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
- 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
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The duration of the Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma is two years full time (1830 hours of combined lecture, field observations, and practicum). The maximum time for completion is 5 years.
- 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
- A VCC Immunization Record must be completed. Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended and in some cases may be required for practicum placements:
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.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term One | Credits | |
| ECED 1011 | Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education Studies | 2 |
| ECED 1301 | Foundations in ECCE | 2.5 |
| ECED 1302 | Early Childhood Care and Education Field Study 1 | 1 |
| ECED 1303 | Communications | 1.5 |
| ECED 1304 | Observing and Recording | 2 |
| ECED 1107 | Guiding and Caring | 2 |
| ECED 1305 | Child Growth 1 | 2 |
| ECED 1306 | Early Childhood Care and Education Field Study 2 | 1 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term Two | ||
| ECED 2301 | Creative Art | 2 |
| ECED 2302 | Exploring Learning Environments | 2 |
| ECED 2303 | Early Childhood Care and Education Field Study 4 | 1 |
| ECED 2305 | Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum 1 | 2.5 |
| ECED 2106 | Early Childhood Care and Education Field Study 5 | 1 |
| ECED 2102 | Music and Movement | 2 |
| ECED 1307 | The Learning Child | 2 |
| ECED 1308 | Early Childhood Care and Education Field Study 3 | 1 |
| Credits | 13.5 | |
| Term Three | ||
| ECED 1104 | Child Growth 2 | 2 |
| ECED 2308 | Language and Literature | 2 |
| ECED 2115 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 2 |
| ECED 2306 | Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum 2 | 2.5 |
| ECED 2304 | Integrated Program Planning | 1 |
| ECED 2307 | Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum 3 | 4 |
| ECED 2309 | Ecology of Family | 2 |
| Credits | 15.5 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term Four | ||
| ECED 2313 | Advanced Child Growth and Development IT/SN | 2 |
| ECED 2314 | Advanced Field Study IT/SN | 1 |
| ECED 2235 | Infant Practicum | 4 |
| ECED 2315 | Advanced Health, Safety and Nutrition IT/SN | 2 |
| ECED 2316 | Role of the Caregiver IT | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Term Five | ||
| ECED 2320 | Professional Perspectives | 2 |
| ECED 2200 | Enhancing Family Relationships | 2 |
| ECED 2335 | Toddler Practicum | 4 |
| ECED 2317 | Role of the Caregiver SN | 3 |
| Credits | 11 | |
| Term Six | ||
| ECED 2230 | Special Needs Practicum 1 | 4 |
| ECED 2330 | Special Needs Practicum 2 | 4 |
| ECED 2300 | Childcare Administration | 2 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 76 | |
Note: For students who began the program before January 2025, ECCE courses will be considered equivalent to the ECED courses with the same number. Equivalencies will be accepted through January 2030. Exceptions must be approved by the Registrar’s Office in consultation with the department.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 145 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 46204 | |
| Student union | 410 | |
| College initiative | 198 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 463 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 421 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 149 | |
| U-PASS | 812 | |
| Graduation | 0 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
This is an international cohort program. As international cohorts are exclusively for international students, international fees apply throughout the duration of the program.
* 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.
Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.
Apply now
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.
The Letters of Recommendation should be issued by someone who knows the student on a professional level as a student, volunteer or employee. For example, the letters may be written by:
- Instructors
- Supervisors from a volunteer activity
- Current or past employers
A signature, date of signing, and contact information must be included in the letters.
For more information and tips, see Apply page