Overview
Gain the knowledge and skills to specialize in the inclusive care and development of children aged 0-6 and children with special needs. Graduates qualify for the Infant Toddler Educator (ITE) and Special Needs Educator (SNE) certifications from the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development.
What you will learn
On completion of the Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma, graduates will be able to:
Protect and promote the psychological and physical safety, health and well-being of young children 0-6 years of age 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 developing among young children 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.
Advocate for high-quality, accessible, comprehensive and inclusive early care and learning settings.
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.
Admission requirements
There are two entry pathways into the Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma.
Year 1 Entry:
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- Minimum 18 years of age
- English Language Proficiency assessed at English 12 with a minimum ‘C’
- Interview with Selection Committee, in person or by video conference
- Two letters of recommendation, indicating suitability for the program
- 40 hours of volunteering work in a licensed childcare facility in BC
Year 2 Entry:
- Successful completion of VCC's Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate, or other approved training program as per BC Ministry of Children and Family Development Early Childhood Education Registry
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English Language Proficiency assessed at English 12 with a minimum ‘C’
- Interview with Selection Committee, in person or by video conference
- Two letters of recommendation, indicating suitability for the program
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
- Polio
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- A VCC Immunization Record must be completed. Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended and in some cases may be required for practicum placements:
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free in academic upgrading, university transfer or English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses.
Recommended Characteristics
The Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma 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
Fees and other costs
Tuition deposit: $400 (non-refundable)
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $36 | |
| Tuition | $14,915 | |
| College initiative | $179 | |
| Campus resource | $459 | |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $15,634 |
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* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.