This ECE certificate program gives the student the skills and occupational competencies necessary in the industry today based upon the Ministry of Education and Child Care approved curriculum.
The ECE certificate program will develop a broad range of skills through the study and practice of certified courses in order to develop and lead daily age-appropriate activities for children aimed to help promote social, emotional, physical, cognitive and early literacy development.
Students learn to observe children and communicate professionally, when appropriate, children’s progress and/or needs with parents, other staff members and individuals involved with the child’s development.
Graduates are eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Education Basic license from the Ministry for Children and Family Development
This program includes practicum placement. This experience within a workplace enables Instructional staff to observe the student in a practice situation while providing the student with the opportunity to gain direct exposure to the chosen career field.
Cultural, economic, and generational influences on development
Main categories and methods of observational recording
Current licensing and registration regulations, development of policies and procedures, floor plans, and childcare center design
Development of partnerships with parents, colleagues, and other service providers
Positive contemporary child guidance practices, causes and characteristics of inappropriate behaviour
Planning and implementing comprehensive program plans, focusing on social, emotional, cognitive, physical, language and cultural development
Activities to facilitate diversity and multi-cultural experiences and concepts to enhance curriculum
Creating a positive learning environment that includes fun and engaging music and movement activities, enhancing other learning such as language and language skills
The use of concepts and activities from LEAP BC 2010 Resource Booklet and recognizing movement categories and motor skills
Creativity and open-ended, process-oriented creative art activities and experiences
Verbal and non-verbal communication skills and techniques.
Design newsletters and communication tools for parents, children and staff
Signs and symptoms of common communicable childhood illnesses
Goal setting, note-taking, problem-solving, and teamwork
Interview techniques and creating an employment package
University Transfer Program
This ECE certificate program is part of Sprott Shaw’s university transfer initiative for anyone looking to continue their education and pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Gaining professional skills and experience from our programs before moving on to complete a full degree is a great way to enjoy the focused, hands-on benefits that Sprott Shaw College offers.
This program qualifies for our University Pathway Programs with the institutions listed below. Click on the images for more details!
Grade 12 / GED or mature student status (all transcripts must be “true certified copies” or originals)
Applicants must successfully complete the admissions interview and may be required to do an entrance assessment (with a minimum composite score of 42)
Preference will be given to those who can provide letters of reference detailing volunteer or professional experience working with children indicating their suitability for working in the field of Early Childhood Education
You will also need to have an interview with an instructor/director
Excellent communication skills (composition), signing a medical/criminal waiver, completing a health declaration form, submitting a criminal record check (must be Public Safety & Solicitor General: Schedule B), and clear testing for TB. (All must be done no more than three months before the start date of the program).
Applicants must provide evidence of full COVID-19 vaccination or have a signed vaccination waiver on file
Note: English level assessment will be required for international students (with a minimum score of 20/40 in language).
Certificate Requirements:
70% average upon successful completion of all courses
CPR, First Aid and FoodSafe will be completed during the program.
Additional Notes:
After successful completion of this certified and approved ECE Certificate Program, in order to register as an Early Childhood Educator in BC (five-year registration), you must apply to the ECE Registry for registration and provide the following:
An official transcript issued by Sprott Shaw College of courses completed (photocopies not accepted)
A letter of reference attesting to the applicant’s personal suitability to the field of Early Childhood Education and satisfactory completion of the required 500 hours of work experience, written by the supervising Early Childhood Educator with whom the applicant worked
The application can be made for a one-year certificate while obtaining 500 hours of work experience
After successful completion of one of the following courses, an application can be made for Assistant Status (EC100, EC110 or EC180) A Post-Basic diploma from Sprott Shaw College is given upon successful completion of the following:
Basic Early Childhood Education Certificate program
Post-Basic – Infant/Toddler Educator Certificate program
Post-Basic – Children with Exceptionalities Educator Certificate program
Through our pathway programs, students can complete an Early Childhood Certificate in the first year at Sprott Shaw and pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at BCIT. Alternatively, students can also complete an Early Childhood Certificate in the first year at Sprott Shaw and pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Management at City University in Canada. Contact an advisor to learn more.
* Early Childhood Education Basic Program was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.
Students can expect to complete one to three hours of homework per day.
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