September has seen the start of a new course at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Ontario, Canada, that aims to increase access to early childhood specialist degrees in Ontario. Twenty-three students were welcomed into the new Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies at the Burlington campus, which was developed in partnership with faculty from Sheridan and Mohawk Colleges. The program director, Dr Pat Dickinson, says, “The students, who have completed a two-year Early Childhood Diploma at an Ontario college with a B average, can now complete the four year Honours Bachelor’s degree with two years of full-time study with CSU. As with the existing Bachelor of Primary Education Studies already offered at CSU in Ontario, this course has both Australian and Canadian faculty offering broad experiences to these students.” The course is one of only a few available in Ontario which provide early childhood educators with full credit for their two year diploma. CSU will accept more students into this program in January 2010.