Program Overview

  • Part-time, three-year combined High School and Early Childhood Education diploma program beginning in January and April 2023.
  • Online course delivery and workplace practicum allow you to continue to work while studying.
  • Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition process gives you credit for your experience working in the field, reducing your overall course load.

Eligibility Criteria

Admission and funding will be prioritized for applicants working in the sector who identify as Black/African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaq/Indigenous.

To be eligible for admission to NSCC's Link Program, applicants must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Reside in Nova Scotia, and have Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency, or refugee/protected persons status (temporary foreign workers, international students, or any other person in Canada on a temporary resident visa do not qualify).
  • Be out of school and not have previously completed a high school diploma.
  • Meet with an NSCC academic counsellor to complete an assessment process.
  • Have a Canadian Language Benchmark minimum score of 8 or equivalent in all categories, if English is not your first language.

Additionally, if the applicant works in the sector, applicants must:

  • Hold an Entry Level classification issued by EECD and have the ability to complete practicums at your place of work.
  • Be employed in licensed child care or Pre-primary for at least 15 hours per week at the time of application and throughout the duration of the program.
  • Receive verification from your employer that (1) supports your participation in the program, (2) agrees to provide you a minimum of 15 hours of work per week for the duration of the program, and (3) commits to supporting you in workplace practicum experiences.

Individuals who are not working in the sector, must complete regular practicums, which are unpaid. Those who are able to secure employment within the sector during the program, can request to complete workplace practicums.

EECD will work with NSCC to find placements for students who would like to find employment and do workplace practicums.

 

How to Apply

Applications are now open for the January and April 2023 ECE Link Program. Limited spaces are available. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until all seats are filled. Not currently accepting applications.

 


Questions about funding eligibility?

Email ecetraining@novascotia.ca


Questions about the ECE Link Program?

Email Odette Merchant, Project Manager, at Odette.Merchant@nscc.ca