Human Services Programs

Early Childhood Education and Care

• 2-Year Diploma Program
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission: Forms and Information

The 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- or full-time basis.

Students who successfully complete the required courses, including all practica, will be eligible for VIU’s Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Those students completing the first three semesters, including all practica, will be eligible for VIU’s Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care. 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.

Upon completion of the certificate and following 500 hours of appropriate and documented satisfactory work experience, graduates are eligible to apply for a basic license to practice through the Early Childhood Registry, Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply to the Registry for a license to practice as a Special Needs Educator and an Infant/ Toddler Educator. For up to date information on licensing requirements, including 500 hours of work experience, please visit www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/ece/index.htm.

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 www.ecebc.ca.

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 250-740-6598.

Career Opportunities

In recent years there has been an increasing demand for qualified individuals to work with young children in child care facilities. Graduates of the program may find employment opportunities in a variety of child care settings such as day care centres, pre-schools, private kindergartens, child care resource and referral, and child and family service agencies. Employment opportunities in the field increase with further training and work experience.

Admission Requirements

• General admission requirements apply.
• English 12 with a minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
• Resume 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 60 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 to be scheduled during the month of April.
• Applicants who submit a completed application form by the end of February may be offered an earlier interview date.

Notes on Admission

• Submission of a satisfactory medical report is required prior to placement in an ECEC practicum.
• Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU and 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.
• 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 certificate must be complete and current by the first day of class.
• Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September and applications are accepted between November 15 and March 31. For further information regarding late applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List.

Program Outline

ECEC 224 and ECEC 231 (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 Child and Youth Care Diploma at VIU, or one year credit towards the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care at VIU.

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.

Updated November 9, 2011