Early Childhood Studies (BA)
Ready to support the growth and development of children from birth to age eight? Take advantage of unmatched learning opportunities at the School of Early Childhood Studies and gain the knowledge and skills needed to advance the health and well-being of children in the early years, and for life. Pursue a rewarding career in practice, policy or research, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families from diverse backgrounds.
275+
National and international field placement settings
1/3
Program hours spent in the field
97%
Students employed six months after graduation
At a Glance
Formats
Start dates
- September or January (Part-time, Direct Entry program)
- September (all other programs)
Accreditation
- College of Early Childhood Educators
Professional Designation
- Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)
Are you a high school graduate, college graduate or working professional? Take advantage of five pathways for completing a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies.
| Full-time, Four Year |
|---|
Program length: Four years of full-time study. Program entry: Year one. Eligibility: High school graduates with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. More admissions requirements. |
| Full-time, Direct Entry |
Program length: Two years of full-time study. Program entry: Year three (fifth semester). Eligibility: Graduates of Early Childhood Education diploma programs from public Ontario colleges. More admissions requirements. |
| Part-time, Direct Entry |
Program length: Two to seven years of part-time study, which consists of flexible evening, weekend and online course delivery. Program entry: Year three (fifth semester). Eligibility: Graduates of Early Childhood Education diploma programs from public Ontario colleges. Many of our part-time students currently work in the early childhood field, and go on to advance their careers. More admissions requirements. FAQs: Part-time, Direct Entry FAQs More information: About the Part-time, Direct Entry program |
| Collaborative BA/BEd program with York University |
Toronto Metropolitan University is the only university in Ontario to offer a collaborative 16-month consecutive BA/BEd program with a combined Early Childhood Studies (ECS) and Primary/Junior specialization. Graduates will enter the job market a full year earlier than their counterparts at other institutions. Program length:
Eligibility: Current ECS students are eligible to apply in the fall of their final year of study. Program entry: Students will begin the BEd program in the spring. The BEd program runs for 16 consecutive months, on Toronto Metropolitan University campus. Degrees earned: Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies and Bachelor of Education with Primary/Junior Teacher Certification. |
| Direct Entry Full-time George Brown/Toronto Metropolitan University Degree Completion program |
Program length: Two years of study at George Brown College, followed by two years of study at Toronto Metropolitan University. Program entry: Year three of the Early Childhood program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Eligibility: High school graduates with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or mature students. Degrees earned: Bachelor of Arts from Toronto Metropolitan University and an Early Childhood Education diploma from George Brown. More information: Early Childhood Education (Consecutive Diploma/Degree Program) (external link) |
By integrating academic studies with professional education, our curriculum positions you for career success. You'll graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to:
- Plan early learning environments where all children thrive
- Adapt programs to support children with disabilities
- Investigate, assess and evaluate children's development
- Implement therapeutic interventions such as music, art, speech, and physical and occupational therapies
- Lead, advocate and resolve conflicts
Required courses and professional courses challenge you to develop a strong foundation in early childhood studies. You'll learn more about:
- Child development
- Observation
- Curriculum
- Infant mental health
- Working with children with special needs
Field placements provide you with the rewarding opportunity to put theory into practice in actual employment environments. You'll gain valuable experience in a variety of settings such as child care programs, public schools, special needs programs, family resource centres and children's hospitals.
You'll even have the opportunity to extend your education beyond early childhood studies. A minor can further enrich your knowledge, while electives in professionally related courses and liberal studies — such as history, sociology and geography — allow you to broaden your perspective.
Prepare for a range of careers working with young children and their families:
Early Childhood Education and Care
- Registered early childhood educator (RECE)
- Early literacy or home care consultant
Work with Young Children with Disabilities and their Families
- Resource consultant
- Early intervention specialist
- Specialized service
Leadership and Administration
- Manager, early learning centres
- Field education coordinator, college or university
- Licensing specialist or consultant
- Executive director or chief executive officer
Our graduates take on opportunities within Ontario Early Years Centres, family resource programs, parenting and family literacy centres and multi service agencies.
Many of our alumni go on to complete post-graduate studies in community services and related fields. They become child life specialists or teachers, or pursue careers in legal justice, law, research, policy and advocacy.
The School of Early Childhood Studies offers the only Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies in Canada.
By integrating a strong foundation in early childhood studies with professional education, field practice and liberal studies, our undergraduate curriculum lays the groundwork for professional success.
You'll spend a significant amount of your time with us — one third of your program hours each year — linking theory with field practice in a variety of professional settings. These placements include child care programs, public schools, special needs programs, family resource centres and children's hospitals.
Two internationally recognized learning laboratories — the Toronto Metropolitan University Early Learning Centre and the Gerrard Resource Centre — provide outstanding opportunities for practice and research.
Plus, we support your success with:
- 1,000 placement partners across the Greater Toronto Area
- International placement and student exchange opportunities
- Leadership opportunities on the ECS Course Union and our school council and its committees
- Interprofessional education workshops
- Approachable faculty with expertise in early childhood care and education, child development, family support and social policy, and equity and inclusion