Learning in Community ECE Program (Blended Online)

VIU is offering a unique Early Childhood Education Work-Integrated Learning (ECE-WIL) opportunity for working Early Childhood Educator Assistants (ECE-As) to become qualified Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) in the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo-Parksville, Powell River, and surrounding areas.

Program Content

Students will complete their Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) courses through a combination of weekly seminars, communities of practice, individual meetings, online learning, and work-based practicum experiences.

Students will then be eligible to apply for their ECE Certificate from the ECE Registry.

Course delivery

This ECE-WIL program will run from October 2023 to August 2024.

Students will complete four to five courses in each of the three terms (Fall, Spring, and Intersession). Kindly note, the first term will be condensed. By the end of the three terms, students will have completed eleven theory courses plus three practicum courses. Students will then be eligible to apply for their ECE Certificate from the ECE Registry. 

Instructors will work collaboratively to support students in meeting the learning outcomes for each ECEC course through a combination of weekly 2-hour seminars (one evening per week), weekly 1-hour communities of practice (one morning, afternoon or evening per week), weekly individual student meetings, and up to two hours of weekly online learning per theory course. In addition, instructors will meet twice per term with students and mentors as part of practicum evaluation (either in-person or by zoom, depending on safety protocols and other factors).

  • General admission requirements apply.
  • English 12 with a minimum “C” grade, or equivalent
  • Hold a valid ECE-A Certificate, and be in good standing with the ECE Registry
  • Have successfully completed ECEC 130 Principles and Practices of Wellness (or equivalent) with a grade of "C+" or better from an approved post-secondary institution in BC
  • ECE-WIL Student Questionnaire
  • ECE-WIL Employer Letter of Recommendation. Note, students must be employed in a licensed child care program for a minimum of two years and currently be employed for a minimum of 15 hours per week.
  • 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.
  • Priority will be given to students who work in the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo/Parksville, Powell River, and surrounding areas (with whom VIU has existing relationships and affiliation agreements).

Other Program Requirements

  • 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.
Description Date
Applications Open

August 7, 2023

Applications Close** September 22, 2023
Information Session Wednesday September 6, 2023 (7-8 pm). Please contact ECECchair@viu.ca to request Zoom link. 
Proof of Admission Requirements - Document Deadline September 22, 2023
Non-refundable $200 Tuition Deposit Due Within 3 weeks of admission offer, or prior to program start date (whichever comes first)
Balance of Tuition Due October 13, 2023

Last Day to Withdraw with partial refund (no refunds will be issued after this date).

October 28, 2023

Program Start

October 2, 2023

Program End

August 14, 2024

* Dates are subject to change

** Late applications may be accepted if there is still room in the program

All Tuition and Fees are subject to final approvals

  • Program Tuition:  $6891.03
  • Application Fee:  $44.27
  • Student Union Fees:  $292.49
  • Student Activity Fees:  $274
  • Criminal Record Check Fee:  $45.55
  • Textbooks:  Approximately $250.00

Please note the ECEBC offers bursaries through the ECE Education Support Fund (up to $500 per course). Learn more about the ECE BC Education Support Fund

For registration information, please contact:

Stephanie Anhorn, Registration and Admissions Assistant
Phone: 250.753.3245 Ext. 2284
Email: Stephanie.Anhorn@viu.ca

Summer Lin, Program Chair
Early Childhood Education and Care
Email: ECECChair@viu.ca

Attend an information session via Zoom on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 (7-8 pm). Please contact ECECChair@viu.ca  to request Zoom link.