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.
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 entrance assessments with a minimum score of 20/40 in the English Assessment.
For more information on English Language requirements and equivalencies please click here.
Domestic Students:
Domestic students that can provide a Canadian transcript showing completion of English 11 or 12 (or equivalent) with a passing grade of ‘C’, will be exempt from having to write the English Entrance Assessment.
International Students:
International students can meet the English requirement by completing or demonstrating one of the following four options:
Sprott Shaw’s English Language Assessment, OR
Minimum IELTS Score 5.5 overall or iBT TOEFL Score of 70 OR
Equivalent Standardized External Assessment, OR
Completion of an ESL program from one of SSC’s partnered ESL schools, OR
International students that can provide a Canadian transcript (or evaluated credentials) showing completion of English 11 or 12 (or equivalent) with a passing grade of ‘C’, will be exempt from having to write the English Entrance Assessment.
Notes: 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. Excellent communication skills (composition), signing a medical/criminal waiver, completing a health declaration form (or physician’s waiver), and submitting a criminal record check (must be Public Safety & Solicitor General: Schedule B). (All must be done no more than three months before the start date of the program).
• Provide evidence of full COVID-19 vaccination OR a signed vaccination waiver on file
Certificate Requirements:
70% average upon successful completion of all courses
CPR, First Aid and FoodSafe will be completed during the program.
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.
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, 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 – Children with Exceptionalities Educator Certificate program.
Work Experience / Clinical Requirements:
Please note certain facilities may require proof of a negative TB test. Without this documentation on the student file, it may limit practicum placement opportunities.
Additional Notes:
Successful completion of any of the following courses – EC100, EC110 or EC180 individually or as part of a program will allow the student to apply for assistant status.
Successful completion of EC100 includes attendance of a minimum of 90 instructional/classroom hours to be eligible for this certificate.
Child Care sites may require more current and/or additional CRC (for instance: RCMP) and/or other immunizations (to be done at student’s expense) prior to practicum and/or observing. Students are responsible for their
own transportation. Practicum sites are subject to availablility.
Practicum training may be conducted in shifts to accommodate placement facilities’ needs (such as 8-hour shifts). Necessary Ministry licensing requirements will be included in the curriculum and scheduled throughout the program.
Students can expect to complete 1 – 3 hours of homework per day.
* Early Childhood Education Basic Program was reviewed and approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
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This 45 week Certificate program requires the student to complete the following courses.
The process of learning and maturation, child growth and development
Cultural, economic, and generational influences on development
Schedule B needed for child observations in child care centres
See EC100 course outline for details on applying for ECE Assistant Certificate
Current licensing & registration regulations
Developing policies & procedures, floor plans, and center design
Developing partnerships with parents, colleagues, and other service providers
Positive contemporary child guidance practices
Understanding the causes and characteristics of inappropriate behaviour
Plan and implement comprehensive program plans
Focus on social, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative, and cultural development
Benefits of an investigative, natural science program
Developmentally appropriate activities
Ways to maintain curiosity and exploration
Activities to facilitate diversity and multicultural experiences
Concepts to enhance the curriculum
Benefits which include early math and numeracy
Create a positive learning environment
Fun, engaging music and movement activities
Enhance other learning such as language and listening skills
Understanding of creativity
Special needs / cultural diversity
Workshop experiences
Basic language arts
Literacy goals for three- to five-year-olds
Plan/implement activities for young children
Verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
Design newsletters and communication tools for parents, children and staff
Recognize and respond appropriately to a wide range of individual communication style
Signs and symptoms of common childhood illnesses
Developing safe and secure environments for young children
Policies and procedures for licensing requirements for observing and reporting abuse and neglect
Snack and meal planning, and applying the Canada Food Guide in childcare settings
3-week practicum - Includes Touch Back Lab
Practice physical and emotional 'caring' skills
Observe guidance techniques and display knowledge of appropriate skills
Implement planned activities for individuals and small groups
3-week practicum - Includes Touch Back Lab
Attend to personal care needs of children
Practice guiding skills
Plan, implement, and evaluate activities for small groups
4-week practicum- Includes Touch Back Lab
Extend knowledge, skills, and attitude
Observing and assessing
Guidance
Language and creative development
Working in a team, and professional behaviour
Strategies for Student Success:
Interview techniques
Create a Career Development Marketing Plan
Apply aspects of professionalism
Identify target markets and employment resources
Plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate programs that meets the observed needs of children
Plan programs that reflect and respect diversity
Understand the relationship between the environment and the development of children's behaviour
Demonstrate professional communication skills which are mutually supportive of co-workers, families and communities
Apply knowledge of and respect for cultural, socioeconomic and family diversity
Demonstrate professional growth, attitude and conduct, including adherence to the Code of Ethics and ability to advocate
CPR & First Aid (1 day) and FoodSafe
Observing and Recording
Main categories and methods of observational recording
Skills and strategies conducive to learning in a college atmosphere, orientation to the college environment, using technology, knowing college policies and procedures.
Time management, writing and using citations, study strategies, student budgeting, and wellness/self-care/stress management.
An orientation to the PCP program and the emergency medicine professions.
Prepare for upcoming studies, learning environments, and work experience placements throughout the program.
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