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.
Fall applications now being accepted!
Registration for current students – June 17, 2024
Registration for new ECEC, ECED, ECEIT and ECESN students – June 24, 2024
Registration for ECEA students – July 2, 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.
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.