DOUGLAS COLLEGE · CANADA
Early Childhood Education (Diploma)
Diploma · Taught in en
At a glance
16 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Diploma
Level
- 60Credits
- 4 semestersProgram Length
- CoquitlamCampus
- Full-time or Part-timeLearning Format
- Qualifies for two provincial licensesCredential
- 13,000+Projected ECE job openings in BC by 2035
The Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) prepares you to work with young children and apply for provincial licenses as an early childhood educator and a special needs educator. This program combines coursework with practical experience, including a practicum in an ECE setting where you'll work with children aged newborn to eight years old. You will learn about child development, curriculum planning, managing child-care settings, and promoting health and nutrition. An innovative aspect of this program is the 'Children Teaching Teachers' method, offering a unique experiential learning opportunity. Graduates can pursue further studies with a post-diploma certificate in ECE: Infant/Toddler to gain an additional license. The ECE diploma program is also recognized for potential transfer credits to other post-secondary institutions in British Columbia. With a strong job outlook, early childhood education is a growing field. Surveys indicate a high rate of employment for graduates. If you don't meet the direct English proficiency requirements, Douglas College offers English Upgrading courses that can serve as a pathway to ECE programs.
Curriculum
The program requires the successful completion of 60 credits, with at least 50% completed at Douglas College. Students must maintain good academic standing. The program has a time limit of 7 years to complete graduation requirements.
- Semesters 1 and 2
- Introduction to Early Childhood EducationECED 1155
- Positive Guidance in Early Childhood ProgramsECED 1241
- Promoting Healthy Practices in Early Childhood EducationECED 1125
- Growth and Development: Preschool YearsECED 1200
- Professional Growth and CommunicationECED 1211
- Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programmes for Young Children lECED 1220
- ECE Curriculum lECED 1231
- Early Childhood Education Practicum IECED 1285
- Transforming and Teaching: Observing and Documenting the Learning and Care of Young ChildrenECED 1121
- Workplace Writing for Applied Community StudiesCMNS 1110
- Academic WritingENGL 1130
- Semester 3
- Change and Development: Birth thru Early School YearsECED 2305
- Indigenous Worldview and Early Childhood EducationECED 2361
- ECE Curriculum IIECED 2331
- Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programmes for Young Children llECED 2320
- Early Childhood Education Practicum IIECED 2385
- Semester 4 - Special Needs
- Working with Families in Early Childhood EducationECED 2315
- Administrative Skills for ECE CentresECED 2412
- Issues and Trends in ECEECED 2471
- Advanced Growth and Development: Individual Planning for Children with Diverse AbilitiesECED 2401
- Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programs for Children with Diverse AbilitiesECED 2450
- Special Needs PreceptorshipECED 2455
Careers
Graduates are prepared for roles in licensed preschools and child-care centers. The field of early childhood education has a strong job outlook in British Columbia, with significant projected job openings in the coming years.
- Early Childhood Educator
- Special Needs Educator
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Early Childhood Education Diploma?
- Applicants must meet general college admission requirements, be 18 by December 31st of the entry year, and maintain a minimum GPA of 1.5 if they have completed 9 or more post-secondary credits. Additionally, specific documentation like two character reference letters, a Criminal Record Check, and a medical declaration are required.
- What are the English proficiency requirements?
- If direct English proficiency requirements are not met, Douglas College offers English Upgrading courses as a pathway to the ECE program. A placement test is not required for ECE applicants for these upgrading courses.
- What kind of work experience is needed?
- Before starting practicum courses, applicants must provide proof of 20 hours of documented volunteer or paid work experience in an Early Childhood Education setting with children aged birth to six years old.
- How long does the Early Childhood Education Diploma program take to complete?
- The program length is 4 semesters. Students must successfully complete 60 credits within a maximum of 7 years to meet graduation requirements.
- What career opportunities are available after graduation?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Early Childhood Educator and Special Needs Educator in licensed preschools and child-care centers. The field has a strong job outlook in British Columbia, with over 13,000 projected job openings by 2035.
- How can I find information on tuition and living costs?
- Detailed cost information for tuition, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass, and living expenses can be found using the Tuition and Fee Estimator provided by Douglas College.
Entry requirements
General College Admission RequirementsMust be met.
AgeBe 18 by December 31st of the year of entry.
Post-secondary creditsIf 9 or more post-secondary credits completed, must be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 1.5.
English Upgrading coursesAvailable as a pathway if direct requirements are not met. No placement test required for ECE applicants.
Suitability is assessed based on mental and physical health, education, teamwork ability, and life experience. Applicants need to provide two character reference letters, complete a Criminal Record Check, and submit a medical declaration confirming satisfactory health. 20 hours of documented volunteer or paid work experience in an ECE setting with children aged birth to six is required before practicum courses.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please use the Tuition and Fee Estimator for current international tuition fees.
Tuition (home)Please use the Tuition and Fee Estimator for current domestic tuition fees.
LivingEstimated costs are available through the Tuition and Fee Estimator, which breaks down tuition, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass, and more.
Refer to the tuition fee charts and the tuition and fee estimator for detailed cost information.
How to apply
1. Check Application AvailabilityFor international applicants, visit the International application deadline page to confirm when applications open.
2. Prepare Required DocumentsGather reference letters, complete a Criminal Record Check, and obtain a medical declaration. Ensure you have documentation for 20 hours of volunteer or paid work experience in an ECE setting.
3. Submit ApplicationFor domestic applicants, apply through EducationPlannerBC. International application procedures will be detailed on the college's international admissions page.
4. Meet Admission RequirementsEnsure you meet general college admission requirements, age criteria, and academic standing requirements. If English proficiency is a concern, consider the English Upgrading courses.
Accreditation
The program qualifies graduates to apply for two provincial licenses to practice as an early childhood educator and a special needs educator.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Early Childhood Education Diploma?
+
Applicants must meet general college admission requirements, be 18 by December 31st of the entry year, and maintain a minimum GPA of 1.5 if they have completed 9 or more post-secondary credits. Additionally, specific documentation like two character reference letters, a Criminal Record Check, and a medical declaration are required.
What are the English proficiency requirements?
+
If direct English proficiency requirements are not met, Douglas College offers English Upgrading courses as a pathway to the ECE program. A placement test is not required for ECE applicants for these upgrading courses.
What kind of work experience is needed?
+
Before starting practicum courses, applicants must provide proof of 20 hours of documented volunteer or paid work experience in an Early Childhood Education setting with children aged birth to six years old.
How long does the Early Childhood Education Diploma program take to complete?
+
The program length is 4 semesters. Students must successfully complete 60 credits within a maximum of 7 years to meet graduation requirements.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Early Childhood Educator and Special Needs Educator in licensed preschools and child-care centers. The field has a strong job outlook in British Columbia, with over 13,000 projected job openings by 2035.
How can I find information on tuition and living costs?
+
Detailed cost information for tuition, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass, and living expenses can be found using the Tuition and Fee Estimator provided by Douglas College.