Early Childhood Education – Special Needs Educator

The Special Needs Educator Diploma is awarded upon successful completion of an Early Childhood Education certificate or equivalent, plus the required courses in the Special Needs Educator program. The Special Needs diploma is available online on a part-time basis, providing the opportunity for you to work while going to school.

Diploma students can enter into their courses in September, January or April of each year.

Individuals who choose to work as Special Needs Early Childhood Educators should:

• Be compassionate, patient, and committed to supporting the unique needs of every child.
• Have an understanding of child development and be prepared to adapt teaching approaches to be inclusive of different learning styles and abilities.
• Have a willingness to keep learning, reflect on their practice, and advocate for children’s rights.

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 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 a Special Needs 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 a 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

Academic Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• 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 Specialty Certificate or a Certificate in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college.

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.

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.}

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.

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