What Will You Learn in VanWest’s Early Childhood Education Program in Vancouver?
At VanWest College, our Early Childhood Education Certificate gives you the foundational knowledge to work with children, educators, families, and community professionals. We combine classroom learning with practical experiences to cover key areas of early childhood education.
You will learn about child growth and development; positive approaches to guiding children’s behavior; health, safety, and nutrition; professional communication; program planning; language and literacy; music and movement; science and math; and creative expression.
We emphasize learning by doing, giving you opportunities at our location to apply Early Childhood Education concepts through engaging activities and hands-on practical experiences.
How Does Practical Training Work in VanWest’s ECE Program?
Practical experience is integrated throughout our Early Childhood Education Certificate rather than being limited to the end of the program. Students complete three practicums, with academic courses scheduled between practicum periods.
During these practicums, students apply the theory learned in their ECE classes. Students practise observation methods, interact with children, work with families and program staff, build partnerships with families and community services, and develop teamwork skills.
Practicums take place in settings such as daycare centres or nurseries, giving students opportunities to apply classroom learning in an early childhood education environment.
How Is the ECE Certificate BC Structured?
Academic Study → Practicum 1 → Academic Study → Practicum 2 → Academic Study → Practicum 3
We alternate academic study with practical training throughout the ECE Certificate BC. Students begin with foundational courses before completing their first practicum, return to academic study for additional ECE courses, complete a second practicum, continue with further academic coursework, and finish with a third practicum.
What Credential Do You Receive After Completing the ECE Program?
Students who successfully complete our ECE program receive an Early Childhood Education Certificate. Graduates are also eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Education Certificate from the ECE Registry.
Students may also become eligible to apply for the ECEA certificate from the ECE Registry after completing one of the specified courses: EC1100 Understanding Child Growth and Development, EC1200 Positive Approaches to Guiding Children’s Behaviour, or EC1300 Health, Safety, and Nutrition in ECE.
What Skills Can Students Develop During the ECE Program in Vancouver?
Through the Early Childhood Education Certificate, students develop skills for communicating and collaborating with children, families, communities and colleagues. Students also learn to observe and document children’s learning and development, use positive guidance techniques, plan age-appropriate and culturally sensitive programs, support health and safety, and communicate respectfully with parents.
Studying ECE at VanWest College means you will learn about the history of Early Childhood Education, the role of Early Childhood Educator, child development, guiding and caring for children, creating and implementing an early years curriculum, communicating and working effectively with educators, families, and community professionals, and the importance of children’s health, safety, and nutrition in the early years program.
It’s important to remember that you should come to class ready to make science experiments and math activities, create sensory explorations, read children’s stories, sing songs, dance, and have fun!
At VanWest College, our ECE program will teach you how to learn by doing and have fun with a purpose!
FAQ
Our current ECE Certificate is 11 months or 45 weeks, including 5.5 months of academic study and three months of practicum.
Early Childhood Education Certificate is currently offered at our Vancouver location.
Yes. Students complete three practicums during our program, allowing them to apply classroom theory and learning in practical early childhood education settings.
Our ECE program includes child growth and development, children’s behaviour guidance, health and nutrition, professional communication, program planning, language and literacy, music and movement, science and math, creative expression, and practicum study.
VanWest lists English and academic admission requirements along with additional requirements, including character references, an ECE Coordinator interview, health documentation, a criminal record check, TB testing and a Statement of Intent.
Successful graduates receive our Early Childhood Education Certificate and are eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Education Certificate from the ECE Registry.
Yes. We currently offer an Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) option in Vancouver with a program length of 2–4 weeks.
Sarah is an integral member of the VanWest College team. She helped develop and will teach our very sought-after Early Childhood Education program.
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