Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate
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Certificate |
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Priority admission for Indigenous students |
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International applicants welcome - PGWP eligible | CIP code 19.0709 |
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Applications open. |
Overview
The ECCE certificate prepares you to work with children aged 30 months to five years, meeting BC’s ECE curriculum requirements and providing a pathway to BC Early Childhood Educator certification, which can be done through NIC's ECCE Diploma program.
- Prepare to work with children aged 30 months to five years, covering child development, health, safety and nutrition and curriculum planning, with a practicum in the third term.
- Complete the program in 10 months, full-time or part-time with flexible scheduling.
- Earn NIC’s certificate and pursue further study or transfer opportunities.
- Transfer eligible credits or cover up to 50% of the program with Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).
Requirements and courses
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 childcare educators or assistants.
$41,712*
Annual median estimated earnings for early childhood educators and assistants in BC.
Career profileCosts
Check the table below for estimated costs for the full program.
Curious about funding?
Financial support is available. Learn more about financial aid and awards.
How to apply
"The practicums really helped to bring together what we’re learning in class – you can see how play is exploration and learning. Whether it’s learning about textures with playdoh, or how colours combine using paint, it’s so much more than just playing – it’s children exploring and learning about the world."
Kelsey Kryzanowski - NIC ECCE certificate alum
“My favourite memories during our program were when our instructors blended all the ECCE cohorts together for potlucks, events and get togethers. It was a great way to meet people and they brought us together.”
Waleed - NIC ECCE alum
"My mentors and instructors really encouraged me to continue my education. They saw I had a spark and a natural talent for this field of work, and they were right. I absolutely adore my job. I have one of the most rewarding careers. I found my calling and truly what I want to do with my life."
Maddy Scott - NIC ECCE Diploma alum
“The ECCE program really instilled the importance of listening to children and meeting them where they are at. The biggest thing that I learned is understanding – and understanding that has helped me not only as an educator, but also as a mother."
Megan Edgar - NIC ECCE Diploma alum
“The Early Childhood Care and Education program has the right balance of challenges and reflection with great perspectives. The practicums were also so relatable, and we immediately put our work into action through them. It’s not a bad thing to play with playdough in school.”
Carly Rice - NIC ECCE Diploma alum
Frequently asked questions
Before starting, you must:
- Submit a Criminal Record Check Permission form.
- Hold a current Child Care First Aid certificate, or take the required course at NIC.
- Submit a completed Personal Immunization form, validated by a healthcare professional.
- Provide two character reference letters attesting to your ability to work with children.
- Submit a current resume.
- Complete a Practicum Portfolio with a current Child Care First Aid certificate.
- Submit a completed Personal Immunization form, validated by a healthcare professional.
- Provide two character reference letters.
