Main Programs and Courses Teaching Education Programs Early Childhood Education Post Basic

Early Childhood Education Post Basic

Take your ECE career to the next level. Vancouver Career College offers three separate streams of the Early Childhood Education Post Basic program. Students can take the Infant Toddler or the Special Needs Specialization - or decide to take both.

This part-time program expands students' understanding of Early Childhood Education in the area of infant/toddler or special needs training education. Students build on their knowledge of working with infants and toddlers, family and community interaction, childhood development, and administration duties for childcare centres.

Graduates of this program will be qualifed to apply for a Special Needs Educator license and/or an Infant/Toddler Educator license. Each program specialization is made up of seven courses and one practicum. In order to qualify for both licenses, students are required to complete nine courses and two practicum placements. (Must be completed in British Columbia).

Admission Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent* OR mature student status**.
Completion of a Basic Early Childhood Education program from an accredited college

*From an English language teaching institution.
**19 years of age upon starting classes, and pass college’s English admissions test.

Administrative Requirements

Interview with campus director, program coordinator, or designate
Current resume (record of work history)
Three character references

This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. The program is offered as an in-person program. Individuals who have successfully completed early childhood training through a recognized educational institution in British Columbia may apply to the BC Early Childhood Educator Registry for certification as a Special Needs Educator (SNE). The program is offered as an in-person program.

Contact the Early Childhood Educator Registry for details of the application process at 1.888.338.6622 or visit their website.

This program is 28 weeks in length.

Day Care Supervisor
Day Care Worker
Preschool Supervisor
Childcare Worker
Early Childhood Supervisor
Early Childhood Program Staff

Program Courses

ECE4091 / Special Needs Practicum

A six-week integrated community based practicum, supervised by a Certified Special Needs Educator with additional observation and evaluation by ECE Faculty from the College. This laboratory course provides the student with opportunities for the development and implementation of comprehensive projects that demonstrate advanced professional knowledge and practice.

ECE4080 / Program Planning for Children with Special Needs

The emphasis of this module is on adaptation of special care needs and curriculum development to the various group care environments. Child development principles will provide the basis for program planning and implementation.

ECE4070 / Foundations of Working with Children with Special Needs

This module is designed for those requiring specialized skills in the care and guidance of working with children who require additional support. Students will explore the selection and use of appropriate assessment materials and intervention techniques for working with children who have special needs. A family-centered approach, which focuses on promoting social interactions among children, will be taken.

ECE4060 / Advanced Health, Safety and Nutrition

This module equips the student with knowledge and skills for planning, implementing and evaluating health practices for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children who need extra support in integrated and infant/toddler settings.

ECE4050 / Administration Skills for Child Care Centers

This module prepares students in the administrative duties of a preschool or daycare. Topics such as program philosophy and policy design, financial management, organizational structure, staff development and relationships with families and community will be highlighted.

ECE4041 / Infant & Toddler Practicum

A six-week integrated community based practicum, supervised by a Certified Infant Toddler Educator (Sponsor Teacher) with additional observation and evaluation by ECE Faculty from the College. This laboratory course provides the student with opportunities for the development and implementation of comprehensive projects that demonstrate advanced professional knowledge and practice.

ECE4020 / Foundations of Working with Infants and Toddlers

Working with infants and toddlers poses new challenges for the early childhood educator. This course will help the student develop the understanding and skills necessary for sensitive and respectful responding to infants and toddlers in-group care settings.

ECE4010 / Interacting with Families, School and Community

This module examines the knowledge, strategies and competencies needed by the early childhood educator to collaborate effectively with families of infants, toddlers and children who need additional support. The ethics of empowerment of families, professionals, and children is also examined. Students will review the family systems approach, communication skills and the family-centred care model.

ECE4000 / Advanced Child Growth and Development

Students will review typical development from birth to six years of age. This module includes a focus on recognition of children who require additional support with an emphasis placed on current theory and research. Students will apply their knowledge of child growth, development and individual differences using a case study approach.

Early Childhood Education Post Basic

Hear from an Early Childhood Education grad