In this 11-months certificate program, students prepare for a rewarding career in BC early childhood education and childcare. Students will gain foundational knowledge about the field of early childhood education (ECE) in a program that is infused and focused on Indigenous Knowledge 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; learning how to put the BC Early Learning Framework (ELF) and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework (IELCC) into practice; and how to support and promote Indigenous children’s identity development and connections with their Nation’s cultural practices and traditions.
Coursework in this program spans topics such as supporting Indigenous families; Science, Technology, Art, Engineering, and Math (STAEM); child growth and development; pedagogical narration; and advocacy. Students are also required to complete 425 hours of practicum experience during this program, where they gain the opportunity to make professional connections and put classroom theory into practice.
Some topics covered in this program include:
After graduating from this program, students apply to the ECE Registry for their one-year Early Childhood Educator Certificate. Once this certification is received, students can work in licensed early learning settings, including preschools and daycares with children ages 3-5. Once students have completed 500 hours of either paid or volunteer work at a centre, students can then apply for their five-year license to practice.
ECE 101 Child Growth & Development 1 3 credits
ECE 102 ECE Theoretical Foundations 3 credits
ECE 103 Arts & Music 3 credits
ECE 113 Health, Safety & Nutrition 3 credits
ECE 120 BC Early Learning Framework 3 credits
ECE 115 Practicum Seminar 1 2 credits
Winter Semester
ECE 111 Guiding & Caring 3 credits
ECE 112 Child Growth & Development 2 3 credits
ECE 116 Block Practicum 1 6 credits
ECE 121 Family & Community Relations 3 credits
ECE 123 Language & Literacy 3 credits
Spring Semester
ECE 122 STEM 3 credits
ECE 125 Practicum Seminar 2 2 credits
ECE 126 Block Practicum 2 6 credits
ECE 128 Advocacy 3 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
Tuition: | $5,350.00 |
Fees: | $150.00 |
Books: | $2010.00 |
Lab: | $200.00 |
UPass: | $495.00 |
Total Cost: | $8,205.00 |
“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
