Are you passionate about working with young children? Do you want to nurture children's curiosity, wonder, joy and learning? The field of early childhood education and care is growing in Canada, and now is a great time to become a professional Early Childhood Educator, Infant Toddler Educator and/or Special Needs Educator!

Vancouver Island University’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Diploma program offers rich theoretical learning along with diverse practicum experiences to support deep learning and build meaningful connections within the early years sector.

Graduates of the ECEC Diploma program are in high demand for a wide range of careers in licensed preschools, infant/toddler and 3-5 group care, multi-aged programs, infant and supported child development, Aboriginal Head Start, family support services, school-based programs such as Strong Start, child care licensing, and many more.

The Early Childhood Education and Care program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with young children and their families in licensed child care settings. Students progress through an interrelated series of courses and practica designed to integrate theoretical learning, awareness of self in relationships, and practical experience in becoming an Early Childhood Educator. This program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.

Check the Early Childhood Educations of BC (ECEBC) Education Support Fund for current bursary information.

The Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma Program
The Early Childhood Education and Care program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with young children and their families in licensed child care settings. Students progress through an interrelated series of courses and practica designed to integrate theoretical learning, awareness of self in relationships, and practical experience in becoming an Early Childhood Educator. This program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.

Graduates are in high demand for a wide range of careers in licensed preschools, infant/toddler and 3-5 group care, multi-aged programs, infant and supported child development, Aboriginal Head Start, family support services, school-based programs such as Strong Start, child care licensing, and many more.

Careers in Early Childhood Education
Completion of the ECEC diploma program meets the eligibility requirements to apply for admission to the third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care at Vancouver Island University or third year Bachelor of Education at Vancouver Island University.