University Diploma - Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education Diploma program provides innovative opportunities for classroom-based research and hands-on field work experience so students can acquire the teaching skills to become effective educators of young children.

Areas of learning include: developing relationships with children, child development, child guidance, interpersonal relations, educational theories, designing and developing curriculum content, reflective practice, working with families, and program management. Practical fieldwork experience is a component of each semester. By consolidating a personal philosophy toward early childhood care and education, graduates are able to work effectively with co-workers and children to co-construct rich learning opportunities and become strong advocates for children and families. Graduates embark on rewarding careers in half or full day child care programs, family child care, Head Start programs, Strong Start programs, and other child care facilities. Completion of the ECE diploma satisfies the requirements of the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development ECE Registry for certification as an Early Childhood Educator. This program does not qualify a person to teach a public school kindergarten.