FAQ

CEGEP is a post-secondary educational institution unique to the province of Quebec. You must hold a high school graduation diploma or equivalent to apply for Early Childhood Education.

Yes! You will be required to have:

• a vulnerable sector check - completed prior to each fieldwork experience through Student Services and in cooperation with the Gatineau Police. Students are not permitted to begin fieldwork without a current/valid vulnerable sector check.
• proof of immunizations – all child care staff and volunteers are required to have up-to-date immunizations. Proof of immunizations will be required and a medical form signed by a medical professional must be submitted to the Fieldwork Coordinator prior to the start of fieldwork.

CÉGEP Heritage College and the  Early Childhood Education program are proud to welcome students from around the world! Please be aware, however, that many regulations, procedures, and various forms of documentation are required for any student applying from outside Canada. Please direct your inquiries to our Registrar's Office for more information. 

Our program offers over 400 hours of child contact time in a variety of child care settings with children ranging in age from infancy to twelve years. In each year of the program, students participate in fieldwork experiences at early learning programs throughout the Outaouais region. Additionally, you attend mini-practicums, imbedded within Early Childhood Educationcourses, to round out your learning with different age groups.

Yes! The College’s co-op program allows you to work in childcare related summer employment. These are paid positions that help you gain valuable experience, establish relationships with partners in the early learning community, and practice resume-worthy teaching skills, programming, communication, and networking. Advisors are available during the school year to discuss the process of finding a co-op placement and making the most of your unique job opportunity.

There are many opportunities for Early Childhood Educators. Our graduates often develop programs for or work in: 

• Infant, toddler or preschool child care programs
• School age programs
• CPE’s or licensed child care
• Special needs programs
• Summer camp programs
• Forest school programs

Careers can include, but are not limited to:

• Parent Support Worker
• Play Group Coordinator
• Home Child Care Provider
• Kindergarten RECE (ON)
• Early Literacy Specialist
• Child Care Consultant
• Nursery School Teacher
• Recreation Program Coordinator
• Coordinator/Manager/Director in various early learning settings

There are also university opportunities after graduating with an ECE diploma. If you wish to continue your studies, you may consider a Bachelor of Arts and/or Bachelor of Education program leading to a Master's degree program. Examples of academic disciplines may include:

• Concurrent Education (obtaining a B.Ed while pursuing a B.A.)
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Child Studies
• Youth Counseling
• Social Work
• Speech Language Pathology
• Occupational Therapy

The ECE program consists of core ECE courses as well as general education courses. There are six semesters, each with 5 – 8 courses. A full description of each semester can be found in the program profile. 

Due to the structure of the course calendar, you must complete all three years of the program to receive your DEC and graduate with a diploma in  Early Childhood Education. In some cases, general education courses will be offered during the spring/summer semesters, however,  Early Childhood Education courses are only offered in the fall and winter semesters.