Early Childhood Education – Infant/Toddler Educator On-Campus

New for 2025!

Shape Young Minds and Build Bright Futures

Are you passionate about working with children? The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate – Infant/Toddler Educator Diploma Program, offered at our Cranbrook campus, provides a combination of in-class and online courses. This program prepares you with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to make a meaningful impact on children from birth to age 12.

You’ll learn about:

Child development and inclusive practices
Building relationships with children and families
Curriculum development and guiding behaviors
Health, safety, and nutrition
Ethics, communication, and professional practice

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and start your journey toward a rewarding career in Early Childhood Education.

Program Overview

Through face-to-face instruction and over 600 hours of practicum in licensed childcare settings, you’ll learn how to create play-based, strength-focused learning environments that support children’s growth and development.

Approximately 75% of this program is face-to-face with 25% of the courses offered online only.

Certificate (4 semesters) – Gain foundational skills to work with children from 30 months to age 12.
Infant/Toddler Diploma (2 more semesters) – Expand your expertise to care for infants and toddlers.

Program Structure

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 129	Introduction to Early Childhood Education	3

Winter Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ECED 131	Principles of Program Development	3
ECED 150	Guiding Behaviours with Young Children	4
ECED 125	Introduction to Practicum	3
CYFS 116	Child Growth and Development	4
ECED 137	Creating Curriculum with Young Children 1	3

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ECED 113	Health, Safety and Nutrition	3
ECED 138	Creating Curriculum with Young Children 2	3
ECED 126	Practicum 1	4
Total Credits Year 1		39

Year 2

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ECED 120	Introduction to Professional Practice	3
ECED 149	Studies in Diversity	3
ECED 106	Introduction to Working with Families	3
ECED 128	Practicum 2	4

Winter Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ECED 213	Advanced Health, Safety and Nutrition	3
ECED 218	Program Planning for Infants and Toddlers	4
ECED 201	Advanced Child Growth and Development	4
ECED 206	Working with Families	3

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
ECED 208	Supervision and Administration	3
ECED 229	Infant/Toddler Practicum	6
Total Credits Year 2		36
Total Program Credits		75

View 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.

Licensing Requirements

This program meets the requirements of the BC Community Care Facilities Licensing Branch for certification as an Infant/Toddler 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

Course Descriptions

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:
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
  - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
  - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
  - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $219.45
Course Outline

CYFS-102 – Observing & 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:
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
  - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
  - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
  - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $219.45
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:
- Complete all of the following
  - Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
    - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
    - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
    - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
  - Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
    - ECED125 – Introduction to Practicum (3)
  - (as a co-requisite is exempt for students auditing or taking the course for general interest).
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $230.70
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:
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
  - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
  - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
  - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
Delivery Method: ? Online, On-campus
Cost: $230.70
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:
- Complete all of the following
  - Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
    - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
    - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
    - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
  - Completed the following:
    - ECED129 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3)
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $230.70
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:
None
Delivery Method: ? Online, On-campus
Cost: $307.60
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:
- Complete all of the following
  - Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
    - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
    - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
    - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
  - Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
    - ECED105 – Developing Positive Relationships With Young Children (3)
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $230.70
Course Outline

CYFS-116 – Child Growth and Development

This course examines child growth and development from birth to 12 years of age, specifically looking at physical, cognitive, social/emotional, and communication/language development. Students will explore a variety of topics that introduce them to multiple theoretical perspectives, concepts, and stages of child development.

