- Program Length1 Year
- CredentialCertificate
The Early Childhood Education and Care Certificate Program
The Early Childhood Education and Care program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with young children and their families in licensed child care settings. Students progress through an interrelated series of courses and practica designed to integrate theoretical learning, awareness of self in relationships, and practical experience in becoming an Early Childhood Educator. This program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.
|
Year 1 – Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
ECEC 120 - (Principles and Practices of Guiding and Caring) |
3 |
|
ECEC 130 - (Principles and Practices of Wellness) |
3 |
|
ECEC 150 - (Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Practice) |
3 |
|
3 |
|
|
Total Credits |
12 |
|
Year 1 – Semester 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
ECEC 170 - (Program Planning: Development Through Play) |
3 |
|
ECEC 133 - (Practicum I) |
3 |
|
3 |
|
|
ECEC 200 - (Roots and Trends of Canadian Early Childhood Education Practice) |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
12 |
|
Year 1 – Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
ENGL 115 or equivalent |
3 |
|
ECEC 171 - (Program Planning: Creative Expression) |
3 |
|
ECEC 134 - (Practicum II) |
3 |
|
ECEC 211 - (Early Childhood Program Administration) |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
12 |
|
Year 2 – Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
ECEC 204 - (Program Planning: Discovering Our World) |
3 |
|
ECEC 205 - (Practicum III) |
3 |
|
ECEC 270 - (Trends and Models in Early Childhood) |
3 |
|
CYC 231 - (An Introduction to Family Development and Support) |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
12 |
Completion Requirements
Students who successfully complete the required courses, including all practica, will be eligible for VIU’s Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care. An overall average of “C+,” as well as “C+” grade in each of the ECEC and CYC courses is expected of students in order to proceed through the program and to graduate at the Certificate level.
Students should be advised that graduation from an approved post-secondary Early Childhood Education program does not automatically ensure registration as a Licensed Certified Early Childhood Education. For more details, contact the contact the Early Childhood Registry or call Toll-free 1-888-338-6622 (in Victoria 356-6501).
Following admission to the program, students are encouraged to become members of the professional association of Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC). More information about ECEBC, membership fees and benefits can be obtained from the ECEC faculty, or by visiting the ECEBC website.
VIU’s ECEC department also offers first and second year courses with a First Nations perspective. For more information about these courses, please contact the ECEC Chair at ECECchair@viu.ca or 250.740.2301.
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with a minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
- Résumé describing education and employment background.
- Two letters of reference, completed on a University Reference Form, from persons other than relatives. At least one letter of reference must document completion of 20 hours in a licensed child care facility such as a family childcare, group day care or pre-school.
- Group interview with the program Chair and faculty.
Notes on Admission
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Practicum Placements
- International Students will require a valid practicum work permit before being placed in practicum. Submit copy of practicum work permit to the ECEC faculty.
- Documented completion of a C.P.R. Emergency Child Care Certificate, or equivalent (e.g., St. John’s Ambulance Standard First Aid Certificate or Basic Life Support, Level B). The First Aid certification must be valid for entire practicum placements. Documentation to be submitted to ECEC Faculty before first day of practicum.
- Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.
Graduates are in high demand for a wide range of careers in licensed preschools, infant/toddler and 3-5 group care, multi-aged programs, infant and supported child development, Aboriginal Head Start, family support services, school-based programs such as Strong Start, child care licensing, and many more.
Domestic Fees | International Fees
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for Year 1 |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (36 credits x $166.40 per credit) |
5,990.40 |
|
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
239.62 |
|
Student Services fee (36 credits x $7.35 per credit) |
264.60 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $27.60 per month) |
276.00 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) |
1,983.00 |
|
Special project supplies (approximate costs) |
500.00 |
|
Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) |
75.00 |
|
Total |
9,593.62 |
Fees for Year 2 |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (12 credits x $166.40 per credit) |
1,996.80 |
|
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
79.87 |
|
Student Services fee (12 credits x $7.35 per credit) |
88.20 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (4 months x $27.60 per month) |
110.40 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) |
1,983.00 |
|
Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) |
75.00 |
|
Total |
4,598.27 |
*Some sections of ECEC 110, 111, and 130 are offered on a cost recovery basis and charged at the rate of $620.46 per course.
Students are responsible for travel expenses to practicum placements.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for Year 1 |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (2 semesters x $11996.55 per semester + 6 additional credits x $799.77) |
28,791.72 |
|
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester + 6 additional credits x $33.10) |
1,125.40 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $27.60 per month) |
276.00 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) |
1,983.00 |
|
Special project supplies (approximate costs) |
500.00 |
|
Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) |
75.00 |
|
Total |
33,016.12 |
Fees for Year 2 |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (1 semesters x $11996.55 per semester + 3 additional credits x $799.77) |
14,395.86 |
|
Ancillary Fee (1 semesters x $463.40 per semester + 3 additional credits x $33.10) |
562.70 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (4 months x $27.60 per month) |
110.40 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) |
1,983.00 |
|
Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) |
75.00 |
|
Total |
17,391.96 |
Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.
Students are responsible for travel expenses to practicum placements.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
UpdatedDomestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Mar 31, 2025
|
||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Accepting International Applications
No
Application Fee
45.16
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Shirley McGregor Chair Contact
Name: Summer Lin |
|||
| Sep 3, 2024 |
Jan 29, 2024 to Jun 30, 2024
|
||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 3, 2024
Accepting International Applications
No
Application Fee
45.16
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erin Johnson Chair Contact
Name: Summer Lin |
|||
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.