The Early Childhood Education programs prepares students to work with young children in a variety of early learning settings. After successfully completing one of the “Assistant” designated ECE courses, students may apply to the ECE Registry for certification as an assistant (ECE-A), and work in the field while attending classes. In the certificate and diploma programs, through study of such topics as Child Development, Curriculum Development, and Child, Family & Community – as well as practical exposure through practicum placements in licensed child-care programs – students gain the knowledge and experience needed to apply for certification as an Early Childhood Educator.
Please note that Fall applications (September 2024) are now closed.
We are currently accepting applications for the Winter (January 2025) semester. Registration for the Winter semester will open mid October, 2024.
To view the Early Childhood Educator Fall schedule, click here.
To view the Early Childhood Education textbook list, click here. **Textbooks are mandatory for those classes that require them.
Payment terms:
Full program tuition payment is due on or before the first day of the semester. If registering for a course after the start of semester, all fees are due in full upon registration.
For students who are taking the program on a course by course basis, tuition for individual courses are due at the time of registration for the course(s).
There are several options of study available in the college’s ECE department:
- ECE-Assistant: one course that allows students to be certified as an assistant to work in childcare centres. Students may choose from the following classes ($609 each). The course lasts 1 semester:
- ECED 1110: Child Development 1
- ECED 2110: Child Development 2
- ECED 1120: Health, Safety & Nutrition
- ECED 1170: Guiding Behaviour
- ECE-Certificate: A 41 credit certificate program that allows students to obtain Early Childhood Educator – Basic certification as a licensed ECE. The program takes 3 semesters if taken full time.
- ECE-Diploma: a 60 credit diploma program that combines the early childhood educator certificate with post-basic “Special Needs Educator” certification. The program takes 4.5 semesters if taken full time.
- ECE Post-Basic:
- Special Needs Educator: a 22 credit program that allows students who have already completed their ECE Basic certification to obtain Special Needs certification. The program takes 1.5 semesters if taken full time.
- Infant / Toddler Educator: a 22 credit program that allows students who have already complete their ECE Basic certification to obtain Infant/Toddler certification. The program takes 1.5 semesters if taken full time.
Graduates receive the appropriate Early Childhood Education certification from the ECE Registry in Victoria.
The ECE program uses a hybrid model of instruction with most courses taught online.
Previous/Current Students: If you are applying for an ECE program and have taken courses at the college before or are currently taking a program, please contact the RMC office at rmc@sd42.ca instead of creating a new application. This will allow us to link your new application to any previously completed courses.