In this 11-months certificate program, students prepare for a rewarding career in early childhood education field. Students will gain foundational knowledge about the field of early childhood education (ECE) in a program that is infused and centres Indigenous Knowledges and ways of being. Students will acquire the necessary skills and competencies for successful and multidirectional career paths in ECE. Course content includes Indigenous approaches to childrearing; thinking with the BC Early Learning Framework (ELF) and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework (IELLC) into practice; and how to support and promote Indigenous children’s identity development and connections with their Nation’s cultural practices and traditions.
Once students complete one of three courses (either ECE 101, ECE 111 or ECE 113), applications for Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) certification can be submitted to the ECE Registry. This license allows students to work as an Assistant to a licensed Early Childhood Educator (ECE) in a daycare or preschool with 3-5-year-olds.
Some topics covered in this program include:
Once students complete one of three courses (either ECE 101, ECE 111 or ECE 113), applications for Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) certification can be submitted to the ECE Registry. This license allows students to work as an Assistant to a licensed Early Childhood Educator (ECE) in a daycare or preschool with 3-5-year-olds.
Once students complete all the required courses and graduate from the IECE Certificate program, complete 500 hours of working experience, applications for Early Childhood Educator (ECE) certification can be submitted to the ECE Registry. This license allows students to work independently in a daycare or preschool with 3-5-year-olds.
Students can choose to pursue further certification with NEC’s IECE Diploma program, where they gain their Infant-Toddler Education (ITE) and/or Special Needs Educator (SNE) certification.
Students who complete the IECE Certificate program can transfer into the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NITEP). Students transfer into the second year of their Bachelor of Education degree.
Students from other institutions and ECE certification programs are welcome to transfer to NEC to complete their coursework, including practicum.
IECE Course List
ECEC:
ECE 101 Child Growth & Development 1 (3 credits)
ECE 102 ECE Theoretical Foundations (3 credits)
ECE 103 Children’s Art and Artistic Inquiry (3 credits)
ECE 111 Guiding & Caring (3 credits)
ECE 112 Child Growth & Development 2 (3 credits)
ECE 113 Health, Safety & Nutrition (3 credits)
ECE 120 Pedagogical Narration/BC ELF (3 credits)
ECE 121 Family & Community Relations (3 credits)
ECE 122 Curriculum 1 (3 credits)
ECE 123 Language & Literacy (3 credits)
ECE 124 Curriculum 2 (3 credits)
ECE 128 Advocacy (3 credits)
ECE116 Practicum 1 & Seminar (4 credits)
ECE 126 Practicum 2 & Seminar (4 credits)
All classes are offered at the NEC campus. Classes are scheduled from 9am-4pm, with a mid-morning and mid-afternoon break and a 1-hour lunch break every day.
Students are responsible for commuting to practicum placement locations, but student preference for practicum locations will be considered. Practicums within Indigenous communities is encouraged. Ideally, students spend the same amount of hours per day at practicum as they would in regular class.
If you do not have your High school transcript, and CAAT assessment documents, you can do the exams at NEC
| Program Tuition: | $6,820.00 |
| Registration: | $75.00 |
| Graduation: | $30.00 |
| Student Association: | $30.00 |
| Student Record and Student Card Fee: | $15.00 |
| Transportation – Upass | $506.00 |
| ECE Lab Fee | $200.00 |
| Food Safe | $110.00 |
| First Aid | $110.00 |
| *Books & Supplies (w/tax) | $1,267.35 |
| *Laptop (w/tax - optional) | $1,050.00 |
| TOTAL: | $9,163.35 |
| TOTAL:(with laptop & backpack) | $10,213.35 |
“I am from the Squamish Nation, and my two children encourage me to return to school so that I can be an inspiration for them. Before NEC, I felt like I didn’t qualify for some jobs since I didn’t receive the proper education. At NEC I found resources that helped me, and counselling was a significant support for me. I feel grateful to have completed my Certificate and am looking forward to obtain my Diploma in Indigenous Childhood Education this year
