The triOS College Early Childhood Education program was designed by Registered Early Childhood Educator Rachel Lafferty, in consultation with three long-term ECE faculty members, Vanushan Maheenthon, Devina Persaud, and Kassandra Rodriguez. The program was reviewed by Program Coordinators Mimi Saleh (Eastern College) and Rana Dhaliwal Singh (triOS/Mohawk College partnership). A special thank you to Joanne Close, Instructional Designer & Copy Editor – Academics, at triOS College, for preparing the commentary and application package for the College of Early Childhood Educators’ education approval process.

The Early Childhood Education Diploma Program (16 months consecutive) offered by triOS College at the Mississauga and Toronto campuses only, has been approved by the College of Early Childhood Educators for a period of two years (2026-2028) for the purpose of meeting the education requirement for registration.

Current government statistics indicating a strong demand for ECE practitioners until at least 2031, motivated the ECE faculty team to establish the elements needed to develop and deliver a comprehensive program of study.

We value our faculty, their commitment to students, and their commitment to the larger ECE sector. A triOS College developed program allows for the retention of ECE faculty and the professional reputation we have established in the Greater Toronto Area as a post-secondary institution dedicated to preparing job-ready graduates.

Mimi Saleh, RECE, ECE Program Coordinator for our Eastern College program, has organized a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) that includes RECE practitioners, employment agency representatives, and community stakeholders that share a common interest in, and passion for, high-quality ECE programs that will benefit children, families, and the communities in which they live and work.

Program Details:

The ECE program prepares future educators with the knowledge and skills required to provide high quality early learning and care. Course topics include how to establish and maintain positive relationships with children and families, how to assess children’s development, and how to design developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments in accordance with provincial legislation. Creating high quality education programs that support the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children from infancy to twelve years of age is emphasized. Students will have the opportunity to connect course theory with real world practice during field practicum in community early learning and care centres, EarlyON sites, and elementary schools, among others.

triOS College’s ECE program will be offered at the Toronto and Mississauga campuses to domestic students as well as to international students, as applicable. All faculty are Registered Early Childhood Educators in Good Standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators, with the majority holding a Master’s degree or currently enrolled in a graduate program.

The ECE diploma program at triOS College fulfills the Ontario Early Childhood Education Program Standard of the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU 51211).

Students will receive the same instruction and practicum opportunities provided by an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology (OCAAT) or an Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (ITAL).

The triOS College ECE program includes the following:

• 1518 total credit hours: 900 hours of in-class content; 93 hours of synchronous seminar; 525 hours of practicum; three General Education courses to meet Ontario program
• requirements (Digital Literacy; Indigenous Studies; Global Citizenship)
• face-to-face on-campus delivery for all program courses apart from seminar courses, which will be delivered with a live Instructor online, once per week, to accommodate students’ travel and practicum schedules
• full-time enrolment (part-time individualized program maps are available to accommodate applicants in accordance with student funding guidelines)
• PLAR and advanced standing credits are available to applicants with experiences and/or education that meets or exceeds the outcomes of related mandatory courses to a maximum credit limit of 40% of the program of study (see Policy A-111 Academic Progression for more information).

All theory courses are delivered using traditional, face-to-face on-campus delivery methods with sector experienced faculty who are Registered Early Childhood Educators in Good Standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators. Practicum Seminar courses are delivered online by the ECE Program Coordinator (synchronously), once per week, to support students’ on-campus and practicum schedules. Students commute to and from the campus and practicum sites from various locations in the Greater Toronto area. Offering the Seminar online allows students to engage in real time with faculty and peers by removing logistical barriers to their learning experience while completing the practicum.

triOS College recognizes that students, particularly those living in the Greater Toronto Area, experience challenges funding their college education. To address this, the College supports students by providing information and resources regarding the following funding sources:

• Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
• Ontario Early Childhood Education Grant Program (education and travel grant; training allowance)
• Indigenous Services Canada (post-secondary student support)
• Indspire (bursaries, scholarships)
• triOS College (bursaries, scholarships)

The Early Childhood Education program will be offered at the triOS College Toronto campus. This campus is adjacent to major TTC subway routes as well as GO and UP transit options. All practicum host sites are within a 50 km radius of the campus.

The Early Childhood Education program will be offered at the triOS College Mississauga campus. This campus is adjacent to public transit, Cooksville GO, Hwy 401, and Hwy 403. All placement agencies are within a 50 km radius of the campus.

For more information visit here.