Early Childhood Education and Care Certificate at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

Students interested in the certificate program are encouraged to consider the Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma program, which offers the option to exit early with an ECEC certificate. This program offers both face-to-face and online options. For more information, connect with our Future Students Office at [email protected].

Faculty: Education | Study mode: full-time | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Principles and Practices of Guiding and Caring, Principles and Practices of Wellness, Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Practice, Program Planning: Development Through Play, Practicum I, Roots and Trends of Canadian Early Childhood Education Practice, Program Planning: Creative Expression, Practicum II.

Career pathways

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.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

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...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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