About the Program
Our Post-Basic Infant Toddler and Special Needs Early Childhood Educator diploma is 29 weeks and includes 12 weeks of practicum experience. You will gain the skills to support infants and toddlers (children from infancy to three years of age), and children with special needs. It will also prepare you for a broader range of administrative responsibilities, including working in a supervisory capacity as a manager, consultant, or daycare owner.
Neuroscience research states that early brain development, particularly from birth to five years, establishes the foundation for all the cognitive learning, health and social relationships that will follow a child in their life. This program introduces you to relevant and related research and science, so that you can best support children during this time. By the end of the program, you will better understand the growth and development patterns of infants and toddlers, and be able to identify typical and atypical patterns of development. This ability will be essential in your role as an infant, toddler, and special needs educator.
This program is offered in a combined delivery format. This flexible delivery format is designed for individuals who may be balancing other responsibilities, such as work and/or family. If you are currently working as an Early Childhood Education and your facility cares for infants, toddlers, and children with special needs, you may be able to complete your practicum at your place of work.
This program is recognized by the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development’s ECE Registry.
Admission Requirements
Pre-requisites:
- Successful completion of an Early Childhood Education Basic (Certificate) level program
- Acceptable Criminal Record Review with Vulnerable Sector Check by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT
English is the language of instruction at Stenberg College. Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency to ensure success in their chosen program and courses by meeting one of the following two requirements:
1) Evidence that 3 years of full-time Secondary (Grades 8-12), or 2 years of Post-Secondary education have been completed in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. (Language courses cannot be included in this calculation)
OR
2) Submit the results of one of the accepted English language proficiency tests at the score level specific to the program as listed in the admission requirements below.
A transcript can be used as evidence of meeting requirement option 1. Those educated in BC may be able to access transcripts using their personal education number (PEN). We understand that obtaining a transcript as evidence may prove challenging for some applicants. In such cases, the applicant can complete the English Language Declaration form and outline their education history to validate meeting the requirement.
