Early Childhood Education Program
Are you a working Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECE-A)? Looking for more opportunities for rewarding work educating children? Get certified in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
VIU is offering a unique opportunity for working ECE-As to become qualified ECEs. Tuition is free, and the program is delivered online. The work-integrated learning (WIL) program allows you to work while you upgrade your skills.
After completing this 12-month program, you’ll be eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Educator Certificate from the ECE Registry.
Course delivery
This ECE-WIL program will run from September 2022 to August 2023 and will be delivered online.
You’ll complete ten theory courses and three practicum courses over three terms. You’ll do three to four theory courses in each 15-week term. Your instructors will work with you to help you meet the learning outcomes for each course.
Each week you will have:
- a two-hour evening seminar
- a one-hour Communities of Practice in the morning, afternoon or evening
- an individual student meeting
- up to two hours of learning per theory course.
Instructors will meet with you and your mentor twice per term as part of practicum evaluation.
Apply now for free tuition
The program starts in September, and seats are limited. Apply now to secure your spot.
Fall 2022 (September to December)
- ECEC 150 Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Practice
- ECEC 133 Practicum I
- ECEC 170 Program Planning: Learning through Play
- ECEC 200 (formerly ECEC 100) Roots and Trends of Canadian Early Childhood Education Practice
Spring 2023 (January to April)
- ECEC 111 Child Development II
- ECEC 120 Principles and Practices of Guiding and Caring
- ECEC 134 Practicum II
- ECEC 171 Program Planning: Creative Expression
- ECEC 204 (formerly ECEC 172) Program Planning: Discovering our World
Intersession 2023 (May to August)
- ECEC 205 (formerly ECEC 135) Practicum III
- ECEC 211 Early Childhood Program Administration
- ECEC 270 Trends and Models in Early Childhood
- CYC 231 An Introduction to Family Development and Support
Note: English 115 is not included in the Course Schedule, as it is not required for ECE certification by the ECE Registry. However, students who wish to obtain Vancouver Island University’s Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care must also complete English 115 or equivalent.
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with a minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
- ECEC 130 Principles and Practices of Wellness & ECEC 110 Child Development I (or equivalents) with a minimum grade of “C+”
- ECE-WIL Student Questionnaire
- ECE-WIL Employer Letter of Recommendation
- Hold a valid ECE-A Certificate, and be in good standing with the ECE Registry;
- 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.
- VIU will be offering ECEC 130 Principles and Practices of Wellness & ECEC 110 Child Development I during Intersession 2022.
Other Program Requirements
- Documented completion of a CPR 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.
All Student Fees are subject to final approvals.
- Application Fee: $43.40
- Student Union Fees: ~ $300
- Student Activity Fees: ~ $251
- Graduation Fee: $56.28
- Criminal Record Check Fee: $44.70
- 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 Education Support Fund.
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open |
May 23, 2022 |
| Information Session | Tuesday, May 31, 2022 (7-8pm). Please contact ECECchair@viu.ca to request Zoom link |
| Applications Close** | August 12, 2022 |
| Proof of Admission Requirements - Document Deadline | August 15, 2022 |
| Non-refundable $200 Tuition Deposit Due | Within 3 weeks of admission offer |
| Balance of Tuition Due | September 20, 2022 |
|
Last Day to Withdraw with partial refund (no refunds will be issued after this date). |
September 19, 2022 |
|
Program Start |
September 6, 2022 |
|
Program End |
August 4, 2023 |
* Dates are subject to change
** Late applications may be accepted if there is still room in the program
For registration information, please contact:
Admissions Assistant: Miranda MacCallum
Phone: 250.753.3245 Ext: 2584
Email: Miranda.MacCallum@viu.ca
Department Chair: Ocean Kneeland
Phone: 250.740.2301
Email: ECECchair@viu.ca