Funded Diploma Programs
Program Overview
The accelerated programs (both general and designated deliveries), allow staff with Entry Level, School Age Approval, or Level 1 Classifications to pursue an ECE diploma while working.
- EECD provides funding for tuition, books, and student fees.
- The program duration is 16–23 months depending on education and experience.
- The post-secondary training institution assesses your current knowledge and skills and gives credit for your competencies. This rigorous process is called Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and offers ECEs exemptions from 50–75% of program requirements.
- Courses are delivered online with practicums able to be completed at the workplace.
- Programs are offered at various times throughout the year.
General Eligibility
Additional eligibility requirements vary between institutions and designated programs. Please contact the participating institution directly.
- Hold an Entry Level, Level 1 Classification, or School-Age Training Approval (issued by EECD).
- Be employed in Nova Scotia in a licensed child care or Pre-primary program, working a minimum of 15 hours per week.
- At least one year of work experience (not including practicum hours) in a child care or Pre-primary program in Nova Scotia (minimum 1,080 hours/year).
- Provide employer verification supporting participation and practicum completion.
- Reside in Nova Scotia and have Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident status.
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Not currently enrolled in any formal post-secondary course or program.
- Not have previously completed an ECE diploma.
Participating Institutions
Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education (NSCECE)
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
NSCC also offers designated programs in addition to the general program:
- Africentric program - For questions on application and admissions please email: africentric.ece@nscc.ca
- Mi’kmaw program - For questions on application and admissions please email: Amanda Sylliboy, Academic Chair, amanda.sylliboy@nscc.ca
Application Process
Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education (NSCECE) - https://www.nscece.com
Applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until enrollment is full. Eligible applicants may be placed on a waitlist.
To apply to NSCECE:
- Complete the online Funding Eligibility Application Form.
- Submit a copy of your Entry Level, School Age Approval, or Level 1 Classification.
- Have your employer complete and submit the Employer Verification form.
For eligibility questions, contact: ecetraining@novascotia.ca
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) - https://www.nscc.ca
To apply to NSCC:
- Complete the online Funding Eligibility Application Form.
- Submit a copy of your Entry Level, School Age Approval, or Level 1 Classification.
- Have your employer complete and submit the Employer Verification form.
- Complete the NSCC admissions process if approved for funding.
Contact: Alana Wiens, Academic Chair - ecework.learn@nscc.ca
For ECEs currently working in Acadian/francophone licensed child care or Pre-primary to earn a diploma.
Program offered at Université Sainte-Anne. https://www.etudescollegiales.ca
Université Sainte-Anne assesses your current knowledge and skills, and provides credit for your existing demonstrated competencies. This rigorous process is called Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and allows ECEs to take fewer courses to obtain a diploma.
- Tuition, books, and student fees funded by EECD.
- Work while studying; courses are online and accommodate your work schedule.
- Practicums completed at workplace – no need to take time off to complete practicum.
Designed for current and experienced Family Home Child Care providers interested in earning an Early Childhood Education diploma.
Program offered at Jane Norman College. https://janenorman.ca
- Tuition, books, and student fees funded by EECD.
- Courses are delivered in a combination of online face-to-face and self-directed courses.
All ECE Programs
Knowledge and Skills Assessments
The Department has partnered with the Health Association of Nova Scotia to redesign the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program for early childhood educators.
Work is currently underway to develop a new approach to RPL that will allow successful candidates to earn diploma equivalency.
Additional information about the redesigned program, including application details and timelines will be shared with the sector in fall 2026 and posted here as it becomes available.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Program Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that evaluates your past education and professional experience to determine if you meet the criteria for a Level 2 Early Childhood Educator (ECE) classification in Nova Scotia.
Staff currently working in licensed child care with at least 6,500 hours of experience who successfully complete the RPL process are eligible for a Level 2 classification.
RPL is not a training course. It consists of an exam and interview designed to assess knowledge and skills. Successful completion does not lead to a diploma or credential from a college or university and does not provide the ability to further upskill.