Now Recruiting: Program starts October 27, 2026

Early Childhood Education (ECE)Diploma Program

FREE TUITION For eligible
Red River Métis Citizens

A part-time, hybrid ECE Diploma pathway for Red River Métis Citizens, delivered in partnership with Assiniboine College and MMF Early Learning & Child Care.

Free tuition available for eligible Red River Métis Citizens

Part-time hybrid format with online classes and in-person practicums

Graduates are eligible for ECE II classification

Delivered in partnership with

Program Details

Develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide high-quality early learning and child care for young children. The Early Childhood Education Diploma is provincially accredited by the Child Care Qualifications and Training Committee (CCQTC), and graduates are eligible for classification as an Early Childhood Educator Level 2 (ECE II).

Program dates

October 27, 2026 to May 4, 2029

Format

Part-time, hybrid

Online classes & in-person practicums. Assistance finding practicum placements is available.

Credential

Early Childhood Education Diploma

Awarded by Assiniboine College. Graduates are eligible for ECE II classification.

Eligibility

Red River Métis Citizen (MMF Citizenship # required)

Completed Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent

English 40G/40S or equivalent with a minimum grade of 60%

Current Criminal Record Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check (or Employment Verification Letter, where applicable)

Program Schedule

Hybrid classes

Tuesday Evening • 3.5 hours
Wednesday Evening • 3.5 hours
Saturday Daytime • 6 hours

Class blocks run for five weeks at a time, with 13 hours of class each week

Four practicum blocks

Each practicum block runs for four weeks (140 hours).
Together, the four blocks provide 560 hours of practical experience at licensed early learning and child care centres.

A pathway built around you

There is no single path into Early Childhood Education. You may be exploring the field for the first time, ready to begin training, or looking to build on experience you already have. MET will meet you where you are and work with you to find a pathway that fits your goals.

Tell us your goals

Start by connecting with MET. We will learn where you are today, what you want to achieve, and the kind of ECE career you are working toward.

Build your pathway

We will create an individualized action plan with you and identify training options that fit your goals and your circumstances.

Explore available supports

Eligible Red River Métis Citizens may qualify for training and funding supports through MET, based on their individual plan and eligibility.

Who can express interest?

Red River Métis Citizens with a valid MMF Citizenship number

Anyone interested in starting or advancing a career in Early Childhood Education

Citizens willing to complete MET intake and work with us on an individualized action plan

Additional requirements may apply depending on the training pathway you choose

How to Apply

Review the documents below, complete the required forms, and submit your application package to Métis Employment & Training (MET).

MET will coordinate the application process with Assiniboine College.

Resource

Application Process

Overview of the application process from Assiniboine College. For reference only. This document does not need to be returned.

Download PDF

Required

Program Application & Guide

Complete all personal fields and include the completed document with your application package. Ensure the form is signed and dated on the second page.

Download PDF

Resource

Assiniboine Program Page

Review program requirements, admissions information, curriculum, and Early Childhood Education Diploma details on Assiniboine College's website.

View program page

Required

Permission Waiver Form

Allows Assiniboine College to share attendance, grades, and account information with MET. Pre-filled for the duration of the program through May 2029.

Download PDF

If applicable

Employment Verification Letter

If you work at a Manitoba early learning centre, you may submit an employment verification letter in lieu of recent Vulnerable Sector and Child Abuse Registry checks, where applicable.

Download template

Application Checklist

Application Form Required Completed, signed, and dated. Ensure the form is signed and dated on the second page.

Assiniboine Program Page Resource Review program requirements and admissions information.

Permission Waiver Form Required Completed and signed.

Criminal Record Check: Vulnerable Sector Required Submit the completed check or a receipt confirming it has been requested. May be replaced by an Employment Verification Letter if applicable.

Child Abuse Registry Check Required Submit the completed check or a receipt confirming it has been requested. May be replaced by an Employment Verification Letter if applicable.

Employment Verification Letter If applicable Letter from your early learning centre verifying employment and confirming prior review of a negative Vulnerable Sector Check and clear Child Abuse Registry Check. This may be submitted in lieu of recent checks where applicable.

Official High School Transcripts Required Must show English 40S or 40G, or equivalent, with a minimum grade of 60%. Unofficial transcripts are not accepted. Also include a copy for MET pre-screening.

Official Post-Secondary Transcripts If applicable Submit official transcripts from any post-secondary institution attended.

Start your application

What happens next

01

Confirm eligibility and funding

MET will work with you to confirm your eligibility, funding, and individualized action plan.
02

Application review

MET and Assiniboine College will review your application. Additional documents may be requested if anything is missing.
03

Enrollment

Successful applicants will receive an acceptance letter from Assiniboine College and information about the next steps before the program begins.

Questions? We're here to help.

Contact MET if you have questions about eligibility or the application process.

MET Recruitment: METRecruitment@mmf.mb.ca 204-586-8474 ext. 2731

Early Childhood Education (ECE)Diploma Program

Program Details

Eligibility

Program Schedule

A pathway built around you

Who can express interest?

How to Apply

Application Checklist

Start your application

What happens next

Questions? We're here to help.

Contact Us

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