Advanced Diploma In Leadership In Early Childhood Care & Education

Program Overview

The Advanced Diploma in Leadership in Early Childhood Care and Education is tailored for professionals engaged in the early childhood care and education sector. This program is recognized by the Manitoba Government's Child Care Education Program Approval Committee (CCEPAC) as a pathway to achieve the ECE III classification when paired with a current ECE II certification. It uniquely blends courses from the Professional Studies Program Area and the Developmental Studies Degree Program.

Availability

• Currently Only Available For Domestic Students
• Mode: Hybrid

Tuition & Fees

• Total Tuition: $5,250
• Budget approximately $800 for textbook costs, which may vary based on purchasing choices (new, rental, used, or electronic).
• Additional budget of approximately $400 for annual and term fees.

Objectives & Outcomes

Objectives

• To equip professionals in the early childhood sector with leadership training.
• To provide an opportunity for ECE II professionals to advance to ECE III.

Outcomes

• Comprehension of significant Canadian and Manitoban social policies affecting children and families.
• Ability to analyze trends within the childcare sector.
• Knowledge of fundamental business management principles and their interrelations.
• Understanding of organizational behaviour as well as individual and group dynamics in organizations.
• Proficiency in effective oral and written communication, both interpersonal and team-oriented.
• Development of effective problem-solving techniques.

Admission Requirements

The program necessitates a dual application process. Students must complete the UWPACE and degree-credit studies application forms and submit originals of all necessary documentation.

Academic Requirements

• Must possess a high school diploma or a Mature Status Diploma, including:
  • A High School Transcript or recognized equivalent (GED or Mature Grade 12 Diploma).
• Alternatively, applicants aged 18 or older must have completed at least 90 hours of coursework at a recognized post-secondary institution (including UWPACE) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Official transcripts from all previous post-secondary studies are required.

Additional Requirements

• ECE II (Early Childhood Educator Level II) documentation must be submitted with the application.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose previous education was completed outside of Canada must provide proof of meeting one of the accepted English language proficiency measures.

Courses & Descriptions

The program consists of two main components: Core Courses and Elective Courses. Students have the flexibility to take courses in any sequence, provided they meet the prerequisites. Participants have up to five years to complete the required 360 hours of study, with options to accelerate their completion by enrolling in multiple courses per term.

Required Courses

• The Child, Family, and Social Policy
• Topics in Leadership in ECE
• Advanced Internship in Child Care Administration
• Effective Oral Communication
• Effective Written Communication
• Principles of Human Resource Management
• Financial Fundamentals

Elective Courses

Students must select three elective courses (totaling 108 hours):

• Leadership Development
• Managing Conflict
• Essential Skills for Managers
• Business Fundamentals
• Labour-Management Relations
• Organizational Behaviour

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program may pursue various careers, including:

• Childcare Director
• Early Education Director
• Childcare Trainer
• Early Education Supervisor

Articulation For Credit

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Leadership in Early Childhood Care and Education Program may be eligible for equivalent course credits toward an undergraduate degree at The University of Winnipeg.

Additional Comments

Funding Opportunity for Students

The Regulated Annual Training Grant ($350) is available through the Province of Manitoba for eligible applicants. To qualify, students must:

1. Be employed at a licensed non-profit child care centre.
2. Hold an ECE II classification and be eligible for ECE III upon completing the program.

This grant is to be applied for by the childcare centre directors on behalf of the employee.

The University of Winnipeg Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) is the continuing and professional education division of The University of Winnipeg, one of Canada's leading liberal arts and sciences universities. Since 1972, PACE has been nurturing minds and advancing careers through high quality, dynamic and innovative programs, offering more than 600 full-time and part-time programs, courses and seminars across a wide range of career and academic fields.

PACE is located in Buhler Centre in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It operates under the academic umbrella and outstanding reputation of The University of Winnipeg, which is recognised nationally for academics, inclusion and socially just values. PACE students have access to UWinnipeg's broader campus community, facilities and student services while benefiting from PACE's focused, career-aligned and flexible programming.

Mission and educational philosophy

In a world of constant change, lifelong learning is a means to success. PACE's mission is to expand the potential of every student through a unique education model that blends university-level academics with practical, hands-on experience. Programs are designed in high-growth career fields with strong employment prospects, and are continually evolving to meet the changing needs of the job market.

