Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Educators are an essential part of a child’s early years, helping to prepare them to navigate the world and to enter into formal education. Our certificate program provides the knowledge and skills you need to provide high quality childcare and education in a variety of settings for children from 30 months to age 12. The diploma program allows you to specialize as either an Infant/Toddler or a Special Needs educator.

Individuals who choose to work as Early Childhood Educators should:

Be caring and have the desire to make a difference in the lives of children.
Be open to a variety of guiding strategies
Have strong communication skills with children and parents of various cultural backgrounds.

Important Notice for Program Applicants Re: Immunization During COVID-19 Outbreak

Thank you for your interest in applying to be a student in one of our Health and Human Services programs at the College of the Rockies. As a successful applicant, you will receive or have received a request to provide documentation confirming you are current in immunizations.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic obtaining and completing these admission requirements has been more difficult, your admission into the Health and Human Services programs will not be held up while you wait to complete these requirements. Recently services have begun to open up and obtaining these documents is becoming available. It is the responsibility of the student to continue to actively seek to obtain and complete these requirements. Please submit any missing admission requirement documentation to Enrolment Services.

Immunization services in BC are in flux as Public Health Departments must regularly reprioritize resource distribution in response to changing COVID-19 conditions. Our local Public Health agency will do their best to accommodate College of the Rockies student immunizations by individual appointment. Immunizations are also available through local pharmacists and Travel Clinics. We recommend that students continue to pursue obtaining required immunizations to complete program admission and practicum placement requirements as soon as available.

If you have chosen not to be immunized, you should submit the waiver form in your application package, as per the package instructions.

Program Overview

The Early childhood Education certificate program is available either online or through blended studies, meaning you would take some courses face-to-face in a classroom, and some online. This program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.

This program also includes a practicum, where you will correspond with your instructor online but receive your practicum experience in a face-to-face work setting.

A minimum of thirty new full-time students (online or on-campus) are accepted each year. An additional block of seats may be reserved for applicants within our regional campus areas as well as in rural and remote locations within British Columbia.

The diploma program allows for specialization as either an Infant/Toddler Educator or a Special Needs Educator and is available online only.

ECE Certificate (1st year): can be completed in 3 semesters of full-time study (or a maximum of 3 years of part-time study) in the classroom, online or a combination of both. The ECE Certificate consists of 13 courses, as well as an introduction to practicum and 2 practicums (45, 190 and 190 hours each), for a total of 52 credits.
ECE Diplomas – Infant/Toddler and/or Special Needs (2nd year): ECE 2nd year courses are offered online and can be completed within 3 semesters of part-time study for a further 23 credits. The successful completion of the ECE certificate and diploma courses constitutes an ECE Diploma. Students with an existing certificate must complete all diploma requirements within three (3) years of enrolling in the diploma program.

At the completion of all courses and practica, a Child, Youth and Family Studies Certificate with an Early Childhood Educator specialization is granted. Graduates of the ECE Certificate are encouraged to continue their studies in the Infant/Toddler Diploma and/or the Special Needs Diploma.

Early Childhood Education Certificate Requirements

Year 1 Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CYFS 101	Inclusive Interpersonal Communication	3
CYFS 102	Observing and Recording	3
ECED 105	Developing Positive Relationships with Young Children	3
ECED 113	Health, Safety and Nutrition	3
ECED 125	Introduction to Practicum	3
ECED 129	Introduction to Early Childhood Education	3
ECED 137	Creating Curriculum with Young Children 1	3
Total		21

Year 1 Winter Semester

Course	Title	Credits
CYFS 116	Lifespan Development	4
ECED 126	Practicum 1	4
ECED 131	Principles of Program Development	3
ECED 138	Creating Curriculum with Young Children 2	3
ECED 150	Guiding Behaviours with Young Children	4
HSWR 106	Families	3
Total		21

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ECED 120	Introduction of Professional Practice	3
ECED 128	Practicum 2	4
ECED 149	Studies in Diversity	3
Total		10
Total: All semesters		52

Successful completion of all Year 1 courses is required for the Early Childhood Education Certificate.

Why Choose an Early Childhood Education Career?

Work in a variety of settings including: child care centres, early learning programs, preschool programs, schools, recreational facilities and more.
Work BC forecasts an opening of close to 6,300 jobs to replace retiring workers over the next 10 years with an additional 3,000 openings due to economic growth.
A rewarding career – creating safe and interactive learning environments where children develop social skills, build their self-esteem and learn important life skills.

View official program outline.

