ECEC Work-Integrated Learning Program

Earn certification while you work

Are you a working Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECE-As)?

With the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Work-Integrated Learning program you can gain certification as an Early Childhood Educator while you work. When you complete the one-year program you will be eligible to apply for your ECE Certificate from the ECE Registry.

Certification gives you access to more work opportunities and higher pay.

Study online

You take online courses for one year. These are a combination of group classes, individual meetings and online lessons.

In-person practice

You also take part in practicums that give you hands-on experience. You can do your practicums at your current workplace.

Course schedule

You will complete five courses in each of the three semesters (Fall, Spring, and Intersession). By the end of the three terms, you will have completed twelve theory courses plus three practicum courses.

Supportive instructors

Your online coursework features lots of opportunities to connect with your instructors and get personal attention. Your instructors will support you through a combination of:

  • weekly 2-hour seminars (one evening per week),
  • weekly 1-hour communities of practice
  • weekly one-on-one meetings
  • up to two hours of weekly online learning per theory course

You will meet twice per term with your instructor and mentor as part of practicum evaluation.

Fall (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 (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 (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, 2025
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

46.06

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

9,822.99

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.

Admissions Officer:
Name: Jamie Mollins
Phone: 250.740.6400
Email: Jamie.Mollins@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Summer Lin
Email: ECECchair@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Cherie Anderson
Email: ECEC@viu.ca