Early Childhood Care and Learning Diploma

Diploma
Type
Length
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Courses

Required courses

ECCL-151
Developmental Perspectives II
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-150 minimum C
Description
An overview of the contemporary theories in growth and development from 24 months to five years of age are introduced. Growth and development in the key developmental domains including social/emotional, physical, cognitive, language, and spiritual development are examined as part of ongoing life span development. Strategies for identifying developmental milestones and applying resources as needed.
ECCL-154
Historical Contemporary ECE
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
Description
This course focuses on historic and current theories that influence the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE), including Canadian policies aimed at assimilating Indigenous people, the role of play, and perspectives that reinforce contextually appropriate practice.
ECCL-165
Responsive Curriculum I
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
Description
Based on the philosophy that natural play provides the foundation for children's growth and development, this experiential course focuses on curriculum planning and teaching strategies. At the end of this course, the learner will be able to develop and implement programming plans for curriculum areas such as art, storytelling, music, and movement. The focus will be on developing an educational philosophy through experiential learning and self-reflection.
ECCL-166
Responsive Curriculum II
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-165 minimum C
Description
The learner acquires knowledge, experience, and skill in planning, implementing, and evaluating learning environments for groups of children based on educational philosophy and research. The BC Early Learning Framework is used as a guide for reflection and evaluation.
ECCL-170
Observing and Recording
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Required Supporting Lab: ECCL-170L
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-150 minimum C
  • Pre Requiste Or Co Requisite: ECCL-151 minimum C
Description
This course introduces the learner to a variety of methods for objectively observing, recording, and interpreting child behaviour for evaluation and assessment purposes using a licensed child care facility as a lab setting.
ECCL-172
Health and Wellness
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
Description
Learners will examine the overall health, safety, and nutritional needs of children from infancy through to five years of age. Emphasis is placed on the role and responsibilities of the educator in establishing and maintaining safe nurturing environments for children in cooperation with families. This is achieved with an understanding of licensing regulations, policies, and practices promoting the health and well-being of children. Learners will also gain an understanding of how their own wellness impacts their practice.
ECCL-178
Professional Interactions
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
Description
Professional interactions support the learner's understanding of how to develop, maintain, and navigate workplace relationships. Topics examined in the course include perception of self and others, verbal and non-verbal communication, conflict management, confidentiality, and establishing professional boundaries.
ECCL-252
Leadership and Administration
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ENGL-103 or ENGL-113 minimum C
  • Prerequisite Or Corequisite: ECCL-167, ECCL-175, ECCL-178, ECCL-199 minimum C
Description
This course is an introductory look at the administrative aspects of operating a child care centre at the local, provincial, and federal level. The learner is introduced to issues encountered by child care administrators and explores what it means to be a leader.
ECCL-255
ECCL Program Planning
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-167, ECCL-175, ECCl-178, ECCL-199 minimum C
  • English Prerequisite: ENGL-103 or ENGL-113 minimum C
Description
Utilizing knowledge of the growth and development of children under 36 months, learners apply the principles of responsive care to nurturing relationships, program planning, and designing environments.
ECCL-256
Intro to Inclusive Child Care
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-167, ECCL-175, ECCl-178, ECCL-199 minimum C
  • English Prerequisite: ENGL-103 or ENGL-113 minimum C
Description
This course provides an overview of inclusive child care with a focus on children from birth through five. The learner applies knowledge of growth and development, culture, and family dynamics to create a holistic view of the child. A variety of assessment materials and intervention techniques for working with children who have diverse abilities are explored.
ECCL-272
Advanced Health & Wellness
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-167, ECCL-175, ECCl-178, ECCL-199 minimum C
  • English Prerequisite: ENGL-103 or ENGL-113 minimum C
Description
This course focuses on the health, safety, and nutritional requirements for children with exceptionalities in inclusive early learning environments. The interconnectedness between caregiver and child, health and wellness, is explored.
ECCL-275
Partnership With Families
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-167, ECCL-175, ECCl-178, ECCL-199 minimum C
  • English Prerequisite: ENGL-103 or ENGL-113 minimum C
Description
The interrelationships between home and the child care program are examined to develop family centered curriculum that reflects the diverse nature of today's families. Strategies are presented to assist the learner in developing effective parent-educator communication.

ENGL choice

ENGL-103
Composition & Style
Typical Offerings
Timing All Terms, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
Description
A study of grammar, composition, and style. A vigorous program of essay-writing plus a variety of writing assignments or exercises dealing with specific problems in essay-writing. Strongly recommended for students who wish to improve their writing skills.
ENGL-113
Writing and Communication
Typical Offerings
Timing All Terms, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
Description
ENGL 113 introduces students to the principles and practices of effective written and oral communications in English as applied in current academic, business, and technical contexts in university course levels. Instruction will emphasize grammar, punctuation, style, and presentation as important elements applied to a wide variety of writing and speaking situations: e-mail, letters, reports, and instructional and persuasive talks. Research strategies will be practiced.

