Early Childhood Care and Education (Certificate)

Overview

Gain the knowledge and skills to specialize in the inclusive care and development of children aged 2-6 in licensed early learning settings in British Columbia.  

What to expect

Courses combine classroom lectures, presentations, discussions, practical exercises, and individual and group work. Students take an active role and learn by observing early childhood programs during field trips and off-site field studies. Students are exposed to the new ECCE resources SECD (Science of Early Child Development). Guest speakers are invited for every course in order to provide community awareness and connections for the students.

The class time includes the use of the ECCE Lab. The ECCE Lab is a combination of classroom space and several mock learning centers. The instructors incorporate the practical application in their lectures.

Practicum students receive on-site support and supervision from college instructors and sponsors who are qualified early childhood educators.

What you will learn

• Protect and promote the psychological and physical safety, health, and well-being of each child
• Develop and maintain a warm, caring, and responsive relationship with each child and with groups of children modeling effective problem solving skills
• Plan and provide daily experiences that support and promote each child’s physical, emotional, social, communication, cognitive, ethical, and creative lives
• Use pedagogical narrations to interpret and respond to children’s skills, abilities, interests, and needs
• Integrate knowledge of current child growth and development theory and research into work and child care settings
• Establish and maintain an open, cooperative relationship with each child’s family
• Establish and maintain supportive, collaborative relationships with others working in the early care and learning setting promoting team work and professional communication
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with other community service providers working with the child
• Reflect on one’s own knowledge, attitudes, and skills and take appropriate action for change
• Contribute to the effective management and administration of early care and learning settings
• Practice ethical and professional behaviour when working in the early childhood and education industry
• Advocate for high-quality, accessible, and comprehensive early care and learning settings

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

Two years of part-time or one year of full-time study. Students have a maximum of three years to complete the program.

Successful graduates are eligible to apply for the Early Childhood Educator Certification from the Ministry for Children and Family Development, Early Childhood Education Registry.

Graduates who decide to upgrade their education can continue into the ECCE Post-Basic Diploma Program. The maximum time between completion of the ECCE Certificate and enrolling to the ECCE Post Basic Diploma is five years.

Admission Requirement

Program-specific

• Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
• Minimum 18 years of age
• English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C’ grade, or equivalent
• Interview with Selection Committee, in person or by video conference
• Two letters of recommendation from people who have worked with the applicant in a relevant professional or academic environment
• 40 hours of volunteering work in a licensed childcare facility in BC. Work experience must be verified by an official employer letter.

Upon Acceptance:

• Criminal Record Check (CRC)
  • Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate. 
• TB Screening
  • Students must submit a negative Tuberculosis (TB) skin test. If the TB skin test is positive, a negative TB chest x-ray is required.
• Immunizations
  • A VCC Immunization Record must be completed. Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended and in some cases may be required for practicum placements:
    • Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis 
    • Polio
    • Measles, Mumps & Rubella
    • Varicella (chicken pox)
    • Hepatitis B
    • Influenza
    • Covid-19

Recommended Characteristics

The Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate is designed to meet the needs of adult learners who reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of our community.

The following attributes are recommended:

• Desire to work with children and families in early childhood programs and services
• Previous experience in working with young children
• Ability to communicate effectively in English

Program Availability

Courses

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

How to Apply

Full-time or part-time? 

• Winter intakes: full-time study
• Fall intakes: part-time study

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Contact us

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

Advising services for International students

study@vcc.ca