Bachelor of Early Learning Program Development (Honours)

Program description - September 2025

The Bachelor of Early Learning Program Development is a four-year, paid co-op degree program, delivered at the honours level, that will provide students with an applied understanding of developing early learning programs at the classroom and community levels. The program will prepare graduates for a number of progressive careers that support children, youth and families in the areas of pedagogy, curriculum development, implementation and coordination, program development and co-ordination, and social policy work. With a focus on preparing reflective professionals, the program will offer students opportunities to develop strong critical thinking and professional communication skills that will enable them to work successfully in an inter-professional team. Program design, implementation and evaluation will be considered within a framework of research-informed practice, population focus, and social inclusion. Throughout the program, students will experience authentic, situational learning opportunities that highlight the links between theory and practice in engaging and meaningful ways. They will be challenged to consider multiple theoretical perspectives as a lens to understanding social policy and determining promising professional practices that shape social and educational programs. Conestoga also offers a diploma program related to the early childhood education (ECE) field.

Note:

• Upon successful completion of the Human Services Foundation program (degree stream), students may apply to Conestoga's Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice or Bachelor of Early Learning Program Development degree programs.