Program Overview

Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma - Infants and Toddlers

Overview

Make a difference in the lives of young children. This two-year diploma will prepare you to work in the in-demand field of early childhood care and education with a specialization in working with Infants and Toddlers.

Location

Comox Valley

Length

2 years

Delivery

In-person, Full-time

Overview

Make a difference in young children’s lives with the Early Childhood Care Diploma - Infants and Toddlers program.

You'll learn:

• To address challenging child behaviors through creative problem-solving
• Child development, health, safety and nutrition and curriculum planning
• Specialize in working with infants and toddlers
• Hands-on experience through supervised practice and a practicum
• Apply knowledge while working with children, families and those needing extra support

Requirements and courses

Admission Requirements

1. C in English 12 or equivalent or successful English assessment or IELTS 6.0 or equivalent with band scores of 6.0 in Writing/Reading/Listening/Speaking.
2. A signed Requisite Skills and Abilities (RSA) document.

Course Requirements

• ECC - 104 Developmental Journey
• ECC - 114 Partnerships - Part I - Child Guidance
• ECC - 116 Partnerships II - Advanced Guiding and Caring
• ECC - 124 The Learning Child - Part I - Play & Curriculum
• ECC - 125 The Learning Child - Part II - Planning for Play & the Environment
• ECC - 136 Foundations of Professional Practice
• ECC - 140 Practice Experience I
• ECC - 141 Practice Experience II
• ECC - 142 Practice Experience III
• ECC - 157 Effective Interpersonal Communications
• ECC - 163 Child, Family and Community
• ECC - 168 Health Safety and Nutrition in Childcare Settings
• ECC - 204 Developmental Journeys - Part II - Advanced
• ECC - 215 Partnerships-Advanced-Part III
• ECC - 224 The Learning Child-Infants & Toddlers - Part III
• ECC - 246 Practice Experience-Infants and Toddler
• ECC - 255 Self & Others - Part III
• ECC - 268 Supervising Early Childhood Centers

Completion Requirements

• Attendance is required in all courses. Students that miss more than 10% of a class may be asked to repeat the course for credit.
• To complete the program, students must successfully complete all courses with an overall average of C (2.0 GPA) and a minimum of C- in each course.
• Students are required to adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia. Failure to adhere to these principles may result in the student being required to leave the program.

Practicum

Practicums are a key part of the ECCE program, allowing you to apply theory under the guidance of qualified educators. Some things to note:

• Consult with faculty to plan your practicum placement
• Most placements are near NIC campuses, but some may be in other Vancouver Island communities
• You are responsible for transportation and related costs

Careers

Recent grads often find work in child-care centres, preschools, community centres or parks and recreation departments as early childhood educators.

$41,712*

Annual median estimated earnings for early childhood educators and assistants in BC.

Costs

No program found. Please check the tuition code.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Early Childhood Care and Education program prepare me for?

This program trains you to provide quality care and education for young children, supporting their healthy learning and development. You can specialize in infant/toddler care or working with children who require extra support.

What certifications can I obtain through this program?

North Island College is recognized by the B.C. Early Childhood Educator Registry, offering programs that meet the academic requirements for provincial certification as an Early Childhood Educator, Special Needs Educator, and Infant and Toddler Educator. Graduates are eligible to work in licensed childcare facilities once certified by the Early Childhood Educator Registry.

What should I do before classes begin?

Before starting, you must:

1. Submit a Criminal Record Check Permission form.
2. Hold a current Child Care First Aid certificate, or take the required course at NIC.
3. Submit a completed Personal Immunization form, validated by a healthcare professional.
4. Provide two character reference letters attesting to your ability to work with children.
5. Submit a current resume.

What do I need to do before my first practicum?

Before beginning your practicum, you need to:

1. Complete a Practicum Portfolio with a current Child Care First Aid certificate.
2. Submit a completed Personal Immunization form, validated by a healthcare professional.
3. Provide two character reference letters.