ECEC Diploma Program

Program Length
2 Years
Credential
Diploma
Location Offered
Cowichan, Nanaimo, tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)

Are you passionate about working with young children? Do you want to nurture children's curiosity, wonder, joy and learning? The field of early childhood education and care is growing in Canada, and now is a great time to become a professional Early Childhood Educator, Infant Toddler Educator and/or Special Needs Educator!

Vancouver Island University’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Diploma program offers rich theoretical learning along with diverse practicum experiences to support deep learning and build meaningful connections within the early years sector.

Graduates of the ECEC Diploma program are in high demand for a wide range of careers in licensed preschools, infant/toddler and 3-5 group care, multi-aged programs, infant and supported child development, Aboriginal Head Start, family support services, school-based programs such as Strong Start, child care licensing, and many more.

The Early Childhood Education and Care program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with young children and their families in licensed child care settings. Students progress through an interrelated series of courses and practica designed to integrate theoretical learning, awareness of self in relationships, and practical experience in becoming an Early Childhood Educator. This program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.

Check the Early Childhood Educations of BC (ECEBC) Education Support Fund for current bursary information.

The Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma Program

The Early Childhood Education and Care program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with young children and their families in licensed child care settings. Students progress through an interrelated series of courses and practica designed to integrate theoretical learning, awareness of self in relationships, and practical experience in becoming an Early Childhood Educator. This program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.

Program Outline

Year 1 – Fall Semester	Credits
ECEC 120 - (Principles and Practices of Guiding and Caring)	3
ECEC 133 - (Practicum I)	3
ECEC 150 - (Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Practice)	3
ECEC 170 - (Program Planning: Development Through Play)	3
PSYC 131 or CYC 111 or ECEC 110 - (Child Development I)	3
Total Credits	15

Year 1 – Spring Semester	Credits
ECEC 130 - (Principles and Practices of Wellness)	3
ECEC 134 - (Practicum II)	3
ECEC 171 - (Program Planning: Creative Expression)	3
PSYC 132 or CYC 112 or ECEC 111 - (Child Development II)	3
ENGL 115 or equivalent	3
Total Credits	15

Year 1 – Intersession	Credits
ECEC 204 - (Program Planning: Discovering Our World)	3
ECEC 205 - (Practicum III)	3
Total Credits	6

Year 2 – Fall Semester	Credits
ECEC 200 - (Roots and Trends of Canadian Early Childhood Education Practice)	3
ECEC 221 - (Assessing and Supporting Healthy Early Development)	3
ECEC 223 - (Program Development for Infants and Toddlers)	3
ECEC 270 - (Trends and Models in Early Childhood)	3
CYC 231 - (An Introduction to Family Development and Support) or, SOCW 211 - (Family Studies)	3
Total Credits	15

Year 2 – Spring Semester	Credits
ECEC 211 - (Early Childhood Program Administration)	3
ECEC 222 - (Program Development for Children with Diverse Abilities)	3
ECEC 224 - (Practicum IV - Infants and Toddlers) or, ECEC 210 - (Special Topics Practicum – Community Pathways)	3
CYC 252 - (Fundamental Counselling Skills)	3
CYC 100 - (Introduction to Professional Child and Youth Care Practice) or, Elective approved by Department	3
Total Credits	15

Year 2 – Intersession	Credits
ECEC 231 - (Practicum V–Children with Diverse Abilities) or, ECEC 210 - (Special Topics Practicum – Community Pathways)	3
Total Credits	3

ECEC 224, ECEC 231, and ECEC 210 Practica are offered during the Fall, Spring and Intersession terms.

Individuals who completed the ECEC Certificate program in 1996 or later will receive a minimum of one year transfer credit towards the VIU Child and Youth Care Diploma, or one year credit towards the VIU Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care.

Completion Requirements

Students who successfully complete the required courses, including all practica, will be eligible for VIU’s Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Students may apply for a Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care after completion of all first year program requirements, including all practica, plus successful completion of ECEC 200 (formerly ECEC 100), ECEC 211, ECEC 270, and CYC 231. An overall average of “C+,” as well as “C+” grade in each of the ECEC and CYC courses is expected of students in order to proceed through the program and to graduate at either the Certificate or Diploma level.

Students should be advised that graduation from an approved post-secondary Early Childhood Education program does not automatically ensure registration as a Licensed Certified Early Childhood Education. For more details, contact the contact the Early Childhood Registry or call Toll-free 1-888-338-6622 (in Victoria 356-6501).

Following admission to the program, students are encouraged to become members of the professional association of Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC). More information about ECEBC, membership fees and benefits can be obtained from the ECEC faculty, or by visiting the ECEBC website.

VIU’s ECEC department also offers first and second year courses with a First Nations perspective. For more information about these courses, please contact the ECEC Chair at ECECchair@viu.ca or 250-740-2301.

Updated

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Admission Requirements

General admission requirements apply.
English 12 with a minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
Résumé describing education and employment background.
Two letters of reference, completed on a University Reference Form, from persons other than relatives. At least one letter of reference must document completion of 20 hours in a licensed child care facility such as a family childcare, group day care or pre-school.
Group interview with the program Chair and faculty.

Notes on Admission

Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Practicum Placements

International Students will require a valid practicum work permit before being placed in practicum. Submit copy of practicum work permit to the ECEC faculty.
Documented completion of a C.P.R. Emergency Child Care Certificate, or equivalent (e.g., St. John’s Ambulance Standard First Aid Certificate or Basic Life Support, Level B). The First Aid certification must be valid for entire practicum placements. Documentation to be submitted to ECEC Faculty before first day of practicum.
Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are in high demand for a wide range of careers in licensed preschools, infant/toddler and 3-5 group care, multi-aged programs, infant and supported child development, Aboriginal Head Start, family support services, school-based programs such as Strong Start, child care licensing, and many more.

Careers in Early Childhood Education

Completion of the ECEC diploma program meets the eligibility requirements to apply for admission to the third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care at Vancouver Island University or third year Bachelor of Education at Vancouver Island University.

Program Fees

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for Year 1	Amount
Tuition* (39 credits x $159.94 per credit)	6,237.66
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition)	249.51
Student Services fee (39 credits x $7.07 per credit)	275.73
VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $24.88 per month)	248.80
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)	265.00
Books and supplies per year (approximate costs)	1,983.00
Special project supplies (approximate costs)	500.00
Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC)	75.00
Total	9,834.70

Fees for Year 2	Amount
Tuition (33 credits x $159.94 per credit)	5,278.02
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition)	211.12
Student Services fee (33 credits x $7.07 per credit)	233.31
VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $24.88 per month)	248.80
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)	265.00
Books and supplies per year (approximate costs)	1,983.00
Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC)	75.00
Total	8,294.25

Notes

* ECEC 110, 111, and 130 are $608.28 per course if taken online.

Students are responsible for travel expenses to practicum placements.

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

International Fees