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 (ECEC) is growing in Canada, and graduates of the VIU ECEC program are in high demand.
In the ECEC online diploma program you can work while you learn. The combined online theoretical courses and in-person practicum experiences can be taken full-time or part-time..
This program gives you the knowledge and skills necessary to work with young children and their families in licensed child care settings. specialize in working with infants and toddlers and working with children with diverse abilities.
Tuition assistance
Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC) offers bursaries through the ECE Education Support Fund (up to $500 per course). Learn more about the ECE Education Support Fund
Year 1
Spring (January to April)
- ECEC 110 - (Child Development I)
- ECEC 120 - (Principles and Practices of Guiding and Caring)
- ECEC 130 - (Principles and Practices of Wellness)
- ECEC 150 - (Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Practice)
Intersession (May to August)
- ECEC 111 - (Child Development II)
- ECEC 133 - (Practicum I)
- ECEC 170 - (Program Planning: Development through Play)
- ECEC 200 - (Roots and Trends of Canadian Early Childhood Education Practice)
Fall (September to December)
- ECEC 134 - (Practicum II)
- ECEC 171 - (Program Planning: Creative Expression)
- ECEC 211 - (Early Childhood Program Administration)
- ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research)
Year 2
Spring (January to April)
- CYC 231 - (An Introduction to Family Development and Support)
- ECEC 204 - (Program Planning: Discovering our World)
- ECEC 205 - (Practicum III)
- ECEC 270 - (Trends and Models in Early Childhood)
Intersession (May to June)
- CYC 100 - (Introduction to Professional Child and Youth Care Practice) or Approved Elective by Department
- ECEC 221 - (Assessing and Supporting Healthy Early Development)
- ECEC 223 - (Program Development for Infants and Toddlers)
- ECEC 224 - (Practicum IV - Infants and Toddlers)
Fall (September to December)
- CYC 252 - (Fundamental Counselling Skills)
- ECEC 222 - (Program Development for Children with Diverse Abilities)
- ECEC 231 - (Practicum V–Children with Diverse Abilities)
- ENGL 125 - (Literature and Culture) - Optional
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.
- 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
- 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.
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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|
|
Application Fee |
45.16 |
|
Tuition* (36 credits x $166.40 per credit) |
5,990.40 |
|
Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) |
239.62 |
|
Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) |
264.60 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) |
331.20 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) |
285.00 |
|
Books and project supplies per year (approximate costs) |
867.18 |
|
Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) |
75.00 |
|
Criminal Record Check |
46.50 |
|
Total |
8,144.66 |
|
Fees for Year 2 |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (36 credits x $166.40 per credit) |
5,990.40 |
|
Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) |
239.62 |
|
Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) |
264.60 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) |
331.20 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) |
285.00 |
|
Books and project supplies per year (approximate costs) |
816.39 |
|
Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) |
75.00 |
|
Graduation Fee |
58.56 |
|
Total |
8,060.77 |
Notes
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.
* Dates are subject to change
** Late applications may be accepted if there is still room in the program
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open |
February 5, 2024 |
| Applications Close** | November 24, 2024 |
| Non-refundable $200 Tuition Deposit Due | Due upon offer acceptance |
| Balance of Tuition Due | January 20, 2025 |
|
Program Start |
January 6, 2025 |
|
Program End |
December, 2026 |
Students are encouraged to apply to VIU Online or by completing and submitting an Application for Admission Form. When the Registration Centre confirms that you have been admitted, you will be advised of when and how to register and pay for your courses. An application fee is required.
For registration information, please contact registration@viu.ca.
For further information, please contact:
Summer Lin, Program Chair
Early Childhood Education and Care
Email: Summer.Lin@viu.ca