Education and Social Work Menu
ECE Diploma
The ECE diploma program is in-depth, with hands-on practicum experiences in every semester, that is centred around a shared love for children. The program instructors are approachable, encouraging, and very helpful. The program is cohort based with lots of interaction and support from classmates as well.
The professors are approachable, encouraging and so helpful. A very in-depth course centred around a shared love for children. Very beneficial, worthwhile, eye-opening and a total learning experience. Classmates become your support group. ECE graduate
Admission requirements
- B.C. Grade 12 OR Mature Student status (or equivalent).
- BC English 12/English 12 First Peoples with a minimum of 73% (or equivalent).
Requirements after admission to the ECE program
Acceptance to the ECE program is not deemed final until the required documents below have been submitted.
Volunteer and/or work experience with children:
After you have submitted an application, the Admission Office with provide you with a link to the required form for online submission of your hours of experience. The completed online form must be submitted before the start of the program.
- Details of 25 hours of volunteer and/or work experience in a licensed group daycare program (full day or half day) under the supervision of a certified Early Childhood Educator.
Health and safety requirements
The following two forms will be provided to you on the first day of class.
- Immunization record form
- Consent to criminal record check form
You will need to bring two pieces of official identification as follows:
- One primary photo ID: BC driver’s licence, BC ID card, BC services card, passport, Canadian citizenship/permanent resident card
- One secondary ID : School ID card, birth certificate, BC services card, Canadian or US driver’s license, picture employee ID card, bank card
Costs
Each full-time semester has five courses (16 credits) per semester. You can estimate your program tuition and fees here. Tuition and fees are subject to a 2% increase each year.
For practicum courses: Students must be prepared to bear the costs of travel to and from each of their practicum placements. All attempts will be made to place students without vehicles in day-care sites that are accessible by local public transit.
Apply for admissionPart time Students
For students wishing to complete the ECE diploma program on a part-time basis, a limited number of spaces are available. Please indicate your interest in this option in the additional comments section of your online application form.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is a process that provides the possibility for a student to earn academic credits for post-secondary level knowledge learned through experiences gained in a non-classroom setting. A student can apply to be assessed for PLAR credits for some of the courses in the ECE diploma program. A maximum of 25 percent of the total program credits can be in the form of PLAR credits. Prior to applying for PLAR credits towards ECE diploma program completion, applicants must meet all program prerequisites and be admitted to the program. Please contact the ECE Program Coordinator if you think your prior experiences may qualify you for PLAR credits.
Further studies or transferability
There are options for further studies in bachelor degree programs following successful completion of the TRU ECE diploma program. Below are examples of programs that recognize credits for transfer towards their degree program requirements.
TRU Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Degree (BEd)
The Bachelor of Education (BEd) (Elementary) degree prepares you to teach in elementary schools. As a successful graduate, you receive a Bachelor of Education (Elementary) degree and qualify for a professional teaching certificate issued by the BC Ministry of Education, Teacher Certification Branch (TCB). This degree and certification qualifies you to teach grades Kindergarten to 12 (K-12) in BC public and private schools. You can also teach in any province or territory in Canada, and in many other countries. The program integrates theoretical study with experiential learning. It begins in September of each year and runs for two successive years.
To be eligible for admission, you must have completed at least 90 credits (many of which can be from eligible ECE Diploma and Post-Diploma certificates program courses). Students interested in pursuing this option should contact the Education Advisor at edadvising@tru.ca
Visit Bachelor of Education (Elementary) for more information
TRU Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Degree (BIS)
This is a two-year degree program open to undergraduate university students and diploma graduates. The TRU BIS is a unique program that allows students to design their own curriculum customized to their interests and goals.
Admission of Diploma Graduates
Successful completion of the TRU ECE diploma and at least one of the post-diploma specialty certificate programs (minimum 60 credits) with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
The admission process is selective. This means all applications with be reviewed, and credits from other institutions will be evaluated for transfer according to established standards determined by appropriate articulation committees, or the Office of the Registrar. Applicants may be requested to attend an interview with members of the BIS Steering Committee.
Admission Deadline
March 30th for admission to the Fall Semester
October 30th for admission to the Winter Semester
Visit Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies for more information
TRU Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Human Service (HUMS) Diploma
Students interested in continuing their education may consider laddering into the Bachelor of Social Work or the Human Service Programs.
TRU ECE Diploma graduates may be eligible for block credit into the BSW or HUMS Diploma.
Visit Bachelor of Social Work for more information
Capilano University Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
This unique degree builds upon the ECE Diploma/certificate and post-diploma specialties to provide students with advanced competencies and knowledge required to work with children under the age of five, including those children who require extra support, in licensed preschools and daycare centres. Graduates will be prepared to assume leadership roles as advocates, policy specialists, administrators, researchers and early childhood educators.
Courses offer students further opportunities to pursue their understandings of the changing global context of child care, education, families, and childhood. They offer advanced perspectives on ECCE practice, encouraging graduates to continue to develop their abilities as outstanding educators and partners in children's lives.
TRU ECE Diploma graduates may be eligible for block credit into the Bachelor of ECCE program.
Capilano University is located in North Vancouver, BC.
Visit Capilano University for more information.
University of Victoria Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (BCYC)
The School of Child and Youth Care provides education, training, professional development and research for the care and support of children, youth, families and their communities. The work of the School of Child and Youth Care is grounded in the principles of inclusion, social justice and ethical practice.
The Early Years Specialization is designed to meet the growing demand for early years practitioners who can work across a range of services for young children (up to 6 years of age) and their families. Its focus is to promote leadership and the skills needed to build capacity within communities. Social justice and cultural diversity are threads that underlie all the courses in the Specialization.
TRU ECE Diploma graduates may be eligible for block credit into the BCYC program.
The University of Victoria is located in Victoria, BC.
Distance option:
The School of Child and Youth Care's Distance and Distributed Education Program distance program allows you to complete your Bachelor of Child and Youth Care degree entirely at a distance, with the exception of one 10-day on-campus seminar course in the 4th year.
Visit cyc.uvic.ca for more information.