Course Descriptions

Year 1 – Semester 1 – Fall

CYFS-101 – Inclusive Interpersonal Communications

Inclusive Interpersonal Communications enables the student to develop interpersonal communication skills to enhance their professional and personal relationships. We also expect students to clearly evaluate their own values, beliefs, and attitudes that influence their interpersonal communication.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $210.96
Course Outline

CYFS-102 – Observing and Recording

This course is designed to help students learning to become human service workers, education assistants, early childhood educators, and aboriginal education support workers enhance their skills in observing and recording human development and behaviour from birth through adulthood. A variety of observing and recording techniques will be explored in the course.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $210.96
Course Outline

ECED-105 – Developing Positive Relationships with Young Children

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the importance of developing positive relationships with young children. A variety of developmentally appropriate techniques and strategies will be presented and explored to help learners build on their skills and ability to foster nurturing, caring and supportive relationships with the children in their care.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12,ENGL 090, or equivalent. Corequisites: ECED 125 (as a co-requisite is exempt for students auditing or taking the course for general interest).
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $222.60
Course Outline

ECED-113 – Health, Safety and Nutrition

This course focuses on the important aspects of health, safety, and nutrition in the early childhood setting. Topics explored include introduction to field trip and menu planning; the promotion and modeling of a healthy, safe environment; personal hygiene; standards of cleanliness; preventing the spread of communicable diseases; and supporting the management of chronic health conditions.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $222.60
Course Outline

ECED-125 – Introduction to Practicum

Introduction to practicum prepares students with the necessary skills, knowledge and values required for completion of ECED 126 and 128. Students will accumulate theory and knowledge before applying it to practice.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $222.60
Course Outline

ECED-129 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education

ECED 129 provides students with an introduction to the Early Childhood Education profession. The history of early childhood education in Canada and theoretical perspectives that compare and contrast Western and Indigenous views are explored. Regulatory requirements, play-based curriculum and pedagogy, assessing quality environments and practice, diversity, programs and services, and responsibilities of the Early Childhood Educator are discussed in detail. The Early Learning Framework is embedded in the course to help students understand how it informs their practice.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $222.60
Course Outline

ECED-137 – Creating Curriculum With Young Children 1

This course introduces participants to the foundations of creating curriculum using a hands-on self-exploration approach. Participants explore a variety of ways to blend and balance literature, music, art, tactile/sensory and dramatic play. The emphasis is on expanding children’s initiatives in play-based environments.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 40 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? Blended
Cost: $222.60
Course Outline

Year 1 – Semester 2 – Winter

CYFS-116 – Lifespan Development

This course explores the development of humans from conception to death. It includes physical, cognitive and psychosocial developmental domains. Students preparing to work in careers that involve other people need to clearly understand the complex, dynamic process of development throughout a person’s lifespan. This knowledge can provide students with insight into their own development and the development of those they will encounter in their personal and professional lives.

Minimum Credits: 4
Length: 60 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? Blended, On-campus, Online
Cost: $281.28
Course Outline

ECED-126 – ECED Practicum 1

Practicum 1 provides students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in licensed early childhood settings. Students will begin to integrate theory to practice with children aged 30 months to 12 years.

Minimum Credits: 4
Length: 190 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent. Successful completion of ECED 105, ECED 113, ECED 125, ECED 129, ECED 137, CYFS 101 and CYFS 102. Pre/Corequisites: ECED 150
Delivery Method: ? Online, Off-site
Cost: $296.80
Course Outline

ECED-131 – Principles of Program Development

Students gain a deeper understanding of BC’s provincial child care licensing requirements. Students learn how to design inclusive indoor and outdoor play environments for young children, create philosophies and operational policies and procedures, create long and short term developmental goals, interpret rating scales and understand culturally diverse philosophies and practices. The Early Learning Framework is embedded in the course to help students understand how it informs their practice.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent and completion of ECED 129.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $222.60
Course Outline

ECED-138 – Creating Curriculum With Young Children 2

This course introduces participants to the foundations of creating curriculum using a hands on self-exploration approach. Participants explore a variety of ways to blend math, manipulatives, science,cooking and social studies. The emphasis is on expanding children’s initiatives in play-based environment.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent .
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $222.60
Course Outline

ECED-150 – Guiding Behaviours with Young Children

This course focuses on effective ways to guide and understand the needs and behaviours of children. Learners will also explore the influences that inform their own behaviour and reflect on how these influences impact their understanding of themselves. A variety of theoretical, developmental, and experiential perspectives will be explored.