Minimum Credits: 4
Length: 60 hours
Prerequisites:
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
  - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
  - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
  - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
Delivery Method: ? Hybrid, Online
Cost: $292.60
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:
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
  - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
  - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
  - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $230.70
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:
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
  - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
  - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
  - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $230.70
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:
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
  - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
  - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
  - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $230.70
Course Outline

ECED-126 – 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:
- Complete all of the following
  - Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
    - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
    - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
    - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
  - Completed the following:
    - ECED105 – Developing Positive Relationships With Young Children (3)
    - ECED113 – Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
    - ECED125 – Introduction to Practicum (3)
    - ECED129 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3)
    - ECED137 – Creating Curriculum With Young Children 1 (3)
    - CYFS101 – Inclusive Interpersonal Communications (3)
    - CYFS102 – Observing & Recording (3)
  - Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
    - ECED150 – Guiding Behaviours with Young Children (4)
Delivery Method: ? Practicum, Online
Cost: $307.60
Course Outline

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:
- Complete all of the following
  - Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
    - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
    - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
    - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
  - Completed the following:
    - ECED129 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3)
    - ECED131 – Principles of Program Development (3)
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $230.70
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:
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
  - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
  - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
  - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $230.70
Course Outline

ECED-106 – Introduction to Working with Families

This course provides students with an understanding of the diverse nature of families. This includes the different stages, roles, rules, relationships, cultural influences, as well as the issues and challenges that can be barriers to family health and well-being. Students will employ a strength-based perspective that works to encourage collaborative partnerships between children, families, community partners, and early childhood educators.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites:
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
  - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
  - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
  - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $230.70
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:
- Complete all of the following
  - Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
    - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
    - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
    - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
  - Completed the following:
    - ECED105 – Developing Positive Relationships With Young Children (3)
    - ECED113 – Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
    - ECED125 – Introduction to Practicum (3)
    - ECED126 – Practicum 1 (4)
    - ECED129 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3)
    - ECED131 – Principles of Program Development (3)
    - ECED137 – Creating Curriculum With Young Children 1 (3)
    - ECED138 – Creating Curriculum With Young Children 2 (3)
    - CYFS101 – Inclusive Interpersonal Communications (3)
    - CYFS102 – Observing & Recording (3)
    - CYFS116 – Lifespan Development (4)
    - HSWR106 – Families (3)
    - ECED150 – Guiding Behaviours with Young Children (4)
  - Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
    - ECED120 – Introduction to Professional Practice (3)
    - ECED149 – Studies in Diversity (3)
Delivery Method: ? Online, Practicum
Cost: $307.60
Course Outline

ECED-213 – Advanced Health, Safety and Nutrition

ECED 213 provides students with knowledge and skills to plan, implement and evaluate healthy practices for infants, toddlers, and children with extra support needs in an inclusive and infant/toddler environment.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
  - Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
    - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
    - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
    - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
  - Child, Youth and Family Studies Program: An Early Childhood Education or a Certificate in Early Childhood Education.
Delivery Method: ? Online, On-campus
Cost: $490.00
Course Outline

ECED-218 – Planning Programs for Infants & Toddlers

In this course, the students examine a variety of approaches for planning and implementing safe, nurturing environments for infants and toddlers to promote physical, cognitive, and social development.

Minimum Credits: 4
Length: 60 hours
Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
  - Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
    - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
    - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
    - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
  - Child, Youth and Family Studies Program: Early Childhood Education Certificate or a Certificate in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college.
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $518.09
Course Outline

ECED-201 – Advanced Child Growth & Development

ECED 201 provides in-depth knowledge about typical and atypical child development from conception through age twelve. The course explores typical and atypical social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of children from infancy to pre-adolescence. It expands on first year child development courses.

Minimum Credits: 4
Length: 60 hours
Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
  - Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
    - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
    - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
    - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
  - Child, Youth and Family Studies Program: Early Childhood Education Certificate or a Certificate in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college.
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $518.09
Course Outline

ECED-206 – Working with Families

ECED 206 provides students with the knowledge and skills to work effectively with families who have infants and toddlers and/or children with diverse abilities. This course examines families through an ecological context, specifically regarding the additional roles and responsibilities placed on many families. Students will explore resources that are important to support families to meet their children’s developmental needs.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
  - Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
    - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
    - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
    - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
  - Child, Youth and Family Studies Program: Early Childhood Education Certificate or a Certificate in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college.
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $490.00
Course Outline

ECED-208 – Supervision and Administration

ECED 208 provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to administer and supervise child care programs and related services. Emphasis is placed on budgets, licensing requirements, personnel and team management, organizational framework, and advocacy.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
  - Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
    - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
    - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
    - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
  - Child, Youth and Family Studies Program: Early Childhood Education Certificate or a Certificate in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college.
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $490.00
Course Outline

ECED-229 – Infant and Toddler Practicum

This practicum course provides students with hands-on experience in applying the skills and knowledge gained throughout the Early Childhood Education Diploma program. Emphasis is placed on working with infants and toddlers in supportive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Students will integrate theory into practice by adapting and implementing activities for children from birth to age three while fostering strong, responsive relationships with children, families, and community partners.

