Program Details

Early Childhood Education School: Okanagan College Faculty: Health and Social Development Degree: Diploma Field of Study: Early Childhood Education and Teaching Description: The Early Childhood Education program prepares students to work with young children in a variety of inclusive early childhood environments. Students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to work with children, families and the community in planning enriched programs in daycares, preschools, out-of-school care contexts and other early childhood initiatives that focus upon healthy early development. Successful completion of the four-semester Diploma in Early Childhood Education satisfies the requirements of the Early Childhood Registrar, Ministry of Children and Families (MCF) and the Ministry of Health, Community Care Facilities Licensing Branch (CCFB) for a License to Practice as both an Early Childhood Educator and a Special Needs Educator. Website: Early Childhood Education at Okanagan College Length: 2 Year(s) Careers: 1 career(s) Admission Requirements Prerequisites: These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school. Grade 12 English Required: B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for one year as of the first day of classes. A minimum grade of 67% in English 12, Technical and Professional Communications 12, or an equivalent Provincial Level ABE English course, a minimum score of 26/40 on the LPI, or a minimum 50% grade in an English university studies course at the 100-level or higher. A medical examination confirming good health is required. Applicants must provide evidence of successful completion of a first aid course on the list accepted by the Early Childhood Educator Registry no more than twelve months prior to admission. See "The Early Childhood Educator in BC" at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/pdfs/ece_registry_booklet_12_05.pdf . It is recommended that students complete a Childsafe course before admission. (Note: certification must be maintained throughout the program. Current certification in a first aid course approved by the registry is required for licensure.) Students will be required to complete a half-day observation in a licensed early childhood setting and complete an observation form provided by the department. A scheduled mandatory meeting with Early Childhood Education staff (normally conducted in March), to provide an opportunity for the applicant to discuss their experience in the field, to clarify information submitted by the applicant and to provide counselling on entry into the program. Applicants are requested to attend an orientation session during the year before their scheduled meeting. This orientation session will provide information and answer any questions students may have about the Early Childhood program. Applicants must complete, no more than three months before their date of admission, a criminal record check. The form will be mailed to applicants by the Admissions office. Prospective students who have been convicted of a criminal offense may be denied admission. Please note: applicants who have a criminal record and are seeking a pardon are advised that this can be a lengthy process and that they should initiate the criminal record check procedure at their local police detachment six months prior to date of admission. Failure to submit all required documentation by a specified deadline may result in denial of admission. All applicants are strongly advised to ensure their immunization status is current. Vaccination for hepatitis B is recommended. It is recommended that students complete the following senior secondary courses before entering the program: Human Service 11 and 12, and Family Management 11 and 12. * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.