Indigenous Early Childhood Education Dual Diploma
Special Needs / Infant and Toddler
Program Description
In this 8-month certificate program, students prepare for specialization of early childhood education and care, with a focus on working with children with exceptionalities. In this dual diploma program, students will gain foundational knowledge about the field of early childhood education (ECE) in a program that is infused and centres Indigenous Knowledges and world view. Students will acquire the necessary skills and competencies for successful and multidirectional career paths in ECE. Course content includes Indigenous approaches to childrearing and children with exceptionalities; thinking with the BC Early Learning Framework (ELF) and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework (IELLC) into practice; thinking critically with interdisciplinary perspectives; and how to support and promote Indigenous children’s identity development and connections with their Nation’s cultural practices and traditions.
- Intake: Fall 2025
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of Indigenous Early Childhood Educator Certificate, the learner will be able to
1. Connect Indigenous infants/toddlers and children with exceptionalities to cultural practices, traditions, and knowledge related to their Nations and Peoples.
2. Think critically about the ongoing history of settler-colonialism in ECE and learn how to decolonize the practice of caring for and working with children with exceptionalities.
3. Learn how to implement teaching practices that are inclusive and responsive to children’s diverse communication and learning styles, needs, and backgrounds
4. Support and plan for the health, safety, and nutritional needs of children with support needs, including snack, sleep training, emotional regulation, and meal planning)
5. Develop a personal toolkit with strategies for supporting parents and families.
6. Communicate effectively and professionally, building relationships with children with support needs and Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators, mentors, and staff.
Get the hands-on training in a path to a high-level meaningful career that improves Indigenous Children's lives
Apply NOW for scholarships for the following school year, which begins in September 2024
Occupation upon Completion
After graduating from this program, students apply to the ECE Registry for their five-year ITE certificates. Once this certification is received, students can work independently or as the primary educator in licensed, supportive early learning settings for children from birth to 5 years of age. 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.
Students can choose to pursue further certification with NEC’s IECE Diploma program, where they gain their Infant/Toddler 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.
Course Descriptions
Term 1: September 3- December 13, 2024
ECE 282 Advanced Development
ECE 294 Indigenous Practice with Infant & Toddler
ECE 269 Administration of Childcare Program
ECE 289 Responsive & Inclusive Practice
ECE 295 Infant Toddler Practicum & Seminar
Term 2: January 6- April 17, 2025
ECE 227 Working with Families
ECE 280 Indigenous Health Care
ECE 283 Foundation of Working w/ Exceptional Child
ECE 287 Planning for Inclusive Practice
ECE 285 Inclusive Practicum & Seminar
Admission Requirements, Fees and Tuition
- Graduated from NEC’s IECE Certificate Program a minimum of “C” grade average (GPA 2.0)
- Two Reference Letters
- Criminal Records Check
- TB test Negative
- Doctor’s note of good health and mental and physical fitness to work with young children
| Program Tuition: | $5,580.00 |
| Registration: | $75.00 |
| Graduation: | $30.00 |
| Student Association: | $30.00 |
| Student Record and Student Card Fee: | $15.00 |
| Transportation – Upass | $368.00 |
| ECE Lab Fee | $200.00 |
| *Books & Supplies (w/tax) | $865.75 |
| *Laptop (w/tax - optional) | $1,050.00 |
| TOTAL: | $7,163.75 |
| TOTAL:(with laptop & backpack) | $8,213.75 |