NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · CANADA
Indigenous Early Childhood Education
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
- Certificate / DiplomaCredential Type
- 45.0 / 82.0Credits
- 1 year / 2 yearsProgram Duration
- Full-Time, Hybrid OptionFormat
- Merritt, In CommunityDelivery Location
- Fall TermOffered
The Indigenous Early Childhood Education (IECE) program at NVIT is designed to prepare students to provide high-quality care and education for young children. It emphasizes the integration of Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, and community-based approaches within contemporary child development principles and provincial licensing standards. The program aims to foster culturally grounded and responsive early learning environments, supporting children's identity development through Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Students will explore the evolving roles of children, families, and educators within both Indigenous traditions and British Columbia’s licensed childcare framework.
Curriculum
The program is offered as both a Certificate and a Diploma. The Certificate provides foundational skills, while the Diploma builds upon this to meet provincial licensing standards for specialized roles.
- Certificate (1 Year)
- English CompositionENGL 110
- Applied Interpersonal and Career DevelopmentPSYC 131
- Child Health and WellnessIECE 101
- Introduction to Indigenous Early Learning and CareIECE 102
- Stories, Ideas, and Pathways of Child DevelopmentIECE 103
- Pathways of DevelopmentIECE 104
- Introduction to Designing Children’s EnvironmentsIECE 124
- Guiding Through Gifts in Indigenous Early YearsIECE 134
- Practicum I: Connecting Theory and PracticeIECE 148
- Designing Children’s ProgramsIECE 125
- Programming for Early YearsIECE 126
- Connectedness to Culture and CommunityIECE 136
- Practicum II: Practicing CompetenciesIECE 149
- Practicum III: DemonstrationIECE 150
- Diploma (2 Years)
- Early Years Development IIIIECE 204
- Indigenous Culture in Early Learning EnvironmentIECE 214
- Administrative Licensing and LeadershipIECE 216
- Programming for Early Years IIIECE 224
- Infant and Toddler PracticumIECE 260
- Developing Inclusive Early Childhood SettingsIECE 208
- Working with FamiliesIECE 210
- Natural Environments in Child CareIECE 226
- Guidance for Early Years IIIECE 234
- Special Needs PracticumIECE 265
Careers
Upon completion of the IECE Diploma, graduates will be qualified to manage and oversee various early childhood education settings.
- Manager/Supervisor of Aboriginal Head Start Programs
- Manager/Supervisor of Strong Starts
- Daycare Centre Supervisor
- Inclusive Support Program Coordinator
- Early Childhood Centre Supervisor
- Family Daycare Provider
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Indigenous Early Childhood Education (IECE) Certificate program?
- Applicants need Grade 12 graduation (or equivalent) and satisfactory completion of English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, or ENGL 060. A professional letter of reference, preferably from someone in education or childcare, is also required.
- What is the duration of the IECE Certificate program?
- The Indigenous Early Childhood Education Certificate program is designed to be completed in 1 year.
- How can I apply to the IECE program?
- Prospective students can apply online through the Education Planner BC portal or by downloading the application form from the NVIT website. It is advisable to book an appointment with a Recruiter for admission requirement inquiries.
- What career outcomes can I expect after completing the IECE Certificate?
- Upon completion, graduates are qualified to manage and oversee various early childhood education settings. Potential roles include Manager/Supervisor of Aboriginal Head Start Programs, Daycare Centre Supervisor, and Family Daycare Provider.
- Is there financial aid available for this program?
- Yes, information regarding scholarships, bursaries, grants, student loans, and entrance awards is available. Prospective students can find details through the 'Learn More' link for tuition support.
Entry requirements
Certificate ApplicantsGrade 12 graduation, Mature Student status, or equivalent; English 12 or English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 or ENGL 060, or equivalent; A professional letter of reference, preferably from an individual working in the field of education or childcare.
Diploma ApplicantsIECE/ECE Certificate from NVIT or another post-secondary institution; Immunization Record form for IECE (Upon request from NVIT); A professional letter of reference from an individual working in the childcare, education, or special needs field.
English 12 / English Studies 12 / English First Peoples 12Satisfactory completion (or equivalent)
ENGL 060Satisfactory completion (or equivalent)
Additional requirements for practicum placement include Standard First Aid with CPR Level C, BC Food Safe Level 1, required immunizations, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Criminal Record Check Clearance for Vulnerable Sector, and reliable transportation to placements. Students who do not meet direct program requirements should contact the Department Coordinator or an NVIT Academic Planner regarding upgrading opportunities.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees are not specified for international students.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees are not specified for domestic students.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided.
Information regarding tuition and living costs is not available on the program page. Prospective students should contact NVIT directly for detailed financial information.
How to apply
1. Choose ProgramBrowse NVIT's programs to find the best fit. For admission requirements, book an appointment with a Recruiter.
2. Submit ApplicationApply online via Education Planner BC or download the application form from the NVIT website.
3. Receive Offer LetterThe Registrar’s Office will send either a Conditional Offer Letter or a Full Offer Letter via email.
Scholarships
Scholarships, Bursaries, Grants, Student Loans, and Entrance AwardsVaries
Accreditation
The IECE Diploma is designed to meet provincial licensing standards for Infant and Toddler Educator and Special Needs Educator accreditation in British Columbia.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Indigenous Early Childhood Education (IECE) Certificate program?
+
Applicants need Grade 12 graduation (or equivalent) and satisfactory completion of English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, or ENGL 060. A professional letter of reference, preferably from someone in education or childcare, is also required.
What is the duration of the IECE Certificate program?
+
The Indigenous Early Childhood Education Certificate program is designed to be completed in 1 year.
How can I apply to the IECE program?
+
Prospective students can apply online through the Education Planner BC portal or by downloading the application form from the NVIT website. It is advisable to book an appointment with a Recruiter for admission requirement inquiries.
What career outcomes can I expect after completing the IECE Certificate?
+
Upon completion, graduates are qualified to manage and oversee various early childhood education settings. Potential roles include Manager/Supervisor of Aboriginal Head Start Programs, Daycare Centre Supervisor, and Family Daycare Provider.
Is there financial aid available for this program?
+
Yes, information regarding scholarships, bursaries, grants, student loans, and entrance awards is available. Prospective students can find details through the 'Learn More' link for tuition support.