Program description

If you are interested in working in Québec as an Early Childhood Educator or Assistant, this 11 month program will formally prepare you to begin your career in a daycare, home childcare centre or after-school program.  With three years of experience obtained before or after graduating from this 1110-hour program, you will be recognized by law as one of the required two-out-of-three qualified professionals in the setting. 

Our graduates have found employment quickly upon graduation. This is a field in high demand. Upon completion, you will receive an Attestation of College Studies that will allow you to work as an early childhood educator in Quebec in a variety of early learning settings such as childcare centres, school age programs, nursery schools to name but a few.

For questions about the profession in Quebec, see here.

We look forward to working with you!

Dates and deadlines

  • Admission opens:  May 1, 2025
  • Admissions deadline:  August 8, 2025
  • Program starts:  September 2, 2025

*The College reserves the right not to offer a program due to insufficient registrations.

Information sessions

Attend an online information session to hear more about the program, admission and certification requirements. 

  • Thursday May 29, 2025, 12 - 1 pm
  • Wednesday June 18, 2025, 4 – 5 pm
  • Tuesday July 29, 2025, 6 – 7 pm

Sign up for an information session

Location

(Course delivery and technical requirements)

This program is delivered in an online synchronous format via MS Teams and you must be present and active in the online classes that run Monday-Friday from 9-12 and 1-3.

Students complete two in-person fieldwork experiences at a childcare setting in their area. The first one takes place in February and the second one occurs in July-August.

Students are expected to attend live sessions remotely using the following equipment:

  • Computer
  • High-speed internet access
  • Headset with microphone
  • Webcam

Admission criteria

How to apply

To apply for admission:

  • Complete the online application on SRAM. Click onto the Continuing Education application portal.
  • Select CÉGEP Heritage College and the program of your choice along with the corresponding SRAM program number.
  • If applicable, submit all required documents by uploading them to your SRAM application account. You must also pay the non-refundable application fee to SRAMThe documents and payment must be submitted by the deadline.

General admission requirements:

You are eligible to register in a program if you are a:

  • Canadian Citizen or
  • Permanent Resident or
  • Holder of a valid Student Visa

And you can provide proof of previous studies deemed acceptable by the College, for example:

  • A Quebec Secondary V Diploma or a Diploma of Secondary Studies or equivalent scholarity or
  • A College Diploma or a University Degree or
  • An “Évaluation comparative des études effectuées hors du Québec” or
  • Partial high school studies, coupled with a recommendation from a current or former employer that you would benefit from pursuing your education at the post-secondary level as well as a curriculum vitae.

And you meet one of the following three conditions:

  • You have not been a full-time student for at least two consecutive terms or one school year within the last 12 months.
  • You are part of an agreement between the College and an employer, or you are sponsored within the terms of a government program (for example: CSST, Emploi-Québec).
  • You have completed at least one year of post-secondary studies spread over a period of one year or more.

And if you do not have a certificate of eligibility to study in English or exemption,you meet the following French language criteria at the time of admission. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions related to Law 14 and our Attestation of College Studies (ACS) Programs

Level 7 in oral French

Level 4 in written French

You must also demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English. Language evaluations may be required based on previous studies.

Program Profile

Stage 1

Code
Credit
Weight
# of hours
  • 322-203-HR
    Introduction to the Profession

    In this course, students will become acquainted with the early childhood profession by exploring topics including the different settings educators work in, the laws and regulations that govern those settings, career opportunities, and the educator’s roles and responsibilities with regard to supporting children’s learning, ethics, and ongoing professional development.  

    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
    322-203-HR
    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
  • 350-223-HR
    Support the Child’s Overall Development 1

    In this course, students will be introduced to the basic principles of child development by focusing on the cognitive and physical growth of children from 0-12 years old.  

