FAQs

Who is well suited for this program?
You are best suited for this program if you have strong, observational, analytical and communication skills, are a team player, are self-reliant and enjoy challenges, enjoy working with children and families, and are interested in child development and teaching children through play.

Do you pick your own placements?
No, the field coordinator will place all students taking the full-time on campus ECE program.

You started taking courses through AC Online, could you switch into the on campus program and get credit for the courses you’ve taken?
It is possible to switch into the full-time on campus program; however, in order to do so, you need to ensure that you have all the prerequisite courses for the semester you wish to enter in to.

Will you be able to teach in the public school system when you graduate?
You will not be qualified to be an elementary school teacher, but you may work as an educator in the new full-day kindergarten programs. In these programs, Early Childhood Educators and elementary school teachers work collaboratively to plan and implement learning programs for four and five year old children.

Will you be able to go to teachers college after you get your diploma? Are there pathway options to continue your studies?
In order for entry into teachers college, you have to have a university degree. There are several pathways between Algonquin College’s ECE program and universities. These pathways provide recognition of your college education and allow ECEs to get credit for university courses. You may also wish to move into the third year of the Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development offered at Algonquin College, Ottawa Campus. Visit the Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development (Entry Level 5) webpage for more details.