relationships in Early Childhood Environments (ECE 107): March 24 - April 30, 2026
- Practicum 1 (PRAC 104): May 1 - May 29, 2026
- Growth & Development of Yung Children (HUMD 102): June 2 - June 30, 2026
- Curriculum Design in Early Childhood Education 1 (ECE 108): September 1 - September 24, 2026
- Curriculum Design in Early Childhood Education 2 (ECE109): September 29 - October 29, 2026
- Professionalism 1 (PD 100): November 3 - November 24, 2026
- Practicum 2 (PRAC 119): November 25 - December 18, 2026
Maple Creek
Completion of ECE 106, ECE 142 and HUMD 183 meet the Ministry's minimum training requirements for Level 1 Early Childhood Education certification and qualifies you to receive a Certificate of Achievement from Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The Child Guidance 1 (HUMD 183) and Health and Well-Being of Children (ECE 142) courses are also recognized as dual credit allowing you to simultaneously earn Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Grade 12 credits.
An additional ten courses and two practicums meet the license requirement for Level 2 certification.
All classes are delivered in the evening and live streamed from the Swift Current Campus. A facilitator will be onsite to support students.
Swift Current
Completion of ECE 106, ECE 142 and HUMD 183 meet the Ministry's minimum training requirements for Level 1 certification. Completion of these three courses also qualifies you to receive a Certificate of Achievement from Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Part-time classes are delivered in the evening and are offered from September-June.
Part-time classes offered in 2026-27 are:
LEVEL 1 – CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
- Child Guidance 1 (HUMD 183)
- Health Safety & Nutrition (ECE 142)
- Dynamics of Play 1 (ECE 106)
DIPLOMA IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION YEAR 1 (ECE Level 2)
Cohort A - Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 7:00 -9:30p.m.
- Growth and Development of Young Children (HUMD 102): September 8 - October 6, 2026
- Language and Literacy in Early Learning (ECE 120): October 13 - November 10, 2026
- Family and Community Relationships (ECE 107): November 17 - December 15, 2026
- Observation and Documentation 1 (ECE 181): January 5 - February 11, 2027
- Professionalism in Early Learning Settings (PD 100): February 23 - March 23, 2027
- Curriculum Design for Early Learning Environments (ECE 108): April 6 - May 4, 2027
- Applied Curriculum Design in Early Learning Environments (ECE 109): May 11 - June 8, 2027
- Practicum 1 (PRAC 104): Ongoing
- Practicum 2 (PRAC 119): Ongoing
*ECE 108 & 109: Requires ECE 181
DIPLOMA IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION YEAR 2 (ECE Level 3)
- Dynamics of Play 2 (ECE 204): September 9 - October 14, 2026
- Anti Bias Education in Early Childhood (ECE 220): November 16 - December 14, 2026
- Responsive Care for School Age Children (ECE 226): January 4 - February 1, 2027
- Child Guidance 2 (HUMD 200): February 22 - March 22, 2027
- Professionalism 2 (PD 240): April 5 - May 3, 2027
- Practicum 4 (PRAC 218): Ongoing
*All Level 3 classes require PRAC 119 as a prerequisite.
Warman
Completion of ECE 106, ECE 142 and HUMD 183 meet the Ministry's minimum training requirements for Level 1 certification. Completion of these three courses also qualifies you to receive a Certificate of Achievement from Saskatchewan Polytechnic. An additional ten courses and two practicums meet the license requirement for Level 2 certification.
Please note: applications for 2026-27 ECE courses are currently closed.
What You Will Learn
This part-time diploma program gives you an understanding of children’s varying physical, social, cognitive, creative and emotional development stages and teaches the importance of play as a vehicle for learning.
Career Opportunities
As an early childhood educator you will plan and organize activities for preschool and school-aged children. You will also lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth. Employment may be obtained in early learning centres, preschools and private day homes, to name just a few.
Earning Potential
In 2023, the wage estimates for early childhood educators and assistants in Saskatchewan was $14.00-$22.11 per hour, according to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Immigration and Career Training. Employees may earn more or less depending on their employer, location, size of company, training, experience and hours worked.
Scholarship Eligible
More information about available scholarships are found here; Admissions & Scholarships.
More Information About Scholarships
Find Out More
Course offerings vary from year to year based on demand. To find out more about the Early Childhood Education program, contact
Phone: 306-773-1531
Toll-free: 1(866) 296-2472