Minimum Credits: 6
Length: 200 hours
Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
  - Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
    - ENST 12 – English Studies 12
    - ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
    - ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
  - Child, Youth and Family Studies Program: Early Childhood Education Certificate or a Certificate in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college.
  - Completed the following:
    - ECED201 – Advanced Child Growth & Development (4)
    - ECED213 – Advanced Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
    - ECED218 – Planning Programs for Infants & Toddlers (4)
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $595.02
Course Outline

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements:

Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
- ENST 12 – English Studies 12
- ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
- ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level

Non-academic Requirements:

Completion and submission of CYFS Admission Package
Completion of immunizations, documented by the immunization form in the admission package, or completion of immunization waiver form (lack of immunizations may impact applicant’s access to practicum placements)
Good command of oral and written English language
Complete a criminal record check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Criminal Records Review Program

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.

Immunizations:

Immunization services in BC are in flux as Public Health Departments must regularly reprioritize resource distribution. Public Health agencies 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.

It is the responsibility of the student to continue to actively seek to obtain and complete these requirements.

Obtaining and completing these admission requirements can be more difficult, your admission into the Health and Human Services programs will not be held up while you wait to complete these requirements.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

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).

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.

Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students

Tuition and Fees for International Students

Career Info and Pathways

Application Fee:	$30.00
Tuition:	$2,961.60
Student Association Fee:	$103.50
Bus Pass Fee:	$133.20
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00

Tuition:	$4,100.90
Student Association Fee:	$69.00
Bus Pass Fee:	$88.80
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00

Application Fee:	$100.00
One-time International Education Fee:	$100.00
Tuition:	$15,455.37
Student Association Fee:	$138.00
Bus Pass Fee:	$133.20
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00
Guard.me Insurance:	$270.00

Tuition:	$15,405.40
Student Association Fee:	$69.00
Bus Pass Fee:	$88.80
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00

Early Childhood Education – Infant/Toddler Educator On-Campus

New for 2025!

Shape Young Minds and Build Bright Futures

You’ll learn about:

Program Structure

Year 1

Fall Semester

Winter Semester

Spring Semester

Year 2

Fall Semester

Winter Semester

Spring Semester

Practicum Information

Licensing Requirements

CYFS-101 – Inclusive Interpersonal Communications

CYFS-102 – Observing & Recording

ECED-105 – Developing Positive Relationships With Young Children

ECED-129 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education

ECED-131 – Principles of Program Development

ECED-150 – Guiding Behaviours with Young Children

ECED-125 – Introduction to Practicum

CYFS-116 – Child Growth and Development

ECED-137 – Creating Curriculum With Young Children 1

ECED-113 – Health, Safety and Nutrition

ECED-138 – Creating Curriculum With Young Children 2

ECED-126 – Practicum 1

ECED-120 – Introduction of Professional Practice

ECED-149 – Studies in Diversity

ECED-106 – Introduction to Working with Families

ECED-128 – Practicum 2

ECED-213 – Advanced Health, Safety and Nutrition

ECED-218 – Planning Programs for Infants & Toddlers

ECED-201 – Advanced Child Growth & Development

ECED-206 – Working with Families

ECED-208 – Supervision and Administration

ECED-229 – Infant and Toddler Practicum

Academic Requirements:

Non-academic Requirements:

Immunizations:

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

How to Apply for Admission:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 1

Year 2

Program Details

Contact Details

Cranbrook