( FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to complete all the admission requirements listed before applying to the diploma or online certificate program?
No. Apply as soon as possible. When you apply, you are given a student number and a Langara email account. This helps you communicate with the Admissions Office regarding the status of your application. You can go online and view your "admissions checklist" through the Langara login page at any time.
I am an international student. Do admission requirements differ for international students?
International applicants must meet the same admission requirements for the Early Childhood Education Diploma program as domestic applicants. However, international applicants have additional admission requirements and Visa responsibilities related to studying in Canada. For further information regarding international students, please visit the Langara International Education department:
https://langara.ca/international-education/future-students/index.html
Is there a part-time option to the diploma program?
The ECE diploma program is a one-year, full time, in person program. This program is not designed for part time studies as coursework is integrated with practicum assignments.
The ECE online certificate program is part time and can be completed in as soon as 2 years.
Can I take any courses prior to starting the ECE diploma program?
Yes. Some students who have been out of school for a while prefer to ease back into academics by taking a few courses prior to starting the ECE program. Other students like to lighten their course load by taking some of the support courses in advance of the ECE program. These courses include ENGL 1123, CMNS 1115, PSYCH 2324, PSYC 2328 and PSYC 2318. Prerequisites are required for the Psychology courses. In order to meet the prerequisites for English 1123, we strongly advise students to take the Langara English Test to earn a score of 3 or higher. Additionaly, successful completion of English 1107, with a minimum C- will also meet prerequisite requirements for English 1123.
IMPORTANT FOR ALL APPLICANTS TO KNOW: Do the English courses in the ECE curriculum require any prerequisites?
Yes, English 1123 has prerequisites that differ from the English requirements for admission to our ECE programs.
Admission to our ECE Diploma program does not guarantee registration into required courses, such as ECED 1123.
Students admitted to the ECE Diploma program may need to take one or more additional English courses in order to meet the prerequisite requirements for English 1123, which is a required course in this program. This will extend the duration of the Diploma program past the three semesters. Checking prerequisites for courses is a student's responsibility at Langara College. We strongly advise applicants to take the Langara LET (Langara English Test) to earn a score of 3 or higher, which will also meet the prerequisite requirements for English 1123.
I notice that I need to complete 20 hours of volunteer work in order to fullfil one of the admission requirements. Where can I volunteer?
You may volunteer at any early years program, including licensed childcare programs, preschools, child minding or church groups for example that provide care for children under the age of 6.
What information needs to be included in the reference letters?
The two reference letters should be written from someone who knows you well, has worked with you in a past job or volunteer work experience or by your teacher/instructor. The letters cannot be written by family members. The letters should include details regarding reasons why you would be suitable to work in a demanding, full time academic program with the focus on working with young children. One of your reference letters can be from the organization where you completed the volunteer hours and can provide details of your work in that capacity.
I have a current criminal record clearance from my previous volunteer/work experience. Can I use this to fulfil my requirement for a criminal record check.
No. When Registration and Enrollment Services, Admissions gives you a provisional acceptance into the program, you will be contacted by email and provided with a link to the appropriate criminal record review application. You must carefully follow the instructions given by Admissions. No other criminal record check will be accepted by the college. Criminal record reviews are conducted by the Ministry of Justice.
I have already taken a First Aid course. Will this be accepted to fulfil the First Aid requirement for admissions?
Students must complete an 8 hour First Aid course that includes CPR with children and infants. Certificates are renewable every three years. As there is a fee to take this course, the First Aid requirment can be completed after you have received a provisional acceptance into the program but must be completed before the first day of classes.
The Red Cross offers this course: https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/course-descriptions/first-aid-at-home-courses/emergency-child-care-first-aid-cpr
I have previously applied to the ECE program at Langara College. Are all my documents and volunteer work still valid?
If you have submitted an application in prior years please contact admissions@langara.bc.ca and include your student number in the email subject line. You will need to complete a reactivation request. Applications that are more than two years old will have to be updated. All letters of reference must be dated within two years of your application.
Is there a cut-off date for applications to your programs?
New applications may be closed when there are substantial applications in progress and the time needed to complete the admission requirements is limited. Applications are accepted as long as space is available. Seats are offered on a first come, first serve basis conditional to your completed application.
How many students are there in each class?
Class size is set at 32 students in the basic Early Childhood Education Diploma program. Class size is 25 in the Special Education Post Basic Citation program. The online, part time Certificate program has varied class size.
What is the cost of tuition for the program? Are there additional costs?
Please check the COST OF STUDY TOOL https://langara.ca/admissions/cost-of-study-tool/index.html located on the department's web page for a complete list of all the costs per semester.
For International Students, please direct questions to Langara Global: https://sites.langara.ca/global/contact-us/
How can I get help to pay the cost of tuition?
The Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia ( ECEBC), in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, has enhanced and expanded the ECE Bursary Program. These programs are designed to increase the number of students entering, re-establishing and graduating from recognized post secondary ECE programs. Domestic students may be eligible to receive up to $4000 in funding per school semester. When available, this bursary is open for domestic students only.
Information regarding the bursary can be found at https://www.ecebc.ca/ece-education-support-fund
Students can also apply for a BC Government Student Loan
There are many scholarships and bursaries available to Langara Students.
For Langara College Financial Aid office, contact 604-323-5376 or finaid@langara.ca
How many hours of homework are required?
The program workload is heavy, deadlines must be taken seriously, and some of the assignments may involve evening and weekend group work. ECE students can expect homework most evenings and weekends.
Does the college arrange practicum placements for students?
Yes, all practicum placements are arranged by the ECE department.
I have a disability. Will this prevent me from taking the program?
If you have a disability, please contact Accessibility Services at Langara College: accessibilityservices@langara.ca as soon as possible to discuss what accommodations may be available.
What is the average length of time it takes for a graduate to find employment?
There is a high demand for qualified early childhood eduators in British Columbia. Although some graduates are offered positions before they finish the program, many begin their careers by working as substitute or casual teachers. Most, if not all graduates are fully employed within a year of graduating.
Are any of the credits transferable to universities in British Columbia.
Yes, students graduating from the Early Childhood Education Diploma Program may apply to the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Degree offered at Capilano University and receive credit for the Langara ECE Diploma Program. Graduates also receive credit for their Diploma Program when entering the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care Degree at the University of Victoria. In addition, there are 5 courses that are directly transferable to any university in Canada.
Can I complete my post basic Infant and Toddler certification requirements as part of the diploma?
One of the features of the ECE diploma program is that our program is completed in 12 months and includes most of the course work required for an Infant and Toddler certification from the Provincial Child Care Registry. Graduates from the ECE diploma program need only complete one additional infant/toddler practicum, ECED 1329 in order to fulfill the academic requirements for certification as an Infant and Toddler educator.