Shape the Future Through Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education program at Western Community College prepares students to become proficient educators in early learning settings. The curriculum emphasizes understanding developmental milestones, creating effective curricula, and assessing children’s progress..
- In-depth study of child development and learning theories.
- Curriculum planning and assessment strategies.
- Field placements for practical experience in early learning environments.
Next Intakes
Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.
One of the requirements to work as an Early Childhood Education in a licensed childcare facility in BC is to be certified by the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Registry. The ECE program offered by Western Community College is recognized by the ECE Registry. This means that upon graduation, students will have to apply for certification through the ECE Registry. For more information about the process visit the ECE Registry website Become an Early Childhood Educator – Province of British Columbia
Career Opportunities in CHILDCARE
Become an Essential Member of the Childcare Workforce
$28*+$6
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
*Based on the Indeed Average Salary Guide for Vancouver, BC, as of September 2026.
+ Govt. TOP UP
Field placements provide hands-on experience, ensuring graduates are ready to foster positive learning experiences for young children
- Early Childhood Educator: Lead educational activities in preschools and childcare centers.
- Child Development Consultant: Advise on programs and policies supporting child development.
- Family Support Worker: Assist families in nurturing their children’s growth and learning.
- Start your own Daycare: Pursue entrepreneurship as an ECE professional to open a Daycare in your community.
Why Study at Western Community College
At Western Community College, learning is designed to prepare you for what comes next. Our career-focused programs combine practical training, experienced instruction, and a supportive learning environment to help students build confidence, develop relevant skills, and move toward their professional goals.
- Career-focused education aligned with today’s workforce
- Practical and hands-on learning opportunities
- Flexible study options for different schedules and commitments
- Dedicated support throughout your student journey
Begin Your Path in CHILDCARE Career
Admission Requirements
Grade 12 or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or more).
Language Proficiency Requirements: To demonstrate language proficiency, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Option 1: Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8–12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. Completion of Grade 10 English (or higher) with a minimum grade of C is required.
This may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a BC Adult Graduation program, or providing international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS.
Option 2: 2 years of full-time post-secondary education* have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, and IQAS).
*Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.
Option 3: Standardized Language Test Achievement of minimum scores on a recognized standardized language test. Test results should be valid at the time of enrollment.
| Name of English language assessment/test | Minimum score(s)/level(s)* |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Minimum overall score of 5.5 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT | Minimum overall score of 46 |
| Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) | Minimum overall score of 40 |
| Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) | Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5. |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | Minimum overall score of 95 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Minimum overall score of 43 |
| Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) | Minimum overall score of 160 or ‘C’. Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)). |
| Cambridge Linguaskill | Minimum overall B2 level |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Minimum overall B2 level |
| The Michigan English Test (MET) | Minimum overall B2 level |
| iTEP Academic | Minimum overall score of 3.5 |
| EIKEN | Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1 |
Validity period of above Language Assessment Tests is two years.
Option 4
Mature student applicants:
Applicant is 19 years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above.
Applicant provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages, and Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores:
| Accuplacer Component | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 235 |
| Reading | 235 |
| WritePlacer | 4 |
Note: Assessment of Prior Education Where English is the Language of Instruction
As an option for proof of English language proficiency, institutions may accept evidence that an applicant has successfully completed a specified minimum of full-time secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction. Documentation demonstrating this evidence must be provided in English.
Education completed (in English) in the following countries will be considered as counting toward an assessment of prior education in English:
The following countries are recognized for education completed in English:
| American Samoa | Dominica | Lesotho | St. Kitts & Nevis |
| Anguilla | Falkland Islands | Liberia | St. Lucia |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Fiji | Malta | St. Vincent & the Grenadines |
| Australia | Gambia | Mauritius | Tanzania |
| Bahamas | Ghana | Montserrat | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Barbados | Gibraltar | New Zealand | Turks & Caicos Islands |
| Belize | Grenada | Nigeria | Uganda |
| Bermuda | Guam | Seychelles | United Kingdom |
| Botswana | Guyana | Sierra Leone | US Virgin Islands |
| British Virgin Islands | Ireland | Singapore | USA |
| Canada | Jamaica | South Africa | Zambia |
| Cayman Islands | Kenya | St. Helena | Zimbabwe |
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Take the next step toward your future!
Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.
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Core Courses in ECE Program
Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge required for a successful career as an Early Childhood Educator.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
969
Total program
hours
484
Practice Experience HOurs
$28+
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
96%
Graduate Employment Rate
The following list of courses does not indicate the sequence of delivery. Courses are offered in accordance with prerequisite requirements.
| Full Time: 36 Weeks |
| Hours: 969 |
| Other scheduling options are available. |
Fee Structure
Tuition & Financing
We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.
Finance Options Available
Western Community College offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation.
BC Student Loan
In-house Financing
Scholarships
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Finance OptionsStudent FAQs
Program Information
The ECE program prepares students to work with young children and families in licensed child care, preschool, and early learning settings, with a focus on inclusive, play-based, relationship-centered learning environments.
The WCC ECE program is 969 hours total, delivered over 36 weeks full-time or 26 weeks fast track.
Students receive a diploma upon completion from WCC. To work as a certified early childhood educator, graduates must also apply for certification (ECE Basic) through the ECE Registry (Ministry of Children and Family Development).
In addition to program coursework, students must complete two third-party certifications prior to graduating: FoodSafe Level 1, and Emergency Child Care First Aid with CPR/AED (Level B).
Applicants generally need Grade 12 completion (or mature student status, 19+ years of age) plus proof of English language competency. Domestic students can meet this through Grade 10 English, the college’s English Language Proficiency Assessment, CLB Level 6+, or CELPIP Level 7+. International students can meet this through IELTS 5.5+, CLB 6+, PTE Academic 50+, Duolingo 85+, TOEFL iBT 46+/CBT 133+, CELPIP 7+, or the college assessment.
Graduates commonly work as Early Childhood Educators, preschool educators, childcare workers/supervisors, and Early Childhood Education Program Assistants in licensed childcare and early learning settings.
Practicum and Field Placement
Yes. Practicum is a mandatory component of the program.
Placements are coordinated by WCC’s ECE practicum department for all students. Placements can be located anywhere in the Lower Mainland, as well as in the Kelowna and Vernon regions for students based in Interior BC.
Final placement approval rests with the college to ensure smooth, professional communication with practicum host sites.
Missed hours typically must be made up within the same practicum placement to meet program and regulatory body requirements.
Yes. Students are supervised by both site mentors and faculty advisors, who conduct in-person observations and provide ongoing feedback throughout the practicum.
Classes and Learning
Students must maintain 70% attendance in each course and across the overall program. Many ECE courses include participation-based learning and hands-on activities.
Delivery format varies by course and campus. Book an appointment with an admissions advisor to review current course delivery options.
Students generally need a computer, internet access, a webcam, and access to the learning management system.
Evaluation methods may include assignments, quizzes, projects, presentations, observations, reflective journals, and practicum assessments.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition is charged as a registration fee plus monthly installment. (Note: WCC’s published fee schedule should be reconfirmed with Admissions before publishing, as amounts and structure can change between intakes.
Yes. WCC offers several options including BC Student Loans, in-house financing, an external line of credit, scholarships, and bursaries/government grants. Financial Aid Officers are available to help students through the application process, please note this financing is provided through banks/financial institutions and should not imply that WCC provides this financing directly or guarantees approval
Campus and Contact
WCC has campuses all over the lower mainland Confirm with an admissions advisor which campuses currently offer the ECE program and current intake dates.
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