Explore Early Childhood Studies
Be the start of something big.
Learn beyond the classroom through meaningful experiences and connections.
In ECS, learning is more than what happens in the classroom — it is found in the connections we build, the experiences we embrace, and the communities we serve. Students are inspired to expand their perspectives, grow their skills, and discover the meaningful difference they can make.
Neurodiverse Voices
A speaker series that invites neurodivergent individuals, advocates, and professionals to share their lived experiences. Students engage with diverse perspectives on inclusion, accessibility, and belonging while exploring strengths-based approaches to supporting children and families.
Voices of Connection
A student-led series that creates space for learners to share their lived experiences, perspectives, and personal journeys. Build empathy, strengthen connections, and gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse experiences that shape our learning community through storytelling and dialogue.
Neurodiverse Student Mentor
Designed to support student success, the Neurodiverse Student Mentor initiative connects neurodivergent students with Erin Hurnacki, a peer mentor who provides guidance, encouragement, and practical support throughout their transition into university life and across their ECS journey. Students build connections, confidence, and a sense of belonging within the program.
Where Learning Comes to Life
Learning extends beyond campus through immersive field experiences that connect classroom concepts to real-world contexts. Visits to sites such as the Superior Court of Justice and a Residential School Museum encourage students to explore advocacy, social justice, history, and reconciliation through firsthand learning.
Walking with Children
Rooted in Indigenous teachings and guided by Elders and Knowledge Holders, this initiative engages in land-based and relational learning. Through experiences connected to the Wiigiwaam, land, community, and story, students explore Indigenous perspectives on childhood, learning, belonging, and care while deepening their understanding of reconciliation and relationship-building.
ECS Interactive Classroom
The ECS Interactive Classroom is a welcoming space where all students can learn, explore, and feel a sense of belonging. Designed around different ways of learning, it offers hands-on experiences, collaboration, creativity, and choice, helping students build confidence while connecting ideas from the classroom to real-world experiences.
Read our inspiring stories about student achievements, staff and instructor innovations, and alumni successes shaping our university community and beyond.
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The heart of ECS: our students’ stories.
Every ECS student has a story, a passion, and a purpose. Explore the experiences, accomplishments, and voices of our students as they learn, connect, and create lasting impact.
ECS Placement Scholarship
Ryan Phan
"I loved how the small program size made it easy to build genuine connections with my peers and professors. I also really valued getting to know students in upper years, who shared their experiences and helped guide me along the way. The mentorship from both my professors and peers made the program feel so personal and helped me grow my educator toolkit."
Lullaboo ECE Scholarship
Brianna Irish
"I love the ECS program because of the welcoming atmosphere and supportive people who help make every day more meaningful. This program gives me the opportunity to learn and grow alongside people with the same interests and passions as me in the field of early childhood studies. While creating a strong sense of connection, support and belonging in the program."
Contributing Research for Publication
Darcy (Drew) Holt
"Guelph-Humber helped me build the foundation of my learning, now I can create exactly the future I want for myself."
Our alumni are a testament to the transformative power of ECS. Through diverse careers, continued growth, and community engagement, they are using their knowledge and passion to create meaningful impact.
Melissa Dodaro
Child Life Specialist
"I have had the opportunity to work with organizations including Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and SickKids as a Certified Child Life Specialist. Each experience has built on the foundation I developed at Guelph-Humber."
Rose Scaccia
Early Interventionist
"My experience in the ECS program has helped me grow both personally and professionally, giving me the knowledge, confidence, and skills to see greater possibilities for my future. The staff in the ECS program truly helped shape who I am today by building my confidence, encouraging me to believe in myself, and teaching me that age is never a limitation when it comes to learning, growing, and pursuing your goals."
Rayanna Rambocas
MBA Candidate, University of Guelph
"My time in the ECS program has been nothing short of transformative. It has opened doors for me to grow, learn, and discover the many ways I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The hands-on experiences, meaningful learning opportunities, and support of amazing professors have allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of my goals and gain the confidence to explore new possibilities for my future."