ECE Certificate Program

Program Overview

The Early Childhood Education program equips students with the knowledge and skills to work with young children in various childcare settings. The program emphasizes child development, guidance, pedagogy, and practical experience through supervised practicums. Graduates are eligible for ECE certification and can pursue careers as childcare workers, early childhood educators, and other roles in early childhood education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program prepares students to work with young children in child care centers, preschools, day camps, and other childcare services.
The program aims to inspire educators to think critically, learn effectively, and create inclusive, learning-rich environments that prioritize children's well-being. By understanding the integral role of play and relationships in children's learning processes, graduates can obtain the certification required to work in early childhood educational settings.
• Objectives: The program's objectives are to:
• Provide a strong foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to work in early childhood educational settings (ages birth to five years).
• Foster an understanding of child growth and development, guidance and caring, and the foundation and philosophy of ECE.
• Develop skills in pedagogy and curriculum planning, health, safety, and nutrition, and interpersonal communication.
• Offer practical experience through supervised practicum placements in early childhood education settings.

Program Structure and Curriculum:

• Course Outline:
• ECE010 Child Care Growth and Development I
• ECE020 Child Care Growth and Development II
• ECE030 Guidance and Caring
• ECE040 Foundation and Philosophy of ECE
• ECE050 Pedagogy and BC Early Learning Framework
• ECE080 Early Childhood Education I
• ECE082 Early Childhood Education II
• ECE084 Early Childhood Education III
• ECE060 Fostering Outdoor and Nature Play
• ECE090 Interpersonal Communication
• ECE070 Health, Safety and Nutrition
• ECE110 Practicum I Observation and Recording
• ECE120 Practicum II

Careers:

• Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program are eligible for ECE certification and can work in various early childhood education settings, including:
• Childcare worker – daycare
• Childcare worker assistant
• Daycare helper
• Daycare supervisor
• Daycare worker
• Early childhood assistant
• Early childhood education worker
• Early childhood educator – preschool
• Early childhood educator (ECE)
• Early childhood program staff assistant
• Early childhood supervisor
• Preschool helper
• Preschool supervisor
• Wages: Graduates can earn up to $25.00 per hour as an Early Childhood Educator, with an additional $6 government top-up.