Early Childhood Education and Care

Now taking applications for January 2012 start date

The Early Childhood Education and Care program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with young children and their families in child care settings. Students progress through an interrelated series of awareness of self in relationships and practical experiences in becoming an Early Childhood Educator.

Students who successfully complete the required courses, including all practica, will be eligible for either VIU’s Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care. An overall average of “C+,” as well as “C+” in each of the ECEC and CYC courses is expected of students in order to proceed through the program and to graduate at either the Certificate or Diploma level.

Upon completion of the Certificate and following 500 hours of appropriate and documented satisfactory work experience, graduates are eligible to apply for a basic license to practice through the Early Childhood Registry, Ministry of Children and Family Development. Graduates of the Diploma program will be eligible to apply to the Registry for a license to practice as a Special Needs Educator and an Infant/Toddler Educator . For up to date information on licensing requirements, including 500 hours of work experience, please visit www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/educators.htm.

Following admission to the program, students are encouraged to become members of the professional association of Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC). More information about ECEBC, membership fees and benefits can be obtained from the ECEC faculty, or by visiting www.cfe-efc.ca/ecebc.

Career Opportunities

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for qualified individuals to work with young children in child care facilities. Graduates of the program may find employment opportunities in a variety of child care settings such as day care centres, pre-schools, private kindergartens, child care resource and referral, and child and family service agencies. Employment opportunities in the field increase with further training and work experience.

Related Programs

Individuals who complete the ECEC Certificate program will receive a minimum of one year transfer credit towards the Child and Youth Care Diploma at Vancouver Island University, or one year credit towards the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care at Vancouver Island University, the University of Victoria or the University College of the Fraser Valley partnership program.
Completion of the ECEC diploma program meets the eligibility requirements to apply for admission to the third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care at Vancouver Island University, the University of Victoria and the University of the Fraser Valley.

Options for Completing ECEC Diploma

1) Full program via video conference at Powell River Campus, if pilot is successful
2) Video-conference with North Island College
3) Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute
4) Distance program with Northern Lights College
5) Relocate to Nanaimo, NIC– Courtenay, or other schools.