Early Childhood Education

About the Career

About the Program

Program Courses

Post-Graduation Pathways

Faculty

Free Book

Accreditation and Recognition

Government Sponsored Program

Reviews

Delivery Method: In-class

Duration: 46 weeks, including 8 weeks of practicum

Start: January, April & September

Wages: $24-$30/hour (includes a $4/hour government wage enhancement)

Recognized By: Early Childhood Educator Registry

Credit Transfer (Articulation): Graduates are granted transfer credits toward BCIT’s Business Management Advanced Diploma. Upon completion, they can continue to BCIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

About the Career

Early Childhood Educators (ECE) teach children during their formative years, from birth to age five. They develop and implement educational programs that stimulate children’s intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth.

There is an overwhelming demand for qualified Early Childhood Educators in Canada. 100% of our ECE graduates are employed in the field within six months of program completion, and many are hired directly out of practicum. Most start their career working as ECE Assistants during the program.

Graduates find employment in:

Profit or non-profit childcare centres
Parent participation preschools
Private nursery schools
Kindergartens
Inclusive childcare preschools
Before and after school care centres
Group daycares
Family daycares
Other child-minding services

Watch Stories from our Grads

From Mexico to Canada: Valeria’s story

Check out Valeria’s journey from Mexico to Canada with Stenberg’s Early Childhood Education program.

Watch Stories from our Grads

From India to Canada: Rashanpreet’s story

Check out Rashanpreet’s journey from India to Canada with Stenberg’s Early Childhood Education program.

About Our Early Childhood Education 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.

Our ECE Basic certificate is 46 weeks and includes eight weeks of practicum experience. Graduates are prepared 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.

Admission Requirements

Pre-requisites:

Completion of grade 12 graduation or equivalent or mature student status*
Passing verbal test if English is an additional language or equivalent*
Acceptable Criminal Record Review with Vulnerable Sector Check by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

* Entrance requirements can be met with evidence of alternate assessments such as challenge exams, or acceptable standardized English equivalency tests as per the Stenberg College language proficiency chart. Evidence of post-secondary studies at an equivalent level where English was the first language is acceptable.

Program Advisors will work with students to obtain the following:

Proof of 50 hours of volunteer work/paid work experience with children aged 3-5 or have parented a child aged 3-5.
Reference letter stating suitability to work with children.

Program Courses

Orientation and Student Success Skills

This course will provide a comprehensive orientation to Stenberg College and the program you have enrolled in. As with all new things, there will be some challenges and excitement; this course, will explore transitioning as a college student, review learning styles, enhance critical thinking, and familiarize you with the resources available for your use. This course covers student success skills where you’ll learn effective study habits (specifically to improving both reading and writing skills) based on your own personal learning style. Life skills exercises are also integral to the course, teaching communication, accountability, teamwork, self-awareness and building an understanding of the impact you have on others.

Early Childhood Education Foundations

This course provides an introduction to the history and philosophy of Early Childhood Education. Major contemporary trends, social issues and historical influences are examined.

Child Growth & Development I

Course material spans the period from conception through the preschool years and examines physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional growth and development. An introductory study of theories, principles of development, and child study techniques is included.

Child Growth & Development II

Part II reviews the major theories of child development during middle childhood and adolescence in the areas of physical, social, emotional, cultural and intellectual development. An introductory study of theories, principles of development, and child study techniques is included.

Emerging Curriculum

This course will introduce you to various educational programs for young children. It will also examine the role of the Early Childhood Educator in establishing an environment that facilitates learning through play.

Observation & Recording

This course will develop your skill in objectively observing and recording the behaviour of young children. Different kinds of observational techniques will be explored and weekly observations will contribute to a major part of this course. You’ll develop skill in observing, recording and documenting children. Based on these observations you’ll begin to interpret behaviours and develop effective intervention strategies.

Health, Safety, and Nutrition

Issues such as safety, hygiene, recognition and management of childhood illness, meal planning, and emergency procedures within an early childhood environment are covered in detail by this course.

Guidance & Caring

The focus of this course is on the role of the adult in guidance, discipline and behaviour management. It highlights theories, models and skills related to promoting healthy emotional and social development at both the individual and group level.

Curriculum Development Courses (Music & Movement, Creative Art, Language & Literature, Science, Socials & Math)

With these courses, you’ll acquire knowledge, experience and skill in curriculum planning and teaching strategies. In addition, you’ll learn how to implement and evaluate different learning environments for children.

