Early Childhood Care and Education (Diploma – International Cohort)

Overview

What to expect

• Classroom lectures
• Discussions and presentations
• Practical exercises
• Individual and group work
• Field trips and off-site field studies
• Guest speakers
• Use of the ECCE Lab (classroom space and mock child learning centres)
• Workplace practicums
• Quizzes and tests
• Essays
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Participation and group work

What you will learn

• Protect and promote the psychological and physical safety, health and well-being of young children ages 0-6 and implement effective inclusive practices in working with both typically developed and children with exceptionalities.
• Develop and maintain a warm, caring, and responsive relationship with each child and with groups of children.
• Administer daily experiences that support and promote children's physical, emotional, social, communication, cognitive, ethical and creative lives.
• Use pedagogical narration to interpret and respond to every child's skills, abilities, interests and needs with special focus on infants and toddlers and children who need extra support.
• Analyze variations in development among young children, ages 0-6.
• Establish and maintain an open, cooperative relationship with each child's family.
• Establish and maintain inclusive, supportive, collaborative relationships with others working in the early care and learning setting.
• 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.
• Practice administrative and management skills as related to early care and learning settings.
• Practice ethical and professional behaviour when working in the early childhood and education industry.
• Advocate for high-quality, accessible, comprehensive and inclusive early care and learning settings.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

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.

• 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

• 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

International students

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

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