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Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Program Overview

Early Childhood Education (ECE) program is designed for people who want to work with young children in child care centers, preschools, day camps and with any other childcare services. Our desire is to inspire tomorrow’s education to stop, think and learn. To create inclusive, learning-rich environments integral to the children’s’ well-being and to establish a depth in understanding how play and relationships are integral in the child’s learning process.

Graduates from this program can work as Early Childhood Education once they apply for and are granted a certificate from ECE Registry. The certification by the Ministry of Education and Child Care provides students with a basic foundation of the knowledge and skills needed to work in early childhood educational settings (ages birth to five years).

Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.

Build the knowledge and skills to shape the lives of children in your community. Earn your ECE (Early Childhood Education) certification in under 1 year.

Job Opportunities

After completion of this program, the graduates will be able to work as:

  • Childcare worker – daycare
  • Childcare worker assistant
  • Daycare helper
  • Daycare supervisor
  • Daycare worker
  • Early childhood assistant
  • Early childhood education worker
  • Early childhood educator – preschool
  • Early childhood educator (ECE)
  • Early childhood program staff assistant
  • Early childhood supervisor
  • Preschool helper
  • Preschool supervisor

Wages

Earn up to $24.00* per hour as an Early childhood educator
All wages taken from the Canada Job Bank

Program Admission Requirements

Grade 12 or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or more).  Students will need to submit a proof of English Language Competency by any one of the following options:

Domestic Students:

  • Grade 10 English
  • Successful completion of English Language Proficiency Assessment Test conducted by the college
  • CLB Level 6 or more
  • CELPIP Level 7 or more

International Students:

  • IELTS 5.5 Bands or More
  • CLB Level 6 or more
  • PTE Academic 50 or more
  • Duolingo test with 85 or more score
  • TOEFL IBT with 46 or more score
  • TOEFL CBT with 133 or more score
  • CELPIP Level 7 or more
  • Successful completion of English Language Proficiency Assessment Test conducted by the college

Additionally, students will be required to complete the following third-party certificates prior to graduation:

  • Emergency Child Care First Aid with CPR/AED Level B

Program Duration

  • Full Time: 40 Weeks
  • Part Time: 60 Weeks

Course Outline

Course # Title of Course/Practicum Component # of Hours
ECE010 Child Care Growth and Development I 45
ECE020 Child Care Growth and Development II 45
ECE030 Guidance and Caring 60
ECE040 Foundation and Philosophy of ECE 60
ECE050 Pedagogy and BC Early Learning Framework 50
ECE080 Early Childhood Education I 60
ECE082 Early Childhood Education II 30
ECE084 Early Childhood Education III 30
ECE060 Fostering Outdoor and Nature Play 30
ECE090 Interpersonal Communication 45
ECE070 Health, Safety and Nutrition 30
ECE110 Practicum I Observation and Recording 112
ECE120 Practicum II 186
ECE130 Practicum III 186
  Total # of Hours 969

Please speak with your Campus Representative if you need further information.

Fee Structure

# PARTICULARS FEE REMARKS
1 Tuition Fee $16500 Domestic Students
2 Administrative Fee $250
3 Textbooks Fee* $1590
4 Materials Fee $550
5 Tuition Fee Rebate – $2390
6 Scholarship** – $5500
Total $11000
1 Tuition Fee $20500 International Students
2 Administrative Fee $1000
3 Textbooks Fee* $1590
4 Materials Fee $550
5 Tuition Fee Rebate – $2390
6 Scholarship** – $5500
Total $15750

* eBooks (Electronic Text Books) will be provided.
**This scholarship is subjected to some academic requirements of the program.

This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

Financial Assistance

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
  • Student Line of Credit
  • Scholarships
  • Bursaries and Government grants available while studying and after graduation too.

Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.

FAQs

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In BC, an Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate program can take 8 to 12 months to complete, while a diploma program can take up to 2 years.

The hourly wage for ECEs in BC ranges from minimum wage to over $30 per hour, depending on experience, education, and other factors.

The salary of an ECE in BC varies depending on factors such as experience, education, and location. According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, the median hourly wage for ECEs in BC is $20 per hour + $4 Government Top-up

Whether ECE is considered a hard course or not depends on the individual’s abilities and preferences. For some people, it may be more difficult than others, but with effort and dedication, anyone can succeed.

An Early Childhood Education (ECE) degree is not required to become an ECE in BC. However, having a degree in ECE or a related field may lead to more job opportunities and higher pay.

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Why Study at Western Community College

  • Installment-based, low tuition fee.
  • 100% Practicum Placement
  • Weekday, weekend, and evening classes optionally available
  • Part-time or full-time class schedule
  • Free CLB preparation classes * Conditions Apply
  • Graduate employment rate: 97%

Admissions Contact Information

Mon – Sunday 9:00A.M. – 5:00P.M.

Surrey, BC

Unit 201 8318 120 St
Surrey, BC V3W 3N4

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Take a tour inside WCC and explore our classrooms, labs and student spaces to get a feel for life on campus. At Western Community College, we believe in an affordable, high-quality education that gives you the opportunity to thrive. We have a 97% grad employment rate.

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Abbotsford, BC

Unit 201, 3670 Townline Rd
Abbotsford, BC V2T 5W8

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Welcome to our beautiful Abbotsford campus. Western Community College has 46 programs designed to meet the current needs of the market and to provide students with an affordable, high-quality education.

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South Surrey, BC

Unit 204, 15850 24 Avenue
Surrey, BC V3Z 0G1

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Upcoming Events

23Mar

Job Fair – March 23rd

11:00 am - 6:00 pmNewton Recreation Centre