Family-Teacher Relations

The family-teacher-community partnership will be examined with the focus being on attitudes, knowledge and skills related to interpersonal communication at the adult level. Emphasis is on the community school model.

Practicum Seminar & PRO120 Practicum 1 & 2

The purpose of this time is to provide you with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to work with young children. You’ll demonstrate your competency by applying appropriate and suitable affective qualities associated with effective early childhood education, as well as by applying developmentally appropriate child care guidance and curriculum planning. NOTE: During each block practicum period, you will be on site in a licensed childcare facility.

Career Search Strategies

This course is offered in a combined online and classroom delivery format. You will learn to network effectively (online and in person), to search and apply for jobs and to prepare targeted resumes and cover letters. You will also be provided with coaching and individualized instructor feedback on your resume, cover letter, and interview skills.

Post-Graduation Pathways

Articulation Agreement with BCIT

This program has an articulation agreement with BCIT. Graduates of our Early Childhood Education program are granted access to BCIT’s Advanced Diploma in Business Management.

Upon completion of Stenberg’s Early Childhood Education program, with an additional 8 months 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.

Credit Transfer to British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

Stenberg Early Childhood Education program

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46 Weeks

BCIT Advanced Diploma In Business Management

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8 Months Full-Time

BCIT Bachelor of Business Administration Degree

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1 Year Full-Time

After completing BCIT’s Business Management Advanced Diploma, students have the option to enroll in BCIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), earning a degree that emphasizes critical and strategic thinking.

Learn more about the Stenberg-BCIT Pathway.

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Our Faculty

Free Children’s Book

A Stenberg College Publication

Little Sonia does not know what to be when she grows up! What will she do? Join us as Sonia thinks about all the grown-ups she knows and tries to imagine herself in their careers. Will she become a Practical Nurse like Auntie Nelly? A Preschool Teacher like Mrs. Neetu? I guess we’ll have to wait and see!

Please click below to download “What Will I Do?” in your preferred format:

Download the PDF
Download for Apple using the Books app
Download the PDF in Spanish

Watch the video below for an animation of “What Will I Do?”, and to hear the story read to you!

Accreditation and Recognition

Stenberg College is designated by the BC government’s Ministry of Advanced Education through the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB). PTIB 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. This program is also approved by the Registrar.

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Ask a Program Advisor!

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Student and Grad
Reviews

I was very pleased with my time at Stenberg. I did the ECE program and this college exceeded my expectations! Staff and faculty are very…

Sammi S.

Early Childhood Education

I did my ECE certificate at Stenberg College and I found the instructors very helpful and always available to contact. Student advisors were always willing…

Kenia N.

Early Childhood Education

I’ve always loved children and children love me. I love being able to be silly with them, to have fun and make them laugh. It…

Jill Hammer

Early Childhood Education

I feel like a complete person now that I did something for myself. I’ve always taken care of everyone else, so it was a big…

Amanda P.

Early Childhood Education

I enjoyed my program. I was nervous at the beginning due to my English. However, I was encouraged by my instructor and classmates and am…

Yuko I.

Early Childhood Education

Absolutely the best school.. I graduated in 2018… I did the ECE course..and I am so happy I was in Sternberg school .. I highly…

Neetu N.

Early Childhood Education

A great experience with a multitude of academic opportunities and countless social options for everyone… Faultless academic support, and instructors with outstanding subject knowledge. Much…

Rashanpreet K.

Early Childhood Education

Classes in the Early Childhood Education program were so much fun, which created a friendly and helpful environment. My instructor helped me overcome missing my…

Simran A.

Early Childhood Education

Studying in Canada was a huge transition for me at first, with no relatives or friends in Canada. When I met the supporting teachers and…

Yashasvi K.

Early Childhood Education

Coming to Canada and studying Early Childhood Education was the best decision I have ever made in my life. The biggest challenge I faced in…

Ritika R.

Early Childhood Education

All the staff at Stenberg College supported me and made me as happy as my family does. They were very supportive of every student. Our…

Ranjana A.

Early Childhood Education

This is a very well-organized program, and the environment was supportive, positive, open, honest, and flexible. I met some great people, both faculty and classmates.…

Zahra A.

Early Childhood Education

Attending Stenberg College was a very enriching experience. It enabled me to learn a lot within a very diverse community of open-minded students, staff and…

Aisha M.

Early Childhood Education