Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

With an Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Diploma you can find rewarding work anywhere in BC and beyond. And work in early childhood development gives you reasons to smile every day. There is a huge demand for early learning and childcare skills in BC.

Faculty: Education | Duration: 2 years | Study mode: full-time | Intake: We accept ongoing applications for PLA | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Principles and Practices of Guiding and Caring, Principles and Practices of Wellness, Practicum I, Practicum II, Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Practice, Program Planning: Development Through Play, Program Planning: Creative Expression, Program Planning: Discovering Our World.

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.; Individuals who completed the ECEC Certificate program in 1996 or later will receive a minimum of one year transfer credit towards the VIU Child and Youth Care Diploma, or one year credit towards the VIU Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care.; Notes on Admission; Program enrolment is limited and applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be...

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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