Diploma in Early Childhood Education

The four-semester diploma program prepares students as early childhood educators to work in a variety of environments for the care and education of young children. The foundation of the OC ECE curriculum is the BC Early Learning Framework. Respect for community and the important relationship we create with the environment in which we live, play, and work is embedded throughout all the ECE courses. The educational experience focuses on the collaborative skills of the early childhood educator and responsive relationships with children, their families, and the community. The program includes a balance of classroom theory, experiential learning, pedagogical documentation, and reflective practice assignments. Each semester, students complete practice education in local childcare and early learning centers. Graduates of this diploma program will meet the requirements of the British Columbia Early Childhood Educator Registry for achieving certification as an Early Childhood Educator, as well as a Special Needs Educator. Upon the completion of the additional ECDE239 - Practicum for Infant Toddler Specialty, requirements for certification as an Infant/Toddler Educator will also be met. More information about Becoming an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) in British Columbia is available from the Government of British Columbia. Graduates of a Diploma in Early Childhood Education may apply for block transfer credit to continue into degree programming at other B.C. post-secondary institutions where established agreements are in place. For further information on post-diploma opportunities, please contact the OC Department of Early Childhood Education.