Take your ECE career to the next level. Vancouver Career College offers three separate streams of the Early Childhood Education Post Basic program. Students can take the Infant Toddler or the Special Needs Specialization - or decide to take both.
This part-time program expands students' understanding of Early Childhood Education in the area of infant/toddler or special needs training education. Students build on their knowledge of working with infants and toddlers, family and community interaction, childhood development, and administration duties for childcare centres.
Graduates of this program will receive a Special Needs Educator license and/or an Infant/Toddler Educator license. Each program specialization is made up of seven courses and one practicum. In order to qualify for both licenses, students are required to complete nine courses and two practicum placements.
The full Early Childhood Education Post Basic program is 35 weeks, and runs four nights a week. Enrolling in just one specialization will take 41 weeks, two nights a week. ***The Early Childhood Education Post Basic program is also available on Saturdays at the Coquitlam campus***
“Vancouver Career College offered me so many great things. Not only have I learned the fundamentals of ECE, I was able to work with children and learn so much from them also.” - Julia L., Vancouver Career College Graduate
This program is 35 weeks in length.
Job Opportunities
- Day Care Supervisor
- Day Care Worker
- Preschool Supervisor
- Childcare Worker
- Early Childhood Supervisor
- Early Childhood Program Director
Program Courses
The program outline below is for British Columbia.
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| ECE4000 |
Advanced Child Growth and Development |
44 |
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- Students will review typical development from birth to six years of age. This module includes a focus on recognition of children who require additional support with an emphasis placed on current theory and research. Students will apply their knowledge of child growth, development and individual differences using a case study approach.
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| ECE4010 |
Interacting with Families, School and Community |
44 |
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- This module examines the knowledge, strategies and competencies needed by the early childhood educator to collaborate effectively with families of infants, toddlers and children who need additional support. The ethics of empowerment of families, professionals, and children is also examined. Students will review the family systems approach, communication skills and the family-centred care model.
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| ECE4020 |
Foundations of Working with Infants and Toddlers |
44 |
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- Working with infants and toddlers poses new challenges for the early childhood educator. This course will help the student develop the understanding and skills necessary for sensitive and respectful responding to infants and toddlers in-group care settings.
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| ECE4030 |
Program Planning for Infants and Toddlers |
44 |
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- Students will build on their prior understanding of developmentally appropriate curriculum for very young children. Students will have opportunities to design high quality infant and toddler programs and activities.
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| ECE4040 |
Infant and Toddler Practicum |
210 |
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- A six-week, integrated community-based practicum, supervised by a Certified Infant Toddler Educator (Sponsor Teacher) with additional observation and evaluation by ECE Faculty from Vancouver Career College. This laboratory course provides the student with opportunities for the development and implementation of comprehensive projects that demonstrate advanced professional knowledge and practice.
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| ECE4050 |
Administration Skills for Child Care Centers |
44 |
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- This module prepares students in the administrative duties of a preschool or daycare. Topics such as program philosophy and policy design, financial management, organizational structure, staff development and relationships with families and community will be highlighted.
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| ECE4060 |
Advanced Health, Safety and Nutrition |
44 |
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- This module equips the student with knowledge and skills for planning, implementing and evaluating health practices for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children who need extra support in integrated and infant/toddler settings.
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| ECE4070 |
Foundations of Working with Children with Special Needs |
44 |
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- This module is designed for those requiring specialized skills in the care and guidance of working with children who require additional support. Students will explore the selection and use of appropriate assessment materials and intervention techniques for working with children who have special needs. A family-centered approach, which focuses on promoting social interactions among children, will be taken.
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| ECE4080 |
Program Planning for Children with Special Needs |
44 |
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- The emphasis of this module is on adaptation of special care needs and curriculum development to the various group care environments. Child development principles will provide the basis for program planning and implementation.
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| ECE4090 |
Special Needs Practicum |
210 |
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- A six-week, integrated community-based practicum, supervised by a Certified Special Needs Educator with additional observation and evaluation by ECE Faculty from Vancouver Career College. This laboratory course provides the student with opportunities for the development and implementation of comprehensive projects that demonstrate advanced professional knowledge and practice.
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| CESE |
Career and Employment Strategies |
16 |
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- Students will have the use of our Job Search lab which has unlimited Internet access, a job search resource library and a fax machine and phone for contacting prospective employers with your resume. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques, and to carry out mock interviews. Students review core program concepts and learning in order to market their skills effectively.