Do you live in the Cowichan Valley or Qathet Regional Districts? Do you love working with young children? Become an Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professional. You can build a rewarding career, and your skills will be in high demand.
In the ECEC Blended Certificate program, you work with supportive instructors who are knowledgeable and passionate about early childhood education and care. Courses are delivered in a flexible blended (online and in-person) format.
You’ll learn about
- child development
- health and wellness
- communication
- curriculum
And you’ll gain hands-on experience through three practicum courses.
When you finish the program you receive the Early Childhood Education and Care Certificate from Vancouver Island University. And you’ll be eligible to apply for the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certificate from the ECE Registry. If you want to continue with your studies, you can apply to the ECEC diploma program.
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.
Course Delivery
This ECEC Blended Certificate program will run from September 2024 to December 2025, based out of our Cowichan and tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) campuses.
Each term you’ll:
- complete four 15-week courses (theory and practicum)
- meet with your instructors and mentors twice for practicum evaluation
Semester 1: Fall (September to December)
- 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)
Semester 2: Spring (January to April)
- 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)
Semester 3: Intersession (May to August)
- ECEC 134 - (Practicum II)
- ECEC 171 - (Program Planning: Creative Expression)
- ECEC 211 - (Early Childhood Program Administration)
- ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research)
Semester 4: Fall (September to December)
- 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)
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.
Other Program Requirements
Practicum Placements
- Documented completion of a CPR 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.
All Student Fees are subject to final approvals.
|
Program Fees (16 Months) |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Application Fee |
45.16 |
|
Tuition* (48 credits x $166.40 per credit) |
7,987.20 |
|
Student Activity fee (16 months x $19.97 per month) |
319.49 |
|
Student Services fee (16 months x $22.05 per month) |
352.80 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (16 months x $27.60 per month) |
441.60 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) |
570.00 |
|
Books and project supplies (approximate costs) |
1038.43 |
|
Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) |
150.00 |
|
Criminal Record Check |
46.50 |
|
Graduation Fee |
58.56 |
|
Total |
11,009.74 |
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.
* Dates are subject to change
** Late applications may be accepted if there is still room in the program
| 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 |
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:
Cowichan Admissions Assistant: Shirley McGregor (Shirley.McGregor@viu.ca)
tiwšɛmawtxʷ Admissions Assistant: Erin Johnson (Erin.Johnson@viu.ca)
For further information, please contact:
Summer Lin, Program Chair, Early Childhood Education and Care (Summer.Lin@viu.ca)