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.
Early Childhood Care and Education (Diploma)
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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
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The maximum time for completion for the Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma is five years (1830 hours of combined lecture, field observations, and practicum).
1) ECCE Basic Certificate Exit: After successfully completing the courses in the ECCE Certificate program students will have the option of exiting the program with the ECCE Certificate. This credential qualifies for the Early Childhood Educator Certification granted from the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
The duration of this program is two years of part-time or one year of full-time study (960 hours of combined lecture, field observation, and practicum). The maximum time for completion is three years.
2) Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma Program: Students continuing with advanced, post-basic education (Infant Toddler and Special Needs) will graduate with the Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma. This credential additionally qualifies for the Infant Toddler and Special Needs Educator Certifications granted from the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
The duration of the advanced, post-basic education program(Infant Toddler and Special Needs) is 15 months, part-time (830 hours of combined lecture, field observation, and practicum). The maximum time for completion is two years.
The maximum time between completion of the ECCE Certificate and enrolling to the Early Childhood Education Diploma is five years.
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
Program-specific
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 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
- 40 hours of volunteering work in a licensed childcare facility in BC. Work experience must be verified by an official employer letter.
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 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
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
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 *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
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.
Fees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | $15,519 | |
| Student union | $707 | |
| College initiative | $214 | |
| Campus resource | $310 | |
| Medical and Dental | $570 | |
| U-PASS | $1,127 | |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $18,528 |
The Early Childhood Education Student Bursary program may help you fund your education. Applications are available at ECEBC.
* 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. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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Info Week at VCC
Join us online or in-person for our info sessions, April 28 - May 2.