The success of students is at the heart of everything PACE does. PACE provides unparalleled advantages including small class sizes and industry-aligned programs taught by accomplished professionals who bring real-world knowledge directly into the classroom. PACE's connections to industry leaders, professional associations and the local community provide additional benefits and often serve as a bridge to employment. 96% of PACE students reported satisfaction with the quality of their education.

Full-time diploma programs

PACE's full-time diploma programs are designed in collaboration with industry to prepare graduates for in-demand careers, delivered in just over one year. They combine applied learning, experienced instructors and real-world projects to enable graduates to transition confidently into the workforce. Current full-time programs include:

• Advanced Project Management and Technology Diploma (Hybrid)
• Applied Data Analytics Diploma (In-Class)
• Artificial Intelligence Diploma (In-Class)
• Business Analysis and Transformation Program (Hybrid)
• Construction Project Management Diploma (Hybrid)
• Educational Assistant Diploma (Hybrid)
• Human Resource Management Diploma — Accelerated (Hybrid)
• Strategic Communications and Digital Marketing Diploma (Hybrid)
• Supply Chain Management Diploma (Hybrid)

Part-time programs and courses

PACE's part-time offer spans evening, weekend and online formats, making it accessible to working professionals, career changers and lifelong learners at every stage. Over 600 part-time programs, courses and seminars are available across areas including project management, human resources, business management, network and ICT security, big data and machine learning, marketing, public relations and strategic communication. A dedicated Part-Time Timetable and online registration system allow students to plan and manage their studies flexibly.

Corporate Solutions

PACE's Corporate Solutions division works directly with organisations to design and deliver customised workplace training. From skill upgrading to leadership development and sector-specific professional development, Corporate Solutions provides tailored programmes that meet the needs of Manitoba employers and their teams, delivered on-site or at PACE facilities.

55 Plus Program

In partnership with The University of Winnipeg, PACE supports the 55 Plus Program, which offers mature learners the opportunity to audit regular UWinnipeg courses and engage in lifelong learning at the university level.

International students

PACE welcomes international students from around the world to its full-time diploma programs, offering a pathway to career-focused Canadian post-secondary education in Winnipeg. Dedicated support covers admission requirements, the study permit and immigration process, tuition and fees for international students, homestay and accommodation, student life and living in Winnipeg, and graduation and future pathways. PACE also runs regular live webinars for prospective international students and publishes detailed fact sheets and publications. International student success stories are featured on the PACE website, highlighting the career outcomes of graduates from a wide range of countries.

Pathways to UWinnipeg

PACE provides formal pathways for students to continue from PACE diploma programs into degree programs at The University of Winnipeg. Transfer credit arrangements allow eligible PACE graduates to apply their completed coursework towards a UWinnipeg undergraduate degree, extending the academic value of a PACE qualification and opening doors to further university-level study.

Internships and career development

Work-integrated learning is a core feature of PACE's full-time programs. Students have access to internship placements with industry partners, career development activities including résumé writing, interview preparation and job search support, networking opportunities, guest speakers and career fairs. PACE's industry connections across Manitoba mean that internship partners and employer contacts are embedded into program design from the start.

Industry partners

PACE works with a broad network of industry and community partners across Manitoba to ensure programs remain current, relevant and directly connected to the job market. Partners contribute to curriculum development, provide internship placements and participate in networking and career events. Current partners include:

• ACI Manitoba (Creative Manitoba)
• Winnipeg Harvest
• Investors Group
• People First HR Services
• CPA (Canadian Payroll Association)
• Great-West Life
• Canadian Youth Business Foundation
• Vine Multimedia
• George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation
• Pinnacle
• Pembina Trails School Division
• Seven Oaks School Division
• Organization and Staff Development, Government of Manitoba (with a formal articulation agreement for credit transfer toward UW Professional Studies programs)

Why UWinnipeg PACE

1. Over 50 years of professional, applied and continuing education since 1972, under the academic umbrella of The University of Winnipeg
2. More than 600 full-time and part-time programs, courses and seminars across high-growth career fields, delivered full-time, part-time, evenings, weekends and online
3. Full-time diploma programs designed with industry and delivered in just over one year, combining applied learning, real-world projects and career development
4. Small class sizes taught by experienced industry practitioners, with a 96% student satisfaction rate
5. A clear pathway from PACE diploma programs into undergraduate degrees at The University of Winnipeg through formal transfer credit arrangements
6. Internship programmes and employer connections built into full-time programs, with a broad Manitoba industry partner network
7. A welcoming, inclusive and socially just university environment in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, one of Canada's most multicultural cities