Required Practicum choice

ECCL-295
Infant-Toddler Practicum
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall/Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisites: ECCL-199, ECCL-251, ECCL-252, ECCL-255, ECCL-272, ECCL-275 minimum C
  • Required Supporting Practicum: ECCL-295P
Description
Under mentorship of a licensed Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Educator the learner plans, implements, and evaluates curriculum for the diverse needs of infants and toddlers. The learner takes on a leadership role by guiding and facilitating daily experiences for children and their families. Learners are required to attend a weekly two-hour seminar
ECCL-299
Inclusive Child Care Practicum
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall/Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-199, ECCL-251, ECCL-252, ECCL-256, ECCL-272, ECCL-275 minimum C
  • Required Practicum: ECCL-299P
Description
Under mentorship of a Special Needs Early Childhood Educator the learner plans, implements, and evaluates curriculum which respects and reflects diversity. The learner takes on a leadership role by guiding and facilitating daily experiences for children with diverse abilities and their families. Learners are required to attend a weekly two-hour seminar

ECCL-150 and ECCL-251

ECCL-150
Developmental Perspectives I
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally
Locations
Requisites
Description
An overview of the contemporary theories in growth and development from conception to 24 months are introduced. Genetics and environmental factors affecting development at the prenatal, neonatal, infant, and toddler stages are examined. Growth and development in the key developmental domains including social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language are discussed as part of ongoing life span development.
ECCL-251
Advanced Dev. Perspectives
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-167, ECCL-175, ECCL-178, ECCL-199 minimum C
  • English Prerequisite: ENGL-103 or ENGL-113 minimum C
Description
This course provides learners with a foundation for designing contextually appropriate inclusive programs for infants, toddlers, and children with exceptionalities. Through a strength-based lens, learners utilize methods of observing and recording to assess children's developmental progress as a tool for early detection and intervention. Learners evaluate early care and learning environments and the impact of environment on development.

ECE-251

ECCL-156
Care and Guidance
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
Description
This course examines a theoretical framework of guidance principles and techniques which support children's optimal development. Emphasis is placed on responding to the needs of the individual, promoting positive self-concept, fostering pro-social behaviour, and addressing the factors that may impact behaviours.
ECCL-167
Responsive Environments
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-195 minimum S
  • English Prerequisite: ENGL-103 or ENGL-113 minimum C
Description
Learners examine the role of the environment on children's growth and learning. Emphasis is placed on using pedagogical narrations to understand and respond to children's interests and needs. The Early Learning Frameworks are used to create and evaluate environments.

ECCL-175
Families
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
Description
This course will examine the interrelationships between the home and the child care program. Attention is given to developing an effective culturally inclusive parent program curriculum to support the diverse nature of today's families. The learner will investigate the status of the Canadian family and the issues confronting it. The role of the Early Childhood Educator as an advocate for children and families will be emphasized.

ECCL-190
Practicum 1
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-150, ECCL-165 minimum C
  • Required Supporting Practicum: ECCL-190P
Description
The practicum introduces the learner to the early care and learning environment. Learners gain practical experience working with young children and families while working under a licensed early childhood educator. Under supervision the learner is given the opportunity to plan, implement, and evaluate contextually appropriate curriculum activities. Learners are required to attend a weekly two-hour seminar.
ECCL-195
Practicum II
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall/Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-151, ECCL-154, ECCL-156, ECCL-166, ECCL-170, ECCL-172, minimum C and ECCL-190 minimum S
  • Required Supporting Practicum: ECCL-195P
Description
The learner is active in curriculum planning and guiding children's behaviour during this intermediate level practicum. Beginning supervision skills are developed while learners work with large and small groups of children. Learners are required to attend a weekly two-hour seminar.
ECCL-199
Practicum III
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: ECCL-195 minimum S
  • Required Supporting Practicum: ECCL-199P
  • English Prerequisite: ENGL-103 or ENGL-113 minimum C
  • Prerequisite Or Corequisite: ECCL-167, ECCL-175, ECCL-178 minimum C
Description
Leadership, evaluation and integrating theory into practice are the focus of this practicum. The learner amalgamates knowledge from previous practicums and early childhood care learning courses in Practicum III to guide and facilitate daily experiences for large and small groups of children and their families. Learners are required to attend a weekly two-hour seminar.

Entry Requirements

While it wasn’t always easy combining classroom time and field trips on top of the hours for studying and homework, it’s been great to gain so much hands-on experience during the courses.

Michelle Lindemann
Civil Engineering Technology

I like the problem-solving nature of millwrighting. I love how diverse the trade is. There’s always something new and different to work on.

Dusty Cathcart 2026
Vanderhoof Industrial Mechanic

This program gives you the ability to have a lot of hands-on time in the clinic where you can practice the skills you are learning and get a bit of an idea of what it is like to be a dental assistant.

Jordyn Karl
Dental Assistant Certificate Student

Taking this program is one of the most exciting things I could've done. It helped me grow into a professional, while also growing personally. I have carried my knowledge forward and will always hold the program and faculty close to my heart.

Janessa Sigurdson 2025
Accounting and Finance

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