    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
    350-223-HR
    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
  • 322-194-HR
    Health and Safety in Educational Childcare

    This course prepares students to maintain health and safety in early childhood education settings by creating safe environments, evaluating and supporting children’s well-being, and responding to emergencies. Students will learn to recognize and report signs of abuse, protect their own physical health, and apply strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout. Emphasis is placed on promoting the safety and well-being of children and educators. 

    2
    2-2-2
    60
    322-194-HR
    2
    2-2-2
    60
  • 322-233-HR
    Pedagogical Approaches

    This course introduces students to a range of educational philosophies and approaches used in early childhood education. Students will explore the characteristics, benefits, and limitations of various approaches, as well as the dispositions that align with their foundational principles. Emphasis is placed on understanding how these approaches can complement one another to support diverse learning environments. 

    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
    322-233-HR
    1.66
    2-1-2
    45

Stage 2

Code
Credit
Weight
# of hours
  • 350-233-HR
    Support the Child’s Overall Development 2

    In this course, students will be introduced to the basic principles of child development by focusing on the language, social, moral, emotional, and sexual growth of children from 0-12 years old.

    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
    350-233-HR
    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
  • 322-214-HR
    Observing Children

    This course equips students with the skills to effectively observe and document children's behaviour and development to support their learning. Students will explore the observation cycle, select and adapt appropriate tools for various situations, and analyze data to identify children's strengths, needs, and interests. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, reflective practice, and creating comprehensive portraits of children's development to guide responsive educational practices. 

    2.33
    2-2-3
    60
    322-214-HR
    2.33
    2-2-3
    60
  • 322-244-HR
    Daily Democratic Intervention

    This course explores strategies to build meaningful relationships with children and support their autonomy, self-confidence, and social-emotional development. Through responsive approaches, students will design and adapt learning experiences that promote children’s moral and social skills, including sex education, while fostering partnerships with families. Emphasis is placed on reflecting on interactions and play-based learning opportunities to create inclusive, child-centered environments that enhance development and self-knowledge.

    2
    2-2-2
    60
    322-244-HR
    2
    2-2-2
    60
  • 322-194-HR
    Healthy Lifestyle Habits

    This course prepares students to maintain health and safety in early childhood education settings by creating safe environments, evaluating and supporting children’s well-being, and responding to emergencies. Students will learn to recognize and report signs of abuse, protect their own physical health, and apply strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout. Emphasis is placed on promoting the safety and well-being of children and educators. 

    2
    2-2-2
    45
    322-194-HR
    2
    2-2-2
    45
  • 322-263-HR
    Children and Healthy Eating

    This course explores the role of early childhood educators in promoting healthy eating habits in children. Students will develop strategies to encourage nutritious choices, support play-based learning about healthy eating, foster consistency through effective communication with families, and reflect on the skills and attitudes needed to foster lifelong healthy eating habits in children. 

    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
    322-263-HR
    1.66
    2-1-2
    45

Stage 3

Code
Credit
Weight
# of hours
  • 322-273-HR
    Educational Actions with Children

    This course focuses on designing and implementing educational opportunities that meet the diverse needs and interests of children aged 2-12. Students will explore strategies for organizing engaging environments, identifying and selecting appropriate resources and materials, planning community-based activities, and fostering effective communication with families to support preschoolers’, kindergarteners’, and school-aged children’s learning and development. The course emphasizes adaptability, collaboration, and family involvement in creating inclusive educational experiences. 

    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
    322-273-HR
    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
  • 322-283-HR
    Artistic Expression

    This course explores the role of creativity in early childhood education, focusing on planning and implementing musical, movement, dramatic, and artistic learning experiences. Students will learn to support children’s creativity through play-based, collaborative approaches and to share insights with families to foster consistency and partnerships. Students will also engage in reflective practice to develop the skills and attitudes needed to nurture creative expression in young children. 

