Early Childhood Education
About
The ECE programs at Langara College, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ offer current, meaningful theoretical coursework foundation paired with diverse practicum experiences to support students' knowledge and understanding of professional practices in Early Childhood Education.
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.
Our Programs
Langara offers several pathways toward gaining Early Childhood Educator qualifications in British Columbia, preparing you to work in provincially licensed preschool and childcare centres.
Langara offers an ECE Certificate and an ECE Diploma. There is a one-year full-time ECE certificate program and a part-time online certificate program. Students who then move on to take the Special Needs and Infant and Toddler programs will receive their Diploma in Early Childhood Education. This qualifies students to apply for three provincial licenses to practice as an early childhood educator, a special needs educator, and an infant toddler educator.
The Infant Toddler Care and Education Citation and Special Needs Education Citation Programs include online courses offered in the evenings to meet the needs of students working in the field. Please note there is one person practicum for the Infant and Toddler program and one for the Special Needs program.
Applications for the in-person ECE programs are accepted for September and January intakes each year.
Applications for the part-time online ECE program are accepted for September, January and May intakes of each year.
Pathways to Early Childhood Educator Qualifications
The ECE Diploma program can be completed within two years (six consecutive semesters). It combines the ECE Certificate with the Post-Basic Citations in Special Needs and Infant and Toddler Care and Education. The first year is full-time, in-person studies for three consecutive semesters. The second year is primarily synchronous online courses offered in the evenings, as well as in-person practicum courses.
Students can also complete the ECE Diploma by completing the part-time online certificate and then taking the Post-Basic Citations in Special Needs and Infant and Toddler Care and Education.
Students who hold an ECE Certificate can apply to the Special Needs Citation program or the Infant and Toddler Care and Education Citation. Both are offered as primarily synchronous online courses in the evenings, with in person practicum courses.
Graduates of either ECE Certificate program meet Ministry requirements for ECE Certification in British Columbia.
Graduates of the ECE Diploma program meet Ministry requirements for ECE Certification in British Columbia as well as Specialized Certifications as a Special Needs Educator and an Infant and Toddler Educator.
Contact Us
For information and consultation regarding the full-time, in-person, one year ECE Certificate program and Post Basic Citation programs leading to a Diploma, please contact Andrea Dawson at adawson [at] langara.ca (adawson[at]langara[dot]ca)
For information and consultation regarding the part-time, online ECE Certificate program, contact Andrea James at andreajames [at] langara.ca (andreajames[at]langara[dot]ca)
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
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
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/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.
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.
- An online, part-time program. This program takes 2- 5 years to complete.
What is the difference between the ECE Certificate and the ECE Diploma programs?
The ECE Certificate is part of what makes up the Diploma program. The Diploma credential includes the Certificate credits as well as the post-basic Citations in Infant and Toddler Care and Education and Special Needs Education. Students graduate with the education requirements for all three professional certifications from British Columbia’s Early Childhood Education Licensing Registry:
- ECE certificate
- Infant Toddler Educator specialized certificate
- Special Needs Educator specialized certificate
Can I take any courses before 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 PSYC 2328 and PSYC 2318.
I notice that I need to complete 20 hours of volunteer work to fulfill one of the admission requirements. Where can I volunteer?
You may volunteer at any early years program, including licensed childcare programs, preschools, or church groups, 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 suitability 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 checks are 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 receiving provisional acceptance into the program, but must be completed before the first day of classes.
The Red Cross offers an emergency child care first aid 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 programs. 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 Calculator 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(external link)
Students can also apply for a BC Government Student Loan.
There are many scholarships and bursaries available to Langara Students. Please contact Financial Aid at 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?
Please email accessibilityservices [at] langara.ca (Accessibility Services) as soon as possible to discuss what accommodations may be available.
