Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Educators (ECE) plan and lead activities for preschool children to encourage their intellectual, physical, emotional, social, linguistic and cultural growth. Children acquire 85% of their personality, skills, and intellect by the time they're five years old. Be a part of their education during their most formative years.

Over the course of this program, students will:

• Learn techniques that will help children learn through play
• Develop skills to create a safe, healthy and stimulating childcare environment
• Gain the ability to provide rich learning experiences for children to set the stage for lifelong learning

Facts

• Duration: 76 weeks, including an 8-week practicum and a 30-week co-op
• Delivery Method: In-class
• Language: English
• Intakes: April and September
• Credential Awarded: Certificate
• Articulation/Pathway: Graduates granted transfer credits toward BCIT’s Business Management Advanced Diploma – upon completion they can continue to BCIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Program

Stenberg’s Early Childhood Education with Co-op is in a childcare facility, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while learning. The program teaches the Reggio Emilia approach, which highlights the importance of learning through play and that children must be free to choose what they want to do in a safe and stimulating environment. When ECEs support this play in a warm and nurturing manner, it enhances development. Key courses include:

• Child Growth and Development I & II
• Health, Safety and Nutrition
• Guidance and Caring
• Curriculum Development Courses (Music and Movement, Creative Art, Language and Literature, Science, Socials and Math)
• Family-Teacher Relations

Career Options

As an Early Childhood Educator, you could find work in the following locations:

• Profit or non-profit childcare center
• Parent participation preschool
• Private nursery school
• Inclusive childcare preschool
• Before and after school care center
• Group daycare
• Family daycare
• Child-minding services

In addition to full-time work, there are opportunities for part-time and self-employment, such as owning and operating your own licensed childcare center.

Entry Requirements

• Grade 12 graduation or mature student status
• Completion of a Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act
• Industry required proof of Immunity Status
• Acceptable Medical Examination Form completed by a physician
• Proof of 50 hours of volunteer work with children aged 3-5
• Reference letter stating suitability to work with children
• Passing English verbal test if English is a second language
• Passing Stenberg College entrance exam
• Successful completion of a short, written essay
• Passing Stenberg College entrance interview

Language Proficiency Requirements: Overall IELTS Academic Test score of 6.0 with no component less than 6.0 for Speaking and Listening, 5.5 for Reading and Writing (or other ESL equivalencies as determined by Stenberg). Must be within the last two years.

This school offers programs in English.