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Early Childhood Care and Education

CREDENTIAL: Diploma
START DATES

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.

Tuition: 46204*
Credential: Diploma
Length: 2 0 year
Hours: Full-time
Delivery: Class-based
Program Flyer: Download
Campus: Downtown Downtown
Start Dates: Jan, May, Sep
 

What you will learn

  • Types of child care services
  • Structure, organization, and history of child care in B.C.
  • Human development from 0-12
  • Care for infants, toddlers, and special needs
  • Psychological and physical health and safety
  • Play-based learning
  • Positive emotional and social development
  • Creative arts
  • Physical and social sciences
  • Pre-mathematics skills
  • Music and creative movement
  • Program planning
  • Family-centered and culturally sensitive care
  • Language acquisition
  • Nutrition
  • Observation and recording
  • Relating to and collaborating with families
  • Positive and productive co-worker relationships
  • Research, trends, current issues
  • Interpersonal skills and effective communication
  • Self-reflection and change
  • Administrative and management skills
  • Ethics and professional behaviour
  • Child care advocacy

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

Admission requirements

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.

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

General

  • Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
  • International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
  • Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
  • All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements.   

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

Courses *

Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Class times are subject to change.

Prior learning assessment and recognition

Prior learning assessment is not available for this program.

Fees and other costs *

Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Tuition Deposit

10500 (10000 non-refundable)

Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Fee descriptionFee AmountNotes
Application fee145
Tuition Tuition 46204
Student union410
College initiative198
Materials0 not including textbooks
Campus resource463
Laundry0
Tools (deposit)0
Coverall (deposit)0
Uniform (deposit)0
Medical and Dental 421
Temporary Medical Insurance 149
U-PASS 812
Graduation0
Program-specific extra fees0
Total

This is an international cohort program. As international cohorts are exclusively for international students, international fees apply throughout the duration of the program.

Apply now

Jan 2025
(Winter term)
February 01, 2024
May 2025
(Spring/Summer term)
June 01, 2024
Sep 2025
(Fall term)
September 20, 2024

STATUS INFORMATION

  • Apply Now: Qualified applicants may receive offers of admission if seats are available, or placed on waitlists if seats are full.
  • Closed: Applications are not accepted.
  • For details about application availability based on study permit status and recommendations if the application status is closed, visit the Availability Status page.
ONLINE
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the application availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.

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