Early Childhood Studies

Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Studies, University of Guelph
Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Humber Polytechnic

Up to 750 hours of work placement
Voices of Connection certificate
Research opportunities

4-year program, on campus FT
2+ years, transfer, on campus FT
2.5 years, ECE transfer, online PT
2 years, ECE transfer, on campus or online FT

Experience Early Childhood Studies

Be the start of something big. Step into a degree that prepares you to make a meaningful impact on the early development of children. You learn from diverse perspectives and shared experiences in a supportive community of instructors to build the skills to support children and families.

Turn your passion for impacting the lives of children and families into a career that you love, with opportunities in therapy, education, mental health, advocacy, early learning and care, law, and research.

Specializations

You have the option to focus your studies through one of three specializations.

Children's Futures

Develop the skills to anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of children through innovative, ethical, and future-focused strategies.

Courses: Ethics & Privacy with Children; Technology & Innovation; Designing for the Future

Infant & Child Mental Health

Learn how to support the emotional and psychological well-being of children by understanding the complex factors that shape their mental health.

Courses: Grief & Loss; Social Epigenetics; Developmental Neuroscience

Pathway to Child Life

Complete the coursework required to gain expertise needed to support and empower children and families in pediatric healthcare environments.

Courses: Introduction to Child Life; Development in Adolescence; Grief & Loss

Work Experience

U of GH was the first university in Ontario to recognize that combining academic excellence with practical, applied learning creates graduates who are ready to make an impact from day one. It’s what we do best; It’s what has defined us for 25 years.

Complete your degree requirement for work experience with up to 750 hours of placement, and step into real-world roles, build powerful professional networks, and sharpen the interpersonal skills that employers value most.

Placements

Year 2, Winter: Experience an early learning and care setting.
Year 3, Fall/Winter: Participate in a placement related to inclusion and special needs.
Year 4: In fall, select a placement tailored to your career goals. In winter, continue your placement or apply to complete a research thesis.

Note: Students completing placement are required annually to complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening, health forms and be certified in First Aid/CPR - Level C Certification.

Partners

Children’s mental health centres
Children's advocacy
Community-based family organizations
Early intervention and prevention programs
Inclusive early learning and care centres
Hospital child life units
Primary school classrooms
Therapeutic environments

In addition to placement, you can gain real-world experience through our ECS Resource Room, ECS Interactive Classroom, and initiatives outside of class.

Placement Experience

Graduate Testimonial

Every single one of my placements after first year was completely geared toward Child Life or helping vulnerable populations...so when I started my Master’s degree in Child Life & Pediatric Psychosocial Care, I said: ‘OK, I’ve done something like this'.

Faiza A. Child Life Specialist

Careers & Future Studies

At Guelph-Humber, you are equipped with real-world skills that set you up for success after you graduate. According to the 2023 U of GH Graduate Survey, 94% of our graduates are currently employed or pursuing further education.

Here are a few options you can pursue after graduation:

Careers

Registered Early Childhood Educator
Settlement Worker
Behaviour Therapist/Analyst
Policy Advisor
Play Therapist
Early Interventionist
Resource Consultant
Primary Teacher
Child & Family Therapist
Children's Lawyer
Advocacy Specialist
Consultant
Child Protection Specialist
Certified Child Life Specialist
Early Learning & Care Supervisor/Director/Owner

Future Studies

Bachelor of Education
Master of Education
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Master of Arts in Child Study & Education
Master of Library & Information Science
Master of Science in Child Life & Pediatric Psychosocial Care
Master of Social Work
Bachelor of Nursing
Master of Arts in Immigration & Settlement Studies

Admission Requirements

ONTARIO HIGH SCHOOL APPLICANT

To be considered for admission, you must:

Be completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Be completing six 4U/M courses, including:
- ENG4U or equivalent e.g., EAE4U
- Five additional 4U/M courses
Have an admission average above 70%

Application deadline: Jan. 15, 2027

Full Admission Details

OTHER APPLICANT TYPES

Fees & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

Plan your budget with information about tuition, fees, and other estimated costs for the academic year.

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Scholarships, Awards & Bursaries

Discover our scholarships, including the Renewable Entrance Scholarship and Founders' Academic Merit Scholarship.

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Financial Assistance

Find out about government financial aid options, including OSAP and funding for students from outside Ontario.

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