Early Childhood

Education and Care

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Do you want to make a difference? Nurture the curiosity and development of young children by preparing for a rewarding career in Vancouver Island University’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) 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.

The five practicum placements prepare students for careers in licensed early childcare and learning centres, government, early intervention, Aboriginal early learning centres, or schools or post-secondary institutions.

Graduates of the early childhood diploma program have gone on to stimulating careers as early child care assistants and early childhood educator, to name a few.

Early Childhood Education and Care

Admission Requirements

• IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) / TOEFL 88 (no section below 20) or equivalent

You don't have enough English scores? No problem. Upon completion of English Language Centre University Preparation, students can enter Vancouver Island University degree, diploma and certificate programs directly (as long as academic pre-requisites met). 

• 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 60 hours of volunteer experience working with young children. 
• 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

• 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

• International Students will require a valid practicum work permit before being placed in practicum. Submit copy of practicum work permit to the ECEC faculty.
  
• 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.

Program Outline

Check our Calendar page - Early Childhood Education and Care

Start Date and Application Deadlines

Program Start Date: September 8, 2020
Accepting Applications until: March 31, 2020
We encourage early applications. 

Tuition

Go to the International Student Cost Calculator

Summer Lin

“After I graduated from the ECEC program, I was quickly promoted to a supervisor and after two years at the facility, I was promoted again as the manager to six staff members looking after 37 children. I was doing a lot of licensing and paperwork, and thought I could start my own daycare. My husband and I started Tenderfoot Childcare in September, 2016. I am now a proud small business entrepreneur, owning and operating an independent childcare centre. I love mentoring the ECEC students from VIU, especially the international students since we have similar background as immigrants. It is my honour to be on the executive board of the Early Childhood Educators of BC (ECEBC) Nanaimo Branch for three years, and I have assisted the branch in organizing monthly professional development workshops for local ECEs.”


-- Summer is a graduate of the Early Childhood Education and Care diploma program.

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Future Career

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.

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.

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