Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

Early Childhood Educators (ECE) in British Columbia work in a variety of settings supporting the education and care of children ages birth – 12 years, including support for their families. ECE's use their specialized education in early learning to create and maintain an inclusive and safe environment that encourages learning, while being responsive to the children's needs and interests. The daily work can be both physically and mentally challenging, wellness in both of these areas are needed to maintain safety for both the children and the ECE. Working within diverse communities and programs, they use reflective and collaborative practices to encourage children's understanding and engagement with the world.

Career Prospects

-Early Childhood Educators with BC ECE Registry certification may be employed as educators, supervisors, managers, directors, or administrators of early care and learning programs.
-Early Childhood Educators have also found employment as supported child development workers, holiday destination children's program workers, nannies, and respite providers.
-With additional relevant education (e.g., a Child and Youth Care Degree, Social Work Degree, or an Early Childhood Education graduate degree), Early Childhood Educators may find work as child development counsellors, family resource centre coordinators, child care resource and referral consultantsco-ordinators, licensing officers, ECE researchers, or ECE instructors. Please consult with the ECEC Department Chairs for additional information.
Students planning on transferring to further post-secondary programs are encouraged to complete ENGL 100 Academic Writing in addition to the Diploma requirements.

Graduation from a B.C. secondary school, or

Completion of standing equivalent to graduation from a B.C. secondary school, or

Deficient in no more than two courses from a B.C. secondary school graduation, which, if available, must be completed while attending College, or

For certain programs, acceptable by special arrangement in view of the applicant’s experience, maturity, or ability.

International students and domestic students who received their secondary education in French or in a language other than English require minimum IELTs Academic scores of 6.0 overall with no band less than 6.0. On-campus students who received their secondary education in a language other than English are strongly encouraged to attend Professional Communications Seminars in the first semester of their program.