Early Childhood Education

The ECE programs at Langara College, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ offer current, meaningful theory courses and a variety of practicum experiences to support students' knowledge and understanding of professional practice. 

The strong values of inclusion and respect for all children and families are embedded throughout the curriculum in the ECE certificate and post-basic Infant Toddler Care and Education and Special Needs citation programs.

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs at Langara College, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ prepare students to work with young children, families, and community partners within the context of the principles of the BC Early Learning Framework, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, the ECEBC Code of Ethics, BC Child Care Sector Occupational Competencies, Child Care Licensing Regulation and UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

At Langara College, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓, ECE students develop advocacy, social responsibility, and a rich understanding of the complexity of the work of an early childhood educator. The curriculum is rooted in inclusive practice that advocates for responsive care and education for all children. All courses offer high-quality instruction from faculty with diverse professional expertise.

Graduates of the ECE Certificate program have the option to earn additional citations in Infant and Toddler Education and Special Needs Education.

A Day in the Life

Recently, we spoke with Alicia, a current student in the Early Childhood Education program, to find out what a day looks like for her in this program. See what she shared with us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUxKgjxBxwA

Important note:

The ECE Diploma program will be paused starting Fall 2025.

The ECE Certificate program will be offered as a full time, in person, three consecutive semester program

OR

A 2 year, part time, online program.

Admission Requirements for the above are found under ADMISSIONS for ECE Certificate program.

At this time, you will apply for the ECE Certificate program and the Department Chair and Coordinator will reach out to you to determine whether you are enrolling in the part time, online 2 year program OR the full time, one year, cohort, in- person program. There are no options for mixed mode delivery of the course at this time so applicants must choose either the online part time program or the in person full time program.

Graduates of either program meet Ministry requirements for ECE Certification in British Columbia.

The part time online, 2 year ECE Certificate program has three intakes per year, in September, January, and May. The ECE Certificate program is part-time and is entirely online, with the exception of the 3 practica. The full time, 1 year, in person ECE Certificate program has intakes in September and January only.

Post Basic Studies

Available for applicants who have successfully completed an ECE Certificate.

The Post Basic ECE Special Needs Citation program has intakes in September and January. Once the three evening courses are complete, there is a practicum requirement. 

The Post Basic ECE Infant and Toddler Care and Education Citation program has intakes in January, May and September. Applicants must have completed an ECE Certificate in order to apply to the post basic programs.

For information and consultation regarding the part time, online, 2 year ECE Certificate program, contact Andrea James at Andreajames [at] langara.ca (andreajames[at]langara[dot]ca)

For information and consultation regarding the full time, in person, one year ECE Certificate program and Post Basic Citation programs, please contact Andrea Dawson at Adawson [at] langara.ca (adawson[at]langara[dot]ca)

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I apply for the ECE Diploma program for September 2025?

The ECE Diploma program will not be offered in September 2025. Instead, we offer a one year, in person, cohort model ECE Certificate program and a 2-5 year, online, ECE Certificate program. Graduates of either program meet ECE Registry requirements to be certified Early Childhood Educators in British Columbia and are able to apply to continue their studies the post basic ECE Special Needs Citation and Infant Toddler Education and Care Citation. Reach out to Andrea James AndreaJames [at] langara.ca (andreajames[at]langara[dot]ca) for information about the part time, online program. Reach out to Andrea Dawson Adawson [at] langara.ca (adawson[at]langara[dot]ca) for information about the full time, in person program.

Do I have to complete all the admission requirements listed before applying to the in person or online ECE 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 your Student Information System at any time. Supplemental admissions documents can be submitted to Admissions.

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 Certificate 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. 

What is the difference between the two offerings of the ECE Certificate program?

The ECE Certificate program is offered in two delivery modes:

• a one-year, full time, in person program. This program is not designed for part time studies as coursework is integrated with practicum assignments.  
• a 2 year, online, part time program. Students have up to 5 years to complete this part time, online program.

Can I take any courses prior to starting the ECE diploma program?

Yes. Courses that may be helpful in preparing the student for our ECE Certificate program and for continuing on to our post basic Citation programs in Special Education and Infant Toddler Care and Education are PSYCH 2324, PSYC 2328 and PSYC 2318 and ENGL 1123, CMNS 1115.

I notice that I need to complete 20 hours of volunteer work in order to fullfill 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?

Two reference letters are required. One reference can be from any past employer, instructor or a non relative who can describe your suitablity to work with young children.  One of your reference letters must 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 Emergency Child Care 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 requirement 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.

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 [at] langara.ca (admissions[at]langara[dot]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 both the online and in person Early Childhood Education Certificate program. Class size is 25 in the Special Education Post Basic Citation program and Post Basic Infant Toddler Care and Education Citation program. 

What is the cost of tuition for the program? Are there additional costs?

Please check the Cost of Study tool for a complete list of all the costs per semester.

For International Students, please direct questions to international [at] langara.ca (Langara Global).

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 Early Childhood Educators of BC.

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 [at] langara.ca (finaid[at]langara[dot]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. 

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 [at] langara.ca (accessibilityservices[at]langara[dot]ca) as soon as possible to discuss what accommodations may be available.