COSTI: Pathways to Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Pathways to Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Canada’s demand for qualified ECE professionals is growing rapidly, offering stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities to advance into specialized roles. Our 12-week-long hybrid Early Childhood Education program prepares participants, including internationally trained individuals, to succeed in the Canadian workplace, pursue ECE certification, and secure employment in licensed childcare or EarlyON Child and Family Centres.

The program includes an eight-week sector-specific skills training component followed by a four-week paid work placement, providing both industry knowledge and practical experience.

Register for a callback from the ECE program team.

Services Available

Job-specific language training and individual career planning
Soft skills training and customer service training
Canadian workplace culture
Credential guidance and assessment
Industry-specific networking opportunities
Certifications included: Infant and Child CPR/First Aid, Food Handler Certification, Occupational Health and Safety Training
Job search support, including self-marketing and resume development
Hands-on workshops to help participants understand ECE settings, expectations, and best practices.
Four-week-long paid work placement in a licensed childcare centre or EarlyON Child and Family Centre

Who is Eligible

Residents of York Region
Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, Refugee Claimants with a Work Permit or Naturalized Canadian Citizens
International experience as an Early Childhood Educator, Preschool Teacher or Primary Teacher, or possess a Bachelor's Degree in Arts
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5+
Mandatory Vulnerable Sector Check

Program Intake

First cohort: March 16 - May 8, 2026
Placement: May 11 - June 5, 2026

Second cohort: June 15 - August 7, 2026
Placement: August 10 - September 4, 2026

Third cohort: September 14 - November 6, 2026
Placement: November 9 - December 4, 2026