Early Childhood Education Certificate
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.
Program Overview
The Early Childhood Education certificate program is delivered 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 and will participate face-to-face receiving your hands on practicum experience in a licensed child care setting.
A minimum of fifty new full-time students 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.
- ECE Certificate (1st year): The certificate is offered online within 3 semesters of full-time study (or a maximum of 3 years of part-time study). 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 Educator diploma program and/or the Special Needs Educator diploma program which are available online only.
Admission Requirements and Program Overview
View admission requirements, program completion requirements and individual course information.
Note: The information for this program is currently set to display information for the 2026/27 academic year. To view other years, choose from the sort feature from the “select calendar” drop-down.
View Early Childhood Education Program Planning Guide
View or download the pdf version of the official program outline.
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.
Immunizations:
To complete the immunization requirements, College of the Rockies students can contact their local Public Health office. Immunizations may also be available through local pharmacists and travel clinics. It is the student’s responsibility to complete immunization requirements as soon as possible as a part of the program admission and practicum placement requirements.
How to Apply for Admission
- Complete a College of the Rockies Application Form. Submit required documentation confirming admission requirements.
- Qualified applicants will receive a CYFS Program Admissions Package. Once you receive the package, complete and return.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
View or download: CYFS Handbook – Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Credit can be awarded for one or more courses in this program through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).
Licensing Requirements
This program meets the requirements of the BC Community Care Facilities Licensing Branch for certification as an Early Childhood 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
Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students
For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)
| Application Fee: | $30.00 |
| Tuition: | $3,961.30 |
| Student Association Fee: | $103.50 |
*Tuition and Fees for domestic students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook costs or supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Additional Costs:
Travel within the Program
Practice experiences are essential in the ECE program. It may not be possible to arrange practice experiences in the location and at the time preferred by students. Students must arrange their own transportation. Travel and accommodation arrangements and costs associated with practice experiences are the responsibility of the student.
Computer
In the ECE program, teaching and learning strategies incorporate the use of technology through various platforms such as online learning and communication. Students must have access to a computer in order to engage in this learning.
Books and Supplies
In addition to tuition and other fees, students can expect to purchase books and supplies. Visit our bookstore for textbook information and costs.
Career Info and Pathways
Enjoy a rewarding career creating safe and interactive learning environments where children develop social skills, build their self-esteem, and learn important life skills. Just a couple of examples of occupations available are:
- Early Childhood Educators* in child care centres, early learning programs, preschool programs, recreational facilities, and more.
- Home Childcare Providers
Career Path: Supported Child Development and Aboriginal Supported Child Development – Support Worker or Consultant
* High Opportunity Education
Assistant Early Childhood Educator Information
Completion of one of the following courses allows you to apply to the Ministry of Children and Family Development for certification 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
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.
How to Apply:
Complete and submit the Application for Program Admission Form to Enrolment Services in-person at the Cranbrook Main Campus, by mail, by fax (250-489-1790), or by email: reghelp@cotr.bc.ca.
College of the Rockies – Attention: Enrolment Services
2700 College Way, Box 8500,
Cranbrook B.C, V1C 5L7
For further information regarding the role of Assistants, please contact The Ministry of Children and Family Development
Early Childhood Education Certificate – Block Transfer Agreements
| To Institution | Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Capilano University | Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma | Transfer Agreement |
| University of Victoria | Bachelor of Arts – Child & Youth Care 15 units transferable equivalent to one year 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. |
Program Details
Delivery Method:?
Online
Credential:
Certificate
Categories:
Education, Health & Human Services
Interests:
Care for Others, Not Have a Desk Job, Start or Run Your Own Business, Teach Others
Contact Details
Cranbrook
2700 College Way,
Box 8500, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
Phone: 250-489-2751
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687
Email: info@cotr.bc.ca