Become an Early Childhood Educator
$5,000 tuition discount plus up to $5,000 in government bursaries*
2-month practicum
Earn $24 – $30+ per hour (includes a $6/hour government wage enhancement)
Early Childhood Educator Registry
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About the Career
Early Childhood Educators teach children during their formative years, from age 3 to 5. They develop and implement educational programs that stimulate children's intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth. Comprehensive childcare courses can help you build the skills to nurture young minds with confidence and care.
There is an overwhelming demand for qualified Early Childhood Educators in Canada, and many of our Early Childhood Education (ECE) graduates are hired directly from practicum. Most start their career working as ECE Assistants during the program. If you're looking for childcare courses that lead to an ECE certificate and a meaningful career, our program can be a good fit.
Where You'll Work
As an Early Childhood Educator, you will find opportunities for employment in various settings:
Childcare Centres
Preschools & Nursery Schools
Kindergartens
Inclusive Childcare
Before & After School Care
Group & Family Daycares
About the Program
To become a Certified Early Childhood Educator in B.C., you are required to complete a training program from an approved educational institution, such as Stenberg College. Graduates of our ECE Basic certificate program will be registered with the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development's ECE Registry.
Exploring childcare courses in B.C.? This program prepares you to support the learning and development of children between the ages of three and five. After only two months in the program, you will receive your ECE Assistant License and be able to work part-time as an ECE Assistant.
*Conditions apply
**Online program available to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents
Key Program Info
- 💳 Government-Funded Grant: Up to $5,000*
- 🎁 Stenberg College's Tuition Discount: $5,000
- 💻 Delivery: In-class or online**
- ⏱️ Duration: 10.5 months, including 2 months of practicum
- 📅 Starts: January, April, and September
- 📜 Credential: ECE Certificate
- 💰 Wages: Earn $24 – $30+ per hour (includes a $6/hour government wage enhancement)
- 🏛️ Recognized By: Early Childhood Educator Registry
- 🎓 Articulation – Direct Pathway (Post-Graduation): Graduates are eligible to apply for BCIT's Business Management Advanced Diploma. Upon completion, they can continue to BCIT's Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).
Scholarships
Government-Funded Grant
Up to $5,000 in government bursaries available*
Stenberg College Tuition Discount
$5,000 tuition discount for all students*
*Conditions apply and offers cannot be combined.
Articulation Agreement with BCIT
This program has an articulation agreement with BCIT. Graduates of our Early Childhood Education program are eligible to apply for BCIT's Advanced Diploma in Business Management.
Upon completion of Stenberg's Early Childhood Education program, with an additional 1 year full time at BCIT, you can acquire an Advanced Diploma in one of Canada's largest business schools, obtaining skills and experiences that will prepare you for the next step in your career.
Accreditation and Recognition
Stenberg College is designated by the BC government's Ministry of Advanced Education through the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). This program is approved by the PTIRU of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. PTIRU is responsible for setting standards of quality and ensuring consumer protection. Stenberg College has also received the BC government's Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, which is BC's brand or "seal" of quality post-secondary education for public and private institutions.
Stories from our grads