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Advanced Childcare Professional

Start your career in early learning with practical skills, real confidence, and a recognized certificate.

The Advanced Childcare Professional Certificate is a practical, career-focused program designed to help you move beyond foundational childcare knowledge and take on greater responsibility in early learning settings. In just a few weeks, you’ll strengthen your skills in behaviour guidance, inclusive classroom practices, developmental support, and activity planning.

Through real-world scenarios and applied learning, you’ll develop advanced strategies to create engaging learning environments, support children with diverse needs, and collaborate effectively with families and educators. You’ll gain the confidence to guide classroom dynamics, foster creativity, and promote positive developmental outcomes.

Whether you’re currently working in childcare or preparing to step into a more senior role, this certificate equips you with the professional skills and leadership mindset needed to make a lasting impact in early childhood education.

*Cost reflects available grants.

Format

Online
Self-paced

Duration

6 weeks

*120 hours, self-paced with

 12 month access

Outcome:

Certificate

Start Date:

Start any time

Register to start

Tuition: 

$1,295

Grants:

$400

Skills Grant

Your cost:

$895

Per course

Control how you learn and progress

Your life is full — work, family, commitments. These online certificates are built to fit your schedule, not the other way around.

100% Online

Every lesson is delivered on demand — no live classes or fixed schedules.

Your schedule

Study between shifts, on weekends, or whenever you have a few spare minutes.

Your pace

Move through modules at your own speed. Pick up right where you left off, on any device — anytime.
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Begin today. Learning that starts when you're ready.

No intake dates, no waiting periods — register and start your learning journey right away.

Your enrolment is confirmed the moment payment is complete.

Complete your registration

Register online and complete your initial payment — you're officially enrolled, no semester start dates required.

Access learning platform

Log in instantly and find all course materials, lessons, and assessments ready and waiting for you.

Learn at your own pace

Study when it works for you — pause, resume, and progress on your schedule with no deadlines or fixed class times.

Enrollment & Tuition

Choose how you pay

Two ways to start. Both lead to the same certificate.

Payment Plan

Spread Your Payments

$195 to start
$195 Today
$350 Month 2
$350 Month 3

Total: $895  ·  No interest or fees

Get Started — $195 Today →
Why this program

Built for professionals ready to lead classrooms, not just support them.

Moving beyond foundational childcare means taking on greater responsibility — program planning, inclusive practices, and staff mentorship. This certificate is designed for practitioners ready to lead in early learning settings and make a deeper impact.

Lead program planning Design and implement age-appropriate learning activities and routines.
Support children with diverse needs Apply inclusive strategies for children with developmental differences.
Guide staff and volunteers Provide mentorship and model best practices in childcare settings.
Navigate licensing standards Understand regulatory requirements and quality benchmarks.
Is this for you?
This program was built for people like you.
This is for you if…
You hold an ECE certificate and want to deepen your expertise
You're in a supervisory childcare role and need advanced credentials
You're managing a program and want to strengthen your leadership skills
You're working with children with diverse needs and want specialized training
Basic childcare experience or ECE foundation recommended.
This program is for practitioners ready to move beyond entry-level roles into leadership, program design, or specialized support. If you're ready to advance, you're ready.
This program builds on your experience with advanced strategies — so you can lead with confidence in any early learning setting.

*This program does not require approval under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

Build a stronger foundation in early learning by completing both Level 1 and Level 2 together.

Earn Two Certificates — and Save Even More

You save an additional $250 when you enrol in both levels together.
Limited-Time Offer – Enrol Today!

Earn a Verifiable Digital Certificate:

  • Receive your official digital credential

    When you complete the program, you’ll receive a secure, verifiable digital certificate issued by York College of Applied Studies. Your credential can be downloaded for your records, shared directly with employers, and added to your LinkedIn and other professional profiles to showcase your achievement.

Download as PDF

Share with employers

Add to Linkedin

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Need help deciding?

We know choosing the right program is a big decision. Ask us anything about our Community & Social Services certificates — programs, tuition, funding, or how to get started. 

Our team will help you find the path that fits your goals, your schedule, and your budget.

  • Get guidance on program fit
  • Learn about payment plans and funding
  • Understand timelines and next steps

Frequently asked questions:

Are payment plans available?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all certificate programs. You can choose your preferred plan during checkout.

When can I start?

Once your initial payment is processed, you’ll receive your login details by email. You’re welcome to start the program right away or at a time that works best for you.

Is financial aid accepted?

We accept a variety of funding sources, including Better Jobs Ontario, WSIB, ODSP, Ontario Works, Indigenous Education funding, private student loans, and RESP.

What's included in tuition?

Your tuition includes complete access to all course materials, 26 hours of comprehensive online training, dedicated student support throughout your program, and your official York College certificate upon successful completion.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The duration listed on each program page reflects the minimum estimated completion time. Since our programs are self-paced, you may take up to 12 months to complete your coursework. Many students finish sooner, while others choose to move at a more flexible pace that fits their schedule.

How do I access the learning system? Are there any computer requirements?

Our learning platform is web-based and can be accessed through any major internet browser, including Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox. There is no special software required. A computer or laptop with reliable internet connection and an up-to-date browser are recommended for the best experience.

You may also access the platform on a tablet or mobile device. However, for completing assignments and viewing certain course materials, a laptop or desktop computer is recommended.

Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

Yes. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a digital certificate in PDF format. The certificate can be downloaded for your records, shared with employers as proof of completion, and added to your LinkedIn and other professional profiles.

Can I claim the course costs on my taxes?

The federal government recognizes that the nature of work is changing and that many Canadians need to upgrade their skills to stay competitive.

The Canada Training Credit (CTC) is a refundable tax credit designed to help offset the cost of eligible training programs. For full details, please consult the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.

Key highlights of the Canada Training Credit:

Available to Canadian workers 26 to 65 years old
You must be a Canadian resident who files an income tax and benefit return
You must have paid eligible tuition or training fees to an approved educational institution in the year you claim the credit
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