Program Details

Early Childhood Education

Diploma of College Studies (DCS)
Multicultural Classroom Activity

About the Program

Childhood Educators have professional expertise in accordance with the Educational Childcare Act and its governing regulations.

Join LaSalle College Montréal's Early Childhood Education DCS program to learn how to meet a child’s basic, psychological, and educational needs and establish a partnership with parents and partners in the field, understanding the importance of discussing necessary interventions with a child.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of child development theories.
  • Acquire practical teaching techniques to engage and support young children's development.
  • Enhance communication skills to interact with children and families in a culturally sensitive manner.
  • Gain knowledge of educational regulations, fostering professionalism and ethical practice.

Profile

Successful Early Childhood Educators have a unique combination of skills, including:

  • Patience

    Display understanding while working with young children for their growth and development.
  • Adaptability

    Adjust teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of young children.
  • Communication

    Build positive relationships and effective collaboration with children, parents, and colleagues.
  • Creativity

    Design engaging and interactive learning experiences that foster curiosity and a love for learning in young children.

Career Prospects

Driven by the increasing number of preschool-age children and government commitments to create new subsidized spaces and recruitment measures, employment opportunities are very favourable.

According to the Canadian Government, Childhood Educators are crucial for the economy, especially in Québec.

To address high demand, "Opération main-d’œuvre" was launched in 2021, aiming to boost learners enrollment in this field. 

Career Fields

Early Childhood Educators can work in different environments:

  • Early Childhood Centers, daycares, and home daycare services,
  • School daycare services,
  • Coordinator offices,
  • Drop-in daycare centers.

Diploma & Accreditation

This Diploma of College Studies (DCS) is approved by the ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur of Québec and is internationally recognized.

Holders of a Diploma of College Studies (DCS) can pursue university studies or enter the workforce directly.

Prerequisites

Proof of eligibility might be requested for internships. A background check is necessary. This request will be made by the College.

Proof of up-to-date basic immunization might be requested as an internship requirement:

  • Diphtheria,
  • Poliomyelitis,
  • Tetanus,
  • Rubella,
  • Mumps,
  • Measles.

Vaccinations for COVID-19, hepatitis B, and influenza may also be required.

Learners must be in good health.

Required Materials

A laptop computer is mandatory for study in this program. This laptop must be equipped with the Windows operating system to work with all software.

Mentors may request other standard or student-licensed software mandatory for their courses to be installed.

Learn more about the benefits

It has been determined that a Windows PC is required for your program. If you plan to use a Mac, you may need to configure your Mac laptop to run software on Windows.

Minimum Requirements :

  • Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent  
  • 8 GB of RAM or more  
  • 512 GB or larger SSD (Solid State Drive)  
  • Windows 11 (Home, Education, or Pro versions).  

Recommended Requirements

  • Intel Core i7 processor or equivalent  
  • 12 GB of RAM or more  
  • 512 GB or larger SSD (Solid State Drive)  
  • Windows 11 (Home, Education, or Pro versions).  
Child Playing with Playdough

Opportunities

Our unique approach incorporates real-world experience with classroom learning for a hands-on, practical education.

  • Collaborate with active industry professionals;
  • Sharpen skills in a practical setting;
  • Observe real interaction between professionals and children at our very own daycare centre.

Accelerate your career! 

Cutting-edge facilities & equipment

Experiment with cutting-edge, industry-standard equipment, software, and technology in our advanced facilities, including:

Actively participate and collaborate with teachers using these specialized facilities, boosting your motivation and confidence.

Work Experience

Get sought-after practical experience with our Career Service, open-doors daycare centre, and Work-Study Program (WSP), which incorporates two paid internships into your program.

Our Early Childhood Education program also includes three internships as part as the curriculum:

  • Discovery of the Profession (105 h),
  • Professional Involvement (180 h),
  • Integration into the Job Market (330 h).

Admissions Criteria

Exceptions to these admission criteria may be applied.

Every application is reviewed by the College.

To be eligible for acceptance into this program, applicants are generally required to meet one of the following criteria:

  • Secondary School Diploma (DES).

  • Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) with completion of:

    • Language of Instruction from Secondary V,

    • Second Language from Secondary V,

    • Mathematics from Secondary IV.

  • Equivalent education or an instruction deemed sufficient.

Academic Dates

LaSalle College has three annual start dates: fall, winter, and summer.

We accept applications at any time. Registration is open year-round.

Processing time:

  • Canadian applicants: up to two weeks,
  • International applicants: up to six months.

Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure a spot in your desired semester.

Note that applications are not processed until all required, validated documents and admission fees are received.

List of Courses

Diploma of College Studies (DCS) programs consist of:

  • General education courses common to all programs,
  • General education courses specific to the program,
  • Complementary general education courses.

Concentration Courses

  • Working in Early Childhood Education (60 h)
  • Child Development 0-5 Years (60 h)
  • Democratic and Intercultural Interventions in Education (75 h)
  • Child Health in Educational Services (60 h)
  • Child Safety in Educational Services (60 h)
  • Family and Intercultural Environment of the Child (45 h)
  • Observing the Child in Educational Services (60 h)
  • Supporting Self-Development and Social Skills (45 h)
  • Developing Artistic Expression in Children (45 h)
  • Supporting the Development of Healthy Lifestyle Habits (45 h)
  • Stage 1-Discovery of the Profession (105 h)
  • Providing Educational Services to a Group of Children (45 h)
  • Planning and Facilitating Educational Activities (60 h)
  • Organizing the Educational Environment (45 h)
  • Stage 2-Professional Involvement (180 h)
  • Supporting the Child Here and Elsewhere in Their Needs (60 h)
  • Discovering Books (60 h)
  • 1-2-3, Numbers Are Magical! (45 h)
  • The Overall Development of Children aged 6-12 (45 h)
  • Socializing, Educating, and Preparing Children for School (45 h)
  • Professional Relationships in Educational Services (45 h)
  • Balancing Personal and Professional Life (45 h)
  • Stage 3-Integration into the Job Market (330 h)
  • Development of Soft Skills in Educational Services (45 h)
  • Final Project in Early Childhood Education (75 h)
  • The School Environment (45 h)

* The College reserves the right to substitute certain courses.


General Education Courses

College-level institutions emphasize general education that focuses on core cultural knowledge, skill development, responsible citizenship, and shared cultural heritage.

Alumni have a well-rounded skill set and general knowledge that is valued in the workplace.

  • 3 Physical Education courses (90 h)
  • 3 Philosophy courses (150 h)
  • 4 Language and Literature courses (240 h)
  • 2 Second Language courses (90 h)
  • 2 Complementary courses (90 h)

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Open House | Salle Jean-Paul-Morin (2nd floor), LaSalle College

Open House

Discover why, every year, thousands of students choose LaSalle College to achieve their dreams.
  • November 2, 2024
  • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM