Early Childhood Education/Child and Youth Care
www.ufv.ca/ece

Early Childhood Education diploma

After completing the certificate program you can continue your education and take advanced courses in more specialized areas. Some of the diploma courses may be taken in the evening (except practicum) giving students the option of working in the daytime. Two program options are available for diploma students. The two programs share a common set of core courses and each requires a different set of specialty courses. Completion of the core courses, and one set of specialty courses leads to registration as a special needs or infancy (under-three) supervisor. Check the timetable or contact the program coordinator for information about the current offerings. Accepted students may begin in September each year.

Entrance requirements

1. Completion of ECE certificate and a provincial licence to practice (UCFV ECE graduates exempt).

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider the Child and Youth Care Studies program path.

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website at www.ufv.ca/ar, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. See the Program Charts for a complete list of application dates and general admission information.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• ECE certificate and a provincial licence to practise (UCFV ECE graduates exempt)
• Official transcripts if from another institution, showing completion of ECE certificate.

2. After your application is received you will be contacted regarding any orientations or interviews which may be required.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Program outline

Core diploma requirements

Special Needs specialty

Infancy specialty

Minimum number of credits needed to graduate for the diploma is 60. The 60 credits may be made up of certificate and diploma credits and approved electives as needed.

Extended Studies in Early Childhood Education

These programs use the framework for Extended Studies in a Program to allow students who have completed the diploma in Early Childhood Education to be recognized for additional work to meet the Special Needs or Infancy specialties.

The credentials to be awarded are type B certificates:
 • Certificate in Extended Studies in Early Childhood Education: Special Needs Specialty
 • Certificate in Extended Studies in Early Childhood Education: Infancy Specialty

Admission Requirements

 To be admitted students must have completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from UCFV or equivalent.

The department may interview applicants to assess their particular needs. Admission will be granted on the basis of the ECE/CYC department’s ability to meet the student’s needs. The number of applicants accepted to the program may be restricted.

Program requirements

Students must complete the specialties as outlined in the UCFV Calendar.

In order to be awarded the certificate students must have a GPA of at least 2.0 on the required courses. At least 25% of the credits must be completed at UCFV.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.