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In the Early Childhood Care Diploma program you will look at more challenging child behaviors and how to use creative problem solving to achieve positive results. You can choose to concentrate your education in two areas: working with infants and toddlers and/or working with children who require extra support. Through 200 hours of supervised practice experience for each stream, you will have opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills while working with children who require additional supports, with infants and toddlers and with their families.
As a diploma student, you will be provided with an overview of professional childcare concepts that prepare you for administrative and leadership responsibilities in early childhood programs. You will be prepared to work with infants and toddlers, children of varying abilities and their families. Graduates practice in a variety of early learning settings.
When applying for your certification in BC, you should forward your official NIC transcript, along with your application, to:
Early Childhood Education Registry
Ministry of Children and Family Development
PO Box 9961 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria BC V8W 9R4
Toll Free: 1-888-338-6622
In Greater Victoria: (250) 356-6501
Email: eceregistry@gov.bc.ca
Web: www.gov.bc.ca/earlychildhoodeducators
If you plan to continue your education, you will find that a number of BC institutions recognize your courses for block transfer credit. The opportunity to continue into degree programs in child and youth care is available at institutions such as the University of Victoria, Vancouver Island University and Capilano University. You should contact an educational advisor at your university of choice for information regarding admission and transfer credit.
Practice Experience
Practicums are an essential component of the Early Childhood Care & Education program, giving you the opportunity to put your theory and knowledge into practice under the direction of qualified early childhood educators. Before beginning your practicum, you will have opportunity to consult with faculty and your employer (where applicable) to collaboratively plan your practicum placement. Please note, while the majority of practicums occur where you live, it may be necessary to complete a practicum outside of your community. You will be responsible for your own transportation to and from practicum settings.
Transfer Credit & Credit For Prior Learning
Students with previous course work from another accredited institution may apply to transfer course credits to NIC. For more information contact an Educational Advisor.
Your previous life, work or study experience, unassociated with formal education, may qualify for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Your knowledge and skills will be evaluated to determine if you meet the objectives for selected courses up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the program. To qualify for PLAR, you must apply to the program and meet all the program requirements, and complete the PLAR before entering the program or one term before the scheduled course(s). The fee for each PLAR course is 75 per cent of the regular course fee. Refer to NIC policy #4-10: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. For information about which courses qualify for PLAR please contact the program department chair.
To Be Successful
Skills required to be successful in the program include but are not limited to the following:
- communicate effectively
- build relationships
- work as part of a team as well as work independently
- maintain confidentiality
- demonstrate the ability to follow directions
- display a positive attitude toward attendance and punctuality
- maintain satisfactory level of academic theory and practical application
- demonstrate a reasonable attitude toward self-directed learning
- recognize limitations and seek help appropriately
- demonstrate accountability, honesty, and reliability
- demonstrate basic computer literacy
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