VIU is offering a unique Early Childhood Education Work-Integrated Learning (ECE-WIL) opportunity for working Early Childhood Educator Assistants (ECE-As) to become qualified Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) in British Columbia.
Program Content
Students will complete their Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) courses in 1 year through a combination of weekly seminars, communities of practice, individual meetings, online learning, and work-based practicum experiences.
Students will then be eligible to apply for their ECE Certificate from the ECE Registry.
Course delivery
This ECE-WIL program will run from October2024 to August 2025.
Students will complete five courses in each of the three semesters (Fall, Spring, and Intersession). By the end of the three terms, students will have completed twelve theory courses plus three practicum courses. Students will then be eligible to apply for their ECE Certificate from the ECE Registry.
Instructors will work collaboratively to support students in meeting the learning outcomes for each ECEC course through a combination of weekly 2-hour seminars (one evening per week), weekly 1-hour communities of practice, weekly individual student meetings, and up to two hours of weekly online learning per theory course. In addition, instructors will meet twice per term with students and mentors as part of practicum evaluation (either in-person or by Microsoft Teams).
Fall 2024 (September to December)
- ECEC 110 Child Development I
- ECEC 133 Practicum I
- ECEC 150 Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Practice
- ECEC 170 Program Planning: Development through Play
- ENGL 115 University Writing and Research
Spring 2025 (January to April)
- ECEC 111 Child Development II
- ECEC 120 Principles and Practices of Guiding and Caring
- ECEC 134 Practicum II
- ECEC 171 Program Planning: Creative Expression
- ECEC 200 (formerly ECEC 100) Roots and Trends of Canadian Early Childhood Education Practice
Intersession 2025 (May to August)
- ECEC 204 (formerly ECEC 172) Program Planning: Discovering our World
- ECEC 205 (formerly ECEC 135) Practicum III
- ECEC 211 Early Childhood Program Administration
- ECEC 270 Trends and Models in Early Childhood
- CYC 231 An Introduction to Family Development and Support
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
- Hold a valid ECE-A Certificate, and be in good standing with the ECE Registry
- Have successfully completed ECEC 130 Principles and Practices of Wellness (or equivalent) with a grade of "C+" or better from an approved post-secondary institution in BC
- ECE-WIL Student Questionnaire
- ECE-WIL Employer Letter of Recommendation. Note, students must be employed in a licensed child care program for a minimum of two years and currently be employed for a minimum of 15 hours per week.
- 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.
- Priority will be given to students who work in the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo/Parksville, Powell River, and surrounding areas (with whom VIU has existing relationships and affiliation agreements).
Other Program Requirements
- 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.
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open |
October 1, 2024 |
| Applications Close** | May 31, 2025 |
| Documents Due | June 15, 2024 |
| Non-refundable $200 Tuition Deposit Due | Within 3 weeks of admission offer, or prior to program start date (whichever comes first) |
|
Program Start |
September 2, 2025 |
|
Program End |
August 7, 2026 |
* Dates are subject to change
** Late applications may be accepted if there is still room in the program
All Student Fees are subject to final approvals.
|
Program Fees (12 Months) |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Application Fee |
45.16 |
|
Tuition* (45 credits x $166.40 per credit) |
7,488.00 |
|
Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) |
239.64 |
|
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 (approximate costs) |
988.43 |
|
Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) |
75.00 |
|
Criminal Record Check |
46.50 |
|
Graduation Fee |
58.56 |
|
Total |
9,822.09 |
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.
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