Program Overview
The Early Childhood Education program equips students with the knowledge and skills to work with young children in various childcare settings. The program emphasizes child development, guidance, pedagogy, and practical experience through supervised practicums. Graduates are eligible for ECE certification and can pursue careers as childcare workers, early childhood educators, and other roles in early childhood education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program prepares students to work with young children in child care centers, preschools, day camps, and other childcare services. The program aims to inspire educators to think critically, learn effectively, and create inclusive, learning-rich environments that prioritize children's well-being. By understanding the integral role of play and relationships in children's learning processes, graduates can obtain the certification required to work in early childhood educational settings.
- Objectives: The program's objectives are to:
- Provide a strong foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to work in early childhood educational settings (ages birth to five years).
- Foster an understanding of child growth and development, guidance and caring, and the foundation and philosophy of ECE.
- Develop skills in pedagogy and curriculum planning, health, safety, and nutrition, and interpersonal communication.
- Offer practical experience through supervised practicum placements in early childhood education settings.
Program Structure and Curriculum:
- Course Outline:
- ECE010 Child Care Growth and Development I
- ECE020 Child Care Growth and Development II
- ECE030 Guidance and Caring
- ECE040 Foundation and Philosophy of ECE
- ECE050 Pedagogy and BC Early Learning Framework
- ECE080 Early Childhood Education I
- ECE082 Early Childhood Education II
- ECE084 Early Childhood Education III
- ECE060 Fostering Outdoor and Nature Play
- ECE090 Interpersonal Communication
- ECE070 Health, Safety and Nutrition
- ECE110 Practicum I Observation and Recording
- ECE120 Practicum II
Careers:
- Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program are eligible for ECE certification and can work in various early childhood education settings, including:
- Childcare worker – daycare
- Childcare worker assistant
- Daycare helper
- Daycare supervisor
- Daycare worker
- Early childhood assistant
- Early childhood education worker
- Early childhood educator – preschool
- Early childhood educator (ECE)
- Early childhood program staff assistant
- Early childhood supervisor
- Preschool helper
- Preschool supervisor
- Wages: Graduates can earn up to $25.00 per hour as an Early Childhood Educator, with an additional $6 government top-up.
Western Community College
Overview:
Western Community College (WCC) is a post-secondary institution dedicated to providing accessible higher education opportunities. WCC aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their professional goals, enhance organizational productivity, and foster leadership within their communities.
Services Offered:
WCC offers a wide range of services to support student success, including:
Student Portal:
Access to academic records, course information, and other resources.Library:
Resources for research, study, and academic support.Financial Aid:
Scholarships and payment plans to assist with tuition costs.International Student Services:
Guidance and support for international students.Student Support Services:
Counseling, career planning, and other resources.Interview Preparation:
Assistance with interview skills and job search strategies.Resume Writing:
Support with crafting professional resumes.Student Life and Campus Experience:
WCC provides a supportive and engaging campus environment with:
Flexible Schedule:
Weekday, weekend, and evening classes, as well as online options.Campus Locations:
Multiple campuses across British Columbia, including Surrey, Abbotsford, and Prince George.Student Feedback:
Positive testimonials from students highlighting the supportive environment and quality of instruction.Key Reasons to Study There:
Individualized Attention:
WCC maintains a low student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring personalized support.Skills-Based Education:
Programs are designed to equip students with practical skills for immediate career success.Career Planning:
WCC helps students develop a career plan aligned with their personal objectives.Scholarships:
Financial assistance available to deserving students.Government Funded Programs:
WCC offers programs funded by the government, making education more accessible.Academic Programs:
WCC offers a diverse range of programs across various fields, including:
Bachelor Programs:
Bachelor of Hospitality Management.Health Care:
Dental Assistant, Health Care Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Pharmacy Assistant, and more.Hospitality:
Diploma in Hospitality Management, Food Service Assistant Certificate.Child, Family, and Community Support:
Addictions Support Worker, Community Support Worker, Education Assistant, Early Childhood Education, and more.English Language Programs:
Academic Prep, CELBAN, CLB, CELPIP, IELTS preparation, and ESL.Aesthetics:
Certificate in Makeup Artistry Fundamentals.Post Graduate Programs:
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management, Health Administration, Nursing Practice, and IT.Aviation:
Commercial Pilot License, Private Pilot License, Airline Cabin Crew Diploma, Night Rating.Accounting:
Bookkeeping & Accounting, Canadian Payroll Administration, Canadian Taxation, Diploma in Accounting, Accounting Management Diploma, QuickBooks for Accounting.Office Administration:
Certificate in Office Administration, Keyboarding Skills.Business:
Certificate in Business Essentials, Diploma in Business Management (with and without Co-Op).Information Technology:
Basics of Computers, Cloud Computing Specialist, Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Certified Information Technology Technician, Diploma in Computer Science Fundamentals, Diploma in Information Systems.Legal Studies:
Diploma in Paralegal Studies.Warehousing:
Warehouse and Logistics Fundamentals.Other:
Ancestral Territory Recognition:
WCC acknowledges the ancestral unceded territory of the Coastal First Nations.Smt. Amarjeet Kaur Dhaliwal Scholarship:
A scholarship program for deserving students.WCC Blog:
Provides insights into various topics related to the college and its programs.Campus Life:
WCC offers a vibrant campus life with various events and activities.Accreditation:
WCC is accredited by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of British Columbia.Entry Requirements:
- Grade 12 or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or more).
- Students will need to submit a proof of English Language Competency by any one of the following options:
Domestic Students:
- Grade 10 English
- Successful completion of English Language Proficiency Assessment Test conducted by the college
- CLB Level 6 or more
- CELPIP Level 7 or more
International Students:
- IELTS 5.5 Bands or More
- CLB Level 6 or more
- PTE Academic 50 or more
- Duolingo test with 85 or more score
- TOEFL IBT with 46 or more score
- TOEFL CBT with 133 or more score
- CELPIP Level 7 or more
- Successful completion of English Language Proficiency Assessment Test conducted by the college.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- CLB Level 6 or more
- IELTS 5.5 Bands or More
- CELPIP Level 7 or more