The Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development (Honours) at Algonquin College program prepares you to work with children and families in both the community development and educational sectors.

There is an increasing awareness of the importance of early learning in society. Similarly, there is an ongoing need to develop and support early learning opportunities for children and their families within a variety of settings. 

The early learning sector is evolving to address these changes. This program is ideal for those who want to play a role in these developments.

This program combines theory and practice, giving you the skills and knowledge you need for engaging with communities, families and children to create and implement community and school-based programs that support early learning and development.

Throughout the program, you have three varied field placements within both community and school settings. These give you the chance to apply your skills to real-world settings. 

With field placements, applied learning and a semester-long work term, graduates are ready for employment in the community development and education sectors.

Early childhood education is a physically demanding profession. Individuals entering this profession must be able to lift children, materials and equipment (up to 70 pounds). 

As well, individuals must be able to move quickly/run between areas in the room and outside in order to ensure children`s safety. 

In addition, educators must constantly observe children to ensure safety and to assess children`s abilities, skills and interests in order to develop meaningful curricula. 

Entering the program without these abilities may result in unsuccessful field placements and students who fail to successfully complete field placements are not eligible to graduate from the program.

• Academic/Official Transcripts
• Language Proficiency test scores
• Passport or Visa Documents
• Official translations of documents in a language other than English

College Eligibility

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
• Mature students are applicants who have not achieved the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or its equivalent and who are at least 19 years of age on or before the commencement of the program in which they intend to enrol.

Mature students applying for Degree programs satisfy College Eligibility by successful completion of at least one full-time term at the post-secondary level (minimum of five courses taken concurrently in an academic program of study).

Program Eligibility

• Six Grade 12 university (U) or university/college (M) courses with a minimum 65% average including One Grade 12 U English course, with a minimum of 65%.
• Please note that mature students must meet the following subject-specific Program Eligibility requirements, either directly or through equivalencies: One Grade 12 U English course, with a minimum of 65%.
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above.

Iran

The following:
    1. Diplom-Metevaseth/National High School Diploma with a minimum grade of 14 in required program subjects.
• Include transcripts for any post-secondary courses or programs completed

India

One of the following certificates with a minimum mark overall of 65% and min 60% min. in required program subjects:

• Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
• the India Senior School Certificate
• the Pre-University Examination Certificate
• the Intermediate Examination Certificate

China

One of the following:
    1. The National Senior High School Examination with a minimum grade of 70% or B in relevant subjects (School Leaving Certificate).
    2. Graduation Certificate awarded by senior (upper) middle school; may be academic or vocationally oriented with a minimum of B or 70% in relevant subjects.
    3. Matriculation Examination with a minimum mark of 525. Include transcripts for any postsecondary courses or programs completed
• Include transcripts for any post-secondary courses or programs completed