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Program Length2 Years
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CredentialDiploma
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Location OfferedNanaimo
Want to make a positive difference in the lives of children? The work of early childhood educators has a lasting impact on children’s development. It’s a rewarding career in a rapidly growing field. Graduates of this program are in high demand.
In this program you get a balance of theory and practical experience in the early years sector. The theory courses cover current research and approaches. The practicum is your chance to make meaningful connections within the field of early childhood education and care.
Check the Early Childhood Educations of BC (ECEBC) Education Support Fund for current bursary information.
Program Overview
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-time or full-time basis.
- 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.
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.
| Year 1 – Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECEC 120 - (Principles and Practices of Guiding and Caring) | 3 |
| ECEC 133 - (Practicum I) | 3 |
| ECEC 150 - (Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Practice) | 3 |
| ECEC 170 - (Program Planning: Development Through Play) | 3 |
| PSYC 131 or CYC 111 or ECEC 110 - (Child Development I) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Year 1 – Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECEC 130 - (Principles and Practices of Wellness) | 3 |
| ECEC 134 - (Practicum II) | 3 |
| ECEC 171 - (Program Planning: Creative Expression) | 3 |
| PSYC 132 or CYC 112 or ECEC 111 - (Child Development II) | 3 |
| ENGL 115 or equivalent | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Year 1 – Intersession | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECEC 204 - (Program Planning: Discovering Our World) | 3 |
| ECEC 205 - (Practicum III) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 |
| Year 2 – Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECEC 200 - (Roots and Trends of Canadian Early Childhood Education Practice) | 3 |
| ECEC 221 - (Assessing and Supporting Healthy Early Development) | 3 |
| ECEC 223 - (Program Development for Infants and Toddlers) | 3 |
| ECEC 270 - (Trends and Models in Early Childhood) | 3 |
| CYC 231 - (An Introduction to Family Development and Support) or, SOCW 211 - (Family Studies) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Year 2 – Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECEC 211 - (Early Childhood Program Administration) | 3 |
| ECEC 222 - (Program Development for Children with Diverse Abilities) | 3 |
| ECEC 224 - (Practicum IV - Infants and Toddlers) or, ECEC 210 - (Special Topics Practicum – Community Pathways) | 3 |
| CYC 252 - (Fundamental Counselling Skills) | 3 |
| CYC 100 - (Introduction to Professional Child and Youth Care Practice) or, Elective approved by Department | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Year 2 – Intersession | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECEC 231 - (Practicum V–Children with Diverse Abilities) or, ECEC 210 - (Special Topics Practicum – Community Pathways) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 |
ECEC 224, ECEC 231, and ECEC 210 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 VIU Child and Youth Care Diploma, or one year credit towards the VIU Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care.
Graduates are in high demand for a wide range of careers in licensed preschools, infant/toddler and 3-5 group care, multi-aged programs, infant and supported child development, Aboriginal Head Start, family support services, school-based programs such as Strong Start, child care licensing, and many more.
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.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for Year 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (36 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 5,990.40 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $19.97 per month) | 199.70 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.05 per month) | 220.50 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $27.60 per month) | 276.00 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and project supplies per year (approximate costs) | 844.18 |
| Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) | 75.00 |
| Total | 7,890.78 |
| Fees for Year 2 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (33 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 5,491.20 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $19.97 per month) | 199.70 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.05 per month) | 220.50 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $27.60 per month) | 276.00 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) | 757.39 |
| Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) | 75.00 |
| Total | 7,304.79 |
*Some sections of ECEC 110, 111, and 130 are offered on a cost recovery basis and charged at the rate of $632.87 per course.
Students are responsible for travel expenses to practicum placements.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for Year 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (36 credits x $799.77 per credit) | 28,791.72 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $19.97 per month) | 199.70 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.05 per month) | 220.50 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $27.60 per month) | 276.00 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) | 844.18 |
| Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) | 75.00 |
| Total | 30,692.10 |
| Fees for Year 2 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (33 credits x $799.77 per credit) | 26,392.41 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $19.97 per month) | 199.70 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.05 per month) | 220.50 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $27.60 per month) | 276.00 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) | 757.39 |
| Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) | 75.00 |
| Total | 28,206.00 |
Students are responsible for travel expenses to practicum placements.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | Diploma on-line | |
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Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Early Childhood Education and Care on line diploma program has one intake in January.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Melanie Cousins Email: Melanie.Cousins@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Summer Lin Email: ECECchair@viu.ca
Area Secretary Contact:
Name: Cherie Anderson Email: ECEC@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
All requested transcripts and supporting documents are due December 6, 2024.
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| to | Nanaimo | Diploma | |
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Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Melanie Cousins Email: Melanie.Cousins@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Summer Lin Email: ECECchair@viu.ca
Area Secretary Contact:
Name: Cherie Anderson Email: ECEC@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
All requested transcripts and supporting documents are due June 15, 2025.
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