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.
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.
ECE 227 Working with Families (3 credits)
ECE 269 Administration of Childcare Program (3 credits)
ECE 280 Indigenous Health Care (3 credits)
ECE 282 Advanced Development (3 credits)
ECE 283 Foundation of Working w/ Exceptional Child (3 credits)
ECE 287 Planning for Inclusive Practice (3 credits)
ECE 289 Responsive & Inclusive Practice (3 credits)
ECE 285 Inclusive Practicum & Seminar (5 credits)
ECE 294 Indigenous Practice with Infant & Toddler (3 credits)
ECE 295 Infant Toddler Practicum & Seminar (5 credits)
| 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 |
“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