Minimum Credits: 4
Length: 60 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent. CYFS 102: Observing & Recording
Delivery Method: ? Blended, Online
Cost: $296.80
Course Outline

HSWR-106 – Families

This course provides early childhood educators and human service workers with an in-depth understanding of the diverse nature of families, the issues and challenges that can be barriers to family health, and how to assist in building skills to work collaboratively to support families.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $210.96
Course Outline

Year 1 – Semester 3 – Spring

ECED-120 – Introduction of Professional Practice

Through this course, students will develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities as professionals and approaches to practice. Students will apply regulatory requirements in their exploration of ethical challenges and certification. Students will research provincial programs and resources, and create budgets including payroll. Students will use aspects of the early learning framework to guide their practice.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: ECED 129 and ECED 131. Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $222.60
Course Outline

ECED-128 – Practicum 2

Practicum 2 provides students the opportunity to continue to build on their experiences and integrate theory to practice with children aged 30 months to 12 years in licensed early childhood settings. When possible, students are expected to participate in all aspects of programming under the guidance and supervision of program staff.

Minimum Credits: 4
Length: 190 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent. Successful completion of ECED 105, ECED 113, ECED 125, ECED 126, ECED 129, ECED 131, ECED 137, ECED 138, ECED 150, CYFS 101, CYFS 102, CYFS 116 and HSWR 106. Pre/Corequisites: ECED 120 and ECED 149
Delivery Method: ? Online, Practicum
Cost: $296.80
Course Outline

ECED-149 – Studies in Diversity

This course is designed as an introduction to studies in human diversity. It provides students with a foundation from which to explore diversity and examine the issues related to it.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $222.60
Course Outline

Admission Requirements

Your Costs

Additional Info

Practicum Information

Where possible, students will complete their requirements for practicum in their own communities. If they are not able to complete practicum requirements in their own communities, students must be prepared to travel elsewhere, and will be responsible for their own transportation as well as any travel and living expenses.

Students may be able to complete their practicum in their current workplace if the supervisor and center meet workplace practicum requirements.

Students are required to complete practicum hours in a licensed childcare facility under the supervision of an early childhood educator who is certified by the ECE Registry.   

ECE practicums must be completed in British Columbia. If you were hoping to complete a practicum outside of British Columbia, please talk to the Practicum Coordinator, Lynn Wood, prior to applying.

Flexible Assessment

Credit can be awarded for one or more courses in this program through Flexible Assessment.

Assistant Early Childhood Educator

Completion of one of the following courses allows you to apply to the Ministry of Children and Family Development for a license to work as an Assistant in Early Childhood Education.

ECED 113 – Health, Safety and Nutrition (3 credits) Monthly intake: first Monday of the month September to March.
CYFS 116 – Lifespan Development (4 credits) Winter Semester
ECED 150 – Guiding Behaviours to Young Children (4 credits) Winter Semester *this course requires CYFS 102 as a prerequisite.

Please note, you need to apply and meet the admission requirements; however, you do not need to be accepted into the program but meet the admission requirements and course prerequisites in order to take one of the above courses.

For further information regarding the role of Assistants, please contact The Ministry of Children and Family Development

Licensing Requirements

Completion of a program in Early Childhood Education from College of the Rockies is the first step in becoming a Certified Early Childhood Educator in BC.

Graduates of the diploma program who are currently registered with the BC Community Care Facilities Licensing Branch are eligible for a License to practice as an Infant/Toddler Educator and/or Special Needs Educator.

Information on additional licensing requirements:
BC Government – Early Childhood Education Registry
Phone: 250-356-6501 | Toll Free: 1-888-338-6622
Fax: 250-952-0765
Email: ECERegistry@gov.bc.ca

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment as child care professionals in group care and education settings with children from birth to age 12. These settings include child care centres, pre-school centres, schools, family day homes and private homes.

Wage Range: $14.60 – $22.00 /hour

Sample Job Titles

Preschool Teacher
Special Needs Educator
Family Child Care Operator
Group Child Care Educator
Supported Child Development Consultant
Early Interventionist
Infant Development Consultant
Supported Child Development Support Workers
Child Care Resource and Referral Consultant
Family Literacy Coordinator
Community Action Program for Children Consultant
Self Employment Options

Early Childhood Education Certificate – Block Transfer Agreements

Tuition:	$3,807.96
Application Fee:	$30.00
Student Association Fee:	$103.50
Total	$3,941.46

To Institution	Program
University of Victoria	Bachelor of Child and Youth Care _{Note: For transfer details please see University of Victoria Calendar or visit the BC Transfer Guide website.}
University of Victoria	Bachelor of Social Work _{Note: For transfer details please see University of Victoria Calendar or visit the BC Transfer Guide website.}