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Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education Diploma program provides innovative opportunities for classroom-based research and hands-on field work experience so students can acquire the teaching skills to become effective educators of young children.
Areas of learning include: developing relationships with children, child development, child guidance, interpersonal relations, educational theories, designing and developing curriculum content, reflective practice, working with families, and program management.
Practical fieldwork experience is a component of each semester. With a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience in early childhood care and education, graduates are able to work effectively with co-workers and children to become strong advocates for children and families.
Inspiring learning and creativity
Graduates embark on rewarding careers in half or full day child care programs, family child care, Head Start programs, Strong Start programs, and other child care facilities.
The ECE Diploma has small class sizes to support student learning and the option to complete the program in just three semesters of full-time study. There is also an option to complete the program through part-time study over five semesters.
TRU ECE graduates are respected and hired!
Early Childhood Educator certification
Completion of the ECE diploma satisfies the requirements of the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development ECE Registry for certification as an Early Childhood Educator. This program does not qualify a person to teach a public school kindergarten.
Please note: The ECE Registry requires 500 hours of work experience under the supervision of a Certified Early Childhood Educator in order to qualify for certification as an Early Childhood Educator. Many of these hours can be completed between the second and third semesters as either volunteer or paid assistant in an early childhood setting. For further information about certification requirements, visit the BC government website.
Further study in one or both of the post ECE-diploma certificate(s) that provide specialization in the areas of Special Needs or Infant & Toddler would satisfy the requirements of the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development ECE Registry for certification as an Educator in those areas of specialization.
TRU Early Childhood Education students become valued employees as our society endeavors to recruit and retain qualified educators. The high standards set by the program are clearly evident as students work toward completing their practicum placements. Upon completion of their courses, and as employees, we find the competencies and quality of the students from TRU to be above average in the early childhood experiences and in-depth relationships they bring to our children and centre. Director of a Kamloops non profit child care societyRequest More Info
