Children with special needs require caring and nurturing individuals to provide them with support. If this sounds like you, the Special Needs diploma is a great option after you complete your Early Childhood Education certificate.
Program Overview
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. If you are currently registered with the BC Community Care Facilities Licensing Branch, you will be eligible for a certificate as Special Needs Educator (SNE) once you have completed the diploma.
Diploma students can enter into their courses in September, January or April of each year.
Individuals who choose to work as Early Childhood Educators should:
| Course | Title | Credits | Lecture/Lab Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECED 201 | Advanced Child Growth and Development | 4 | 60 |
| ECED 250 | Adapting Early Childhood Settings | 4 | 60 |
| Total | 8 | 120 |
| Course | Title | Credits | Lecture/Lab Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECED 213 | Advanced Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 | 45 |
| Total | 3 | 45 |
| Course | Title | Credits | Lecture/Lab Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECED 206 | Working with Families | 3 | 45 |
| ECED 208 | Supervision and Administration | 3 | 45 |
| ECED 253 | Special Needs Practicum* | 6 | 200 |
| Total | 12 | 290 |
*ECED 253 is offered each semester and may be taken once all prerequisites have been met.
Course Descriptions
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 as listed below.
Note: ECED 253 is offered each semester and may be taken once all prerequisites have been met.
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.
Adapting Early Childhood Settings invites participants to consider historical and cultural perspectives on atypical and typical development and its relationship to inclusion in the past and present. It uses theory and personal experience to explore connections between observation, diagnosis, assessment, and the planning and adaptation of inclusive early childhood programs. It includes an exploration of systems and structures that support and/or hinder children, parents, families and service providers in terms of development, functioning, and relations in early childhood settings.
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.
ECED 206 provides students with knowledge and skills to work with families from atypical and typical backgrounds. This course examines families through an ecological context. It also focuses on working with families: the day to day interactions, policies, procedures, and ethical practices. We also look at community resources and other resources that are important to families on a daily basis.
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.
This course is designed to give the student practice in implementing the skills developed throughout the Early Childhood Education Diploma program. Emphasis is placed on the ability to support children with diverse needs in an inclusive environment. The student should be able to demonstrate integration of theory, adapt and implement programs and activities and, develop parent and community partnerships along with personal goals.
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 Year 1: | $3574.66 |
| Tuition Year 2: | $2809.04 |
| Application Fee: | $30.0 |
| Student Association Fee: | $172.5 |
| 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.
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.
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
Early Childhood Education Special Needs Educator Diploma - Block Transfer Agreements
| To Institution | Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Fraser University | Bachelor of General Studies (Education) Note: Minimum 3.0 grade point average required. For transfer details please see University of Victoria Calendar or visit the BC Transfer Guide website. |
Delivery Method:?
Online, Blended
Credential:
Diploma
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
2700 College Way
Box 8500, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
Phone: 250-489-2751
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687
Email: info@cotr.bc.ca