Early Childhood Education – Infant/Toddler Educator On-Campus

Through a blend of face-to-face and online 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 birth to 12 years of age.
• Infant/Toddler Diploma (2 more semesters) – Expand your expertise to care for infants and toddlers.

Program Completion Requirements

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 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.

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

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.

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

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).

For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)

Year 1

Year 2

_{*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.}

For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)

Year 1

Year 2

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
• Supported Child Development and Aboriginal Supported Child Development opportunities

* High Opportunity Occupation