    1.66
    1-2-2
    45
    322-283-HR
    1.66
    1-2-2
    45
  • 322-293-HR
    Literacy and Numeracy

    This course explores strategies for nurturing literacy and numeracy skills in early learning through engaging and inclusive approaches. Students will learn to integrate child-led play, educator-guided activities, and family partnerships into their approaches while effectively documenting children’s development. Reflective practice will be emphasized, encouraging students to evaluate their interactions, attitudes, and methods for fostering foundational learning in literacy and numeracy. 

    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
    322-293-HR
    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
  • 322-006-HR
    Initiation Internship

    In this course, students will participate in a fieldwork experience in an early learning program. Students will work closely with an on-site supervisor and faculty advisor as they observe children and design and implement play-based learning opportunities to support children’s needs and interests. 

    3
    1-5-3
    90
    322-006-HR
    3
    1-5-3
    90

Stage 4

Code
Credit
Weight
# of hours
  • 322-234-HR
    Guide Children with Specific Needs

    This course focuses on supporting children with specific needs by fostering individualized, family-centered approaches. Students will learn to observe and identify a child’s needs, create tailored support plans, and implement strategies that consider the child’s family and community context. Emphasis is placed on collaboration with families and resources to ensure inclusive and effective educational interventions. 

    1.66
    2-2-2
    60
    322-234-HR
    1.66
    2-2-2
    60
  • 322-303-HR
    Caring Communication in a Professional Context

    This course focuses on developing the communication skills necessary for building positive and professional relationships in early childhood education. Students will learn to engage respectfully and responsively with children, families, and colleagues, emphasizing professionalism, collaboration, and the sharing of meaningful information to support children's growth and learning. 

    1.66
    2-1-1
    45
    322-303-HR
    1.66
    2-1-1
    45
  • 322-313-HR
    Partnership with the Family

    This course examines the importance of collaboration between educators, families, and community resources to support children’s development. Students will learn to communicate effectively with families, analyze the evolution and diversity of family structures in Canada, and address family needs while identifying risk and protective factors. The course emphasizes strategies for building inclusive partnerships and overcoming barriers to ensure holistic support for families and children. 

    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
    322-313-HR
    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
  • 322-323-HR
    Educational Actions with Infants and Toddlers

    This course focuses on designing and implementing educational opportunities that meet the diverse needs and interests of children aged 0-2. Students will explore strategies for organizing engaging environments, identifying and selecting appropriate resources and materials, and fostering effective communication with families to support infants’ and toddlers’ learning and development. The course emphasizes adaptability, collaboration, and creating inclusive educational experiences. 

    1.66
    2-1-2
    45
    322-323-HR
    1.66
    2-1-2
    45

Stage 5

Code
Credit
Weight
# of hours
  • 322-00G-HR
    Internship for Integration into the Profession

    In this course, students can consolidate information gained throughout the program. Students are expected to be active participants in the goal-setting and evaluation process. Responsive learn-through-play program design and implementation is central. During the six-week block placement, students are expected to plan, implement, and reflect on children’s learning experiences. Throughout this course, students will work closely with an on-site supervisor and faculty advisor.

    6.33
    1-15-3
    240
    322-00G-HR
    6.33
    1-15-3
    240

Fees

Application fee

Application fee paid to SRAM. This fee is non-refundable.

Registration fees Fall 2025

The following registration fees are paid per semester by Quebec residents to the College:

Full-time registration fee*$20.00
Full-time special fees$105.00
Full-time common education fees$25.00
Computer user fee$40.00
Total for Quebec resident =$190.00

Fees are subject to Quebec residency status. Quebec Residency will be checked once students are admitted. For more information on documents required to demonstrate Quebec Residency status please contact the Registrar's Office.

*Non-refundable fee

Non-Quebec resident fee

Non-Quebec residents pay a fee of $1833.00 on top of the standard registration fee. Total registration costs for a non-Quebec resident are: $2023.00.


Questions? Contact us

Continuing Education Department

B111

819-778-2270 ext. 1779

conted@cegep-heritage.qc.ca