Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma
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Diploma |
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Domestic applicants only |
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Overview
Make a difference in young children’s lives with the Early Childhood Care Diploma. Upon completion, you can enter the workforce or transfer to a Bachelor's program like UVic's Bachelor of Child and Youth Care.
You'll learn:
- Creative problem-solving for child behaviors with hands-on experience, with the option to focus infants/toddlers or children with additional needs.
- Overview of professional childcare concepts, leadership, and administrative roles.
- 200 hours of supervised practice in each focus area, you'll be ready for diverse early learning environments.
- You'll be eligible for BC Early Childhood Educator certification with official transcripts.
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 Childhood Educators.
$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.
How to apply
Apply for this program through EducationPlannerBC. After you’ve applied, you’ll receive an email from NIC with your next steps. Be sure to add @nic.bc.ca to your safe sender list.
Questions? We’re with you along the way. To contact a recruiter, email futurestudents@nic.bc.ca.
"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:
