Program Length
- 2 Years
Credential
- Diploma
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
- Online
A career working with children
Want a career that makes you happy? With an Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Diploma you can find rewarding work anywhere in BC and beyond. And work in early childhood development gives you reasons to smile every day.
Early childhood education in BC
There is a huge demand for early learning and childcare skills in BC. With the VIU ECEC diploma program you get an ECE certificate, and you get specialization in Infant and Toddler and Special Needs. These specializations mean you’ll graduate with in-demand skills and the qualifications for more work opportunities.
Get help paying tuition fees
Yoy may qualify for bursaries for up to 80% of the cost of your Early Childhood Education and Care courses. The ECEC Education Support Fund will cover up to $500 per course.
Check the Early Childhood Educations of BC (ECEBC) Education Support Fund for current bursary information.
Sign up to learn more
Gain practical experience
At VIU you get lots of hands-on experience in early childcare education. The ECEC diploma includes five practicums at different levels of your training. All practicums are in licensed childcare facilities.
Observe real-world care
Immerse yourself in an early years setting.
Hands-on practice
Get involved in all aspects of care in a licensed centre.
Specialized experience
Practicums in specializations like infant and toddler or special needs care.
What careers are possible with an ECEC diploma?
With an ECEC diploma you build a well-paid career working with children. You can work in licensed early learning and childcare centres and many other programs for children. You can also start your own daycare or work in a management role.
- early childhood educator (ECE)
- preschool teacher
- infant and toddler educator
- childcare centre administrator or manager
- childcare director
- special needs educator
- childcare consultant
- child development specialist
- cruise ship or resort children’s coordinator
- parks and recreation program coordinator
- children’s yoga or music programs
About the program
The ECEC program gives you the knowledge and skills to work with young children and their families in childcare settings. You will go through a series of theory classes and practicums that will help you integrate childhood development theory into practice. You learn how to develop responsive and inclusive environments for children, covering topics like:
- program planning
- child development
- wellness
- communication
- administration
- collaboration with families.
You can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis.
You graduate with skills in:
- health and safety practices
- cultural competency
- behaviour management
- collaboration
- curriculum planning
You learn to think methodically about your fundamental beliefs and how cultural, social and other forces shape your sense of self and your relationship with others. These skills equip you to support and nurture young learners.
Courses and Concentrations
| Year 1 – Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECEC 120 - (Principles and Practices of Guiding and Caring) | 3 |
| ECEC 133 - (Practicum I) | 3 |
| ECEC 150 - (Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Practice) | 3 |
| ECEC 170 - (Program Planning: Development Through Play) | 3 |
| PSYC 131 or CYC 111 or ECEC 110 - (Child Development I) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Year 1 – Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECEC 130 - (Principles and Practices of Wellness) | 3 |
| ECEC 134 - (Practicum II) | 3 |
| ECEC 171 - (Program Planning: Creative Expression) | 3 |
| PSYC 132 or CYC 112 or ECEC 111 - (Child Development II) | 3 |
| ENGL 115 or equivalent | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Year 1 – Intersession | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECEC 204 - (Program Planning: Discovering Our World) | 3 |
| ECEC 205 - (Practicum III) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 |
| Year 2 – Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECEC 200 - (Roots and Trends of Canadian Early Childhood Education Practice) | 3 |
| ECEC 221 - (Assessing and Supporting Healthy Early Development) | 3 |
| ECEC 223 - (Program Development for Infants and Toddlers) | 3 |
| ECEC 270 - (Trends and Models in Early Childhood) | 3 |
| CYC 231 - (An Introduction to Family Development and Support) or, SOCW 211 - (Family Studies) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Year 2 – Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECEC 211 - (Early Childhood Program Administration) | 3 |
| ECEC 222 - (Program Development for Children with Diverse Abilities) | 3 |
| ECEC 224 - (Practicum IV - Infants and Toddlers) or, ECEC 210 - (Special Topics Practicum – Community Pathways) | 3 |
| CYC 252 - (Fundamental Counselling Skills) | 3 |
| CYC 100 - (Introduction to Professional Child and Youth Care Practice) or, Elective approved by Department | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Year 2 – Intersession | Credits |
|---|---|
| ECEC 231 - (Practicum V–Children with Diverse Abilities) or, ECEC 210 - (Special Topics Practicum – Community Pathways) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 |
ECEC 224, ECEC 231, and ECEC 210 Practica are offered during the Fall, Spring and Intersession terms.
