Our mission is to support and promote high-quality early childhood education through a comprehensive theoretical framework and multiple practical experiences for our students and the children in their care. ECCE students are the heart of our department and their success and growth are what drive our commitment to mentor the next generation of educators.
The CÉGEP Heritage College ECCE program, faculty, and students are highly regarded by our partners in the early learning community throughout the Outaouais region..
Our students learn to effectively design and develop early childhood care and education programs for children from infancy to twelve years old, for both childcare and elementary school systems.
Over your three years, you will have over 500 hours of direct interaction with children of all ages through fieldwork placements. Here, you will put your classroom learning into effect!
Pursuing university level education is open to all ECCE graduates. Our graduates can continue their studies in education, psychology, social work, or child studies.
Graduates of the Early Childhood Care and Education program are qualified to work with children from infancy to twelve years old, in a variety of child care settings and elementary school classrooms.
Graduates can also work in administrative positions that deal with children, their education, and care.
Graduates can also teach internationally, work with children with special needs, and pursue education for careers in psychology and social work. CÉGEP Heritage College has articulation agreements with university partners. These agreements may lead to advanced standing at university or shorter time to complete your university degree.
Here are some of the exciting career options you might want to consider.
The ECCE program at Heritage College has opened many doors for me both on the job market and in my academic persuits. The program is a good mix of the theoretical and applied aspects of child development, child care best practices, and an understanding of various curriculums and teaching models. These aspects, and many more, provide a strong foundation for the start of a career working with children or an academic path in education, psychology and many other fields of study.
Sebastien Dorzilme, ECE, B.A.
2017 Graduate
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education, Bachelor in applied Psychology from Bishop’s University, poet and author, currently working in child protective services
I remember my time at CÉGEP Heritage College with fondness and warmth. The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) faculty is comprised of knowledgeable, responsive, and inspirational leaders, which resulted in continuous support throughout my journey in ECCE. With their guidance and expertise, I developed the confidence, insight and skills set to become a strong educator and advocate for children. After graduation, I was inspired to pursue further studies in child development and education: I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Studies from Carleton University and a Master of Education in Studies of Teaching and Learning from the University of Ottawa. My Heritage experience allowed me to connect with a strong community of educational professionals; I had the opportunity to sit on College’s Board of Governors, I had the pleasure of supervising early childhood students on placement with Algonquin College and CÉGEP Heritage College, as well as teaching in the latter’s Continuing Education department! The doors that I open challenge my grit as a lifelong learner, and I am grateful to Heritage and the ECCE faculty for their continued support (even to this day!) in my endeavours.
Jennie Savath, ECE, M.Ed.
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education, Master of Education from the University of Ottawa, currently works for the Ontario Ministry of Education as a Program Advisor
I support early learning and child development for vulnerable clients at various independent non-profit Early Childhood Centers and as a supply shelter caregiver within six different women's
shelters, as well as working within kindergarten classrooms in before and after school programming within the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Heritage provided a warm, welcoming environment with incredible supportive staff who went above and beyond to ensure their student’s success. The small class sizes allowed me to develop close relationships and to work closely with my peers. I credit the support and investment of so many at Heritage to both my continued professional and academic success. Heritage is a truly caring community, and a very special place. Having an experience at another academic institution similar to the one you would have at Heritage elsewhere is not very likely. Going to Heritage is the greatest post-secondary foundation you could ask for to set yourself up for future professional and academic successes.
Kira Baskerville, ECE. ,B.A.
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education, Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development from Algonquin College, currently works for Andrew Fleck Children’s Services offering family support services