ECEC Online Certificate

Early Childhood Education and Care

Online Certificate Program

Do you love working with young children? Study Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and gain valuable knowledge, skills and experience to support young children and their families. As an Early Childhood Educator (ECE), you can build a rewarding career, and your skills will be in high demand.

In the ECEC Online Certificate Program, you’ll work with supportive instructors who are knowledgeable and passionate about early childhood education and care. Courses are delivered online in a flexible format. You’ll attend evening Zoom meetings with your instructors and classmates. You’ll also do other online lessons on your own schedule.

You’ll learn about child development, health and wellness, communication, curriculum, and more during your coursework. And you’ll gain hands-on experience through three practicum courses.

When you finish the program you’ll receive the Early Childhood Education and Care Certificate from Vancouver Island University. And you’ll be eligible to apply for the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certificate from the ECE Registry. If you want to continue with your studies, you’ll be eligible to apply to the ECEC Diploma Program at Vancouver Island University.

Tuition help

Early Childhood Education British Columbia (ECEBC) offers bursaries through the ECE Education Support Fund (up to $500 per course). Learn more about the ECE Education Support Fund

Course Delivery

This ECEC Online Certificate program will run from January 2023 to April 2024.

Each term you’ll:

  • complete four 15-week courses (theory and practicum)
  • meet with your instructors and mentors twice for practicum evaluation

 Schedule

  • evening Zoom meetings Monday-Thursday 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • weekly online coursework on your own schedule
  • occasional meetings with instructors and mentors

Program Outline

  • 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.

Other Program Requirements -

Practicum Placements

  • Documented completion of a CPR 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.

All Student Fees are subject to final approvals.

  • Application Fee: $43.40
  • Tuition Fees: $7,680
  • Student Union Fees: ~ $400
  • Student Activity Fees: ~ $310
  • Graduation Fee: $56.28
  • Criminal Record Check Fee: $44.70
  • Textbooks: Approximately $250.00

Please note the ECEBC offers bursaries through the ECE Education Support Fund (up to $500 per course). Learn more about the ECE Education Support Fund.

* Dates are subject to change

** Late applications may be accepted if there is still room in the program

Description Date
Applications Open

May 23, 2022

Apply to VIU
Information Session  To be announced. Please contact ECECchair@viu.ca to request Zoom link
Applications Close** November 15, 2022
Proof of Admission Requirements - Document Deadline December 1, 2022
Non-refundable $200 Tuition Deposit Due Due upon offer acceptance
Balance of Tuition Due January 19, 2023

Last Day to Withdraw with partial refund (no refunds will be issued after this date).

January 18, 2023

Program Start

January 5, 2023

Program End

April 5, 2024

For registration information, please contact:

Admissions Assistant: Miranda MacCallum
Phone: 250.753.3245 Ext: 2584
Email: Miranda.MacCallum@viu.ca

Department Chair: Summer Lin
Phone: 250.740.2301
Email: ECECchair@viu.ca