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:
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 and First Aid/CPR.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strain to the health human resources, we will not require this information at present to complete your application. This information will be required at a later date once the COVID-19 pandemic is declared resolved. Therefore, please do not go to your Public Health or family physician’s office to obtain or update immunizations.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
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.
The diploma program allows for specialization as either an Infant/Toddler Educator or a Special Needs Educator and is available online only.
View: Early Childhood Education Planning Guide
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.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CYFS 101 | Inclusive Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| CYFS 102 | Observing and Recording | 3 |
| ECED 105 | Developing 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 |
| 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 |
| CYFS 103 | Guiding Behaviours | 4 |
| HSWR 106 | Families | 3 |
| Total | 21 |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECED 120 | Professional Conduct | 3 |
| ECED 128 | Practicum 2 | 4 |
| ECED 149 | Studies in Diversity | 3 |
| Total | 10 | |
| Totals: Fall, Winter and Spring semesters | 52 | |
Successful completion of all Year 1 courses is required for the Early Childhood Education Certificate.
Course Descriptions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ECED 129 provides an introduction to the Early Childhood Education profession including an overview of the history and theories of Early Childhood Education, diversity of programs and services, and attitudes and responsibilities of the Early Childhood Educator.
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.
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.
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.
Students gain a deeper understanding of BC’s provincial Early Childhood Education (ECE) licensing regulations and early learning framework. Students learn how to design inclusive play environments for young children and understand culturally diverse philosophies and practices.
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.
This course focuses on effective ways to guide and understand the needs and behaviours of children, youth and adults. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Admission Requirements
*Practicum based learning is an essential component of this program. A criminal record may reduce an applicant’s access to the program and/or to required practicum opportunities. Applicants disclosing a criminal record are guided to explore other options. Depending on the nature of the offence, options may include applying for a pardon. Any associated cost is the responsibility of the student.
Your Costs
| Tuition: | $3574.66 |
| Application Fee: | $30.0 |
| Student Association Fee: | $103.5 |
| Bus Pass Fee: | $111.0 |
| Health and Dental Fee: | $229.5 |
| Total | $ |
*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
| Tuition | $15300.0 |
| Application Fee | $100.0 |
| International Fee | $100.0 |
| Student Association Fee | $103.5 |
| Bus Pass Fee | $111.0 |
| Health and Dental Fee | $229.5 |
| Total | $ |
*These prices are for international students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Additional Info
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. One workplace practicum is permitted in the certificate program. Please talk with your instructor prior to starting your practicum about this option if you are interested.
Credit can be awarded for one or more courses in this program through Flexible Assessment.
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.
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
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
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.
Sample Job Titles
Delivery Method:?
Online, Blended
Credential:
Certificate
Categories: Health & Human Services, Education
Interests: Work With My Hands, Care for Others, Start or Run Your Own Business, Teach Others, Not Have a Desk Job, Get in, Get out, Get a Job
2700 College Way
Box 8500, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
Phone: 250-489-2751
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687
Email: info@cotr.bc.ca