Individuals who completed the ECEC Certificate program in 1996 or later will receive a minimum of one year transfer credit towards the VIU Child and Youth Care Diploma, or one year credit towards the VIU Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care.
Admission Information
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with a minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
- Résumé describing education and employment background.
- Two letters of reference, completed on a University Reference Form, from persons other than relatives. At least one letter of reference must document completion of 20 hours in a licensed child care facility such as a family childcare, group day care or pre-school.
- Group interview with the program Chair and faculty.
Notes on Admission
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Practicum Placements
- International Students will require a valid practicum work permit before being placed in practicum. Submit copy of practicum work permit to the ECEC faculty.
- Documented completion of a C.P.R. Emergency Child Care Certificate, or equivalent (e.g., St. John’s Ambulance Standard First Aid Certificate or Basic Life Support, Level B). The First Aid certification must be valid for entire practicum placements. Documentation to be submitted to ECEC Faculty before first day of practicum.
- Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for Year 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (36 credits x $169.73 per credit) | 6,110.28 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $20.37 per month) | 203.70 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.49 per month) | 224.90 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $28.87 per month) | 288.70 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and project supplies per year (approximate costs) | 844.18 |
| Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) | 75.00 |
| Total | 8,031.76 |
| Fees for Year 2 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (33 credits x $169.73 per credit) | 5,601.09 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $20.37 per month) | 203.70 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.49 per month) | 224.90 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $28.87 per month) | 288.70 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) | 757.39 |
| Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) | 75.00 |
| Total | 7,435.78 |
*Some sections of ECEC 110, 111, and 130 are offered on a cost recovery basis and charged at the rate of $645.53 per course.
Students are responsible for travel expenses to practicum placements.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for Year 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (36 credits x $815.77 per credit) | 29,367.72 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $20.37 per month) | 203.70 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.49 per month) | 224.90 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $28.87 per month) | 288.70 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) | 844.18 |
| Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) | 75.00 |
| Total | 31,289.20 |
| Fees for Year 2 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (33 credits x $815.77 per credit) | 26,920.41 |
| Student Activity fee (10 months x $20.37 per month) | 203.70 |
| Student Services fee (10 months x $22.49 per month) | 224.90 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $28.87 per month) | 288.70 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Books and supplies per year (approximate costs) | 757.39 |
| Yearly student membership to professional organization (ECEBC) | 75.00 |
| Total | 28,755.10 |
Students are responsible for travel expenses to practicum placements.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | Diploma | |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Admissions Officer:
Name: Jamie Mollins Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Jamie.Mollins@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Summer Lin Email: ECECchair@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Cherie Anderson Email: ECEC@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
All requested transcripts and supporting documents are due June 15, 2025.
|
|||
| to | Online | Diploma on-line | |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Early Childhood Education and Care on line diploma program has one intake in January of each year.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Jamie Mollins Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Jamie.Mollins@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Summer Lin Email: ECECchair@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Cherie Anderson Email: ECEC@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
All requested transcripts and supporting documents are due December 5, 2025.
|
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | Diploma | |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$153.00
Admissions Officer:
Name: Jamie Mollins Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Jamie.Mollins@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Summer Lin Email: ECECchair@viu.ca
Area Contact:
Name: Cherie Anderson Email: ECEC@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
All requested transcripts and supporting documents are due June 15, 2025.
|
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Beyond the ECEC diploma
After you earn your ECEC diploma graduates can apply to enter Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care program in year two. You can also apply to begin in the third year of the Bachelor of Education program.
Visit the department site
To find out more about the Early Childhood Education program, explore the department site. You'll find details on the ECEC faculty, information sessions and other department activities.