EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION/CHILD and YOUTH CARE
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Website: www.ufv.ca/ece

UCFV offers a number of options for people interested in careers in the field of childcare and education. These include: 

Society is changing, and the education of young children is now seen as a high priority. It is ironic that in the past the most formative period in human development has received the least attention from educators and society in general. 

UCFV offers an Early Childhood Education program that meets licensing requirements of the Provincial Licensing Board. The program is based on the provincial curriculum developed by the Ministry of Education, Skills and Training and adopted by Early Childhood Education training programs throughout the province as the minimum standard for educating adults to work with young children. 

What is Early Childhood Education? 

If you choose a career in early childhood education, you will work with young children to enrich and support their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. This career offers the chance to fill a meaningful and fulfilling role in society. 

Early childhood education may involve working with children from infancy through 12 years of age in a variety of settings and programs. Your career goal in early childhood education may be to work as an early childhood assistant, daycare or preschool supervisor, childcare worker, elementary school teacher aide, parent and adult educator, respite care provider, infant development assistant, speech therapy assistant, infant/toddler supervisor, or special needs supervisor. The UCFV ECE program can also help you continue on the career/ education ladder with its transfer arrangements to the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care offered at UCFV. 

Employment prospects 

Employment prospects are excellent in the early childhood fields. A high percentage of graduates are employed (approximately 90%) and many local daycare and preschool centres have been started by program graduates. Some of these centres are now used by the ECE program as field sites where students get practical training. Early Childhood Education graduates of UCFV have become an important part of the childcare community in the Fraser Valley. 

The early childhood field is expanding in B.C. and there is a shortage of graduates for the care of children under three. 

Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care 

General description 

The Child and Youth Care degree program was developed in collaboration with the School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria. Beginning in 2002, all graduating CYC students will receive a UCFV degree. 

This program provides degree-completion opportunities for students from a range of human service disciplines. The CYC program is tailored to part-time students and those already in the workforce, with core course offerings scheduled for spring, evenings. Students without a background in the human services field may apply to the program following successful completion of entrance requirements. 

The BA in Child and Youth Care is designed to offer credit-based professional education to practitioners in human services agencies working with children, youth, and families. Most child and youth care workers are balancing agency, family, personal, and professional needs as they pursue training or upgrading in an increasingly demanding and complex field. 

Child and youth care is an expanding field. It crosses a range of work settings and areas of practice, including residential/group home programs, regular and alternative school programs, daycare and early childhood programs, child life/hospital-based programs, juvenile justice/ probation/young offender programs, special needs foster care, parent/counsellor resources, programs for people with mental disabilities, and early intervention and child development centres. 

Workers, supervisors, managers, and trainers in these programs bring a diverse set of backgrounds and credentials to their positions. Increasingly, an undergraduate degree is sought by employers for the more desirable employment situations in most areas in the field. This has led to a growing number of practitioners in line supervision and management positions investing in professional education to complete this BA degree. 

The breadth of the child and youth care field requires a primary curriculum focus on generic development and social competence as a context for therapeutic intervention. 

The degree is awarded following successful completion of a minimum of 120 recognized credits. You may enter the program upon completion of related certificate and diploma programs, or one full year of university-transfer courses, providing they meet the program requirements. The 200-level CYC courses may be taken by students prior to acceptance into the degree program with special permission of the program head. The program of study includes core and elective courses. 

The program curriculum was originally developed by the UVic School of Child and Youth Care. Changes may be made in consultation with the BC CYC Education Consortium. 

Entrance requirements 

1. Admission to the CYC program requires at least 30 credits of work as defined below: 

a) 30 credits of university-level courses with a grade point average of at least 2.33 (C+), including six credits of first-year English and/or Communications with a minimum combined grade point average on the six credits of C+ or better (see Note 2);
or 

b) A certificate in Early Childhood Education or other human service certificate program with a grade point average of at least 2.84 (B), including six credits of first year English and/or Communications with a minimum combined average on the six credits of C+ or better (see Notes 1 and 2). 

Note 1: Students who have completed an ECE or other human services certificate or diploma program with a 2.84 (B) average or higher may be given block credit for this training (up to 30 credits for a certificate and 60 credits for a two-year diploma). 

Note 2: Students lacking the English and/or Communications requirement may be considered for conditional admission to the degree program. 

2. An orientation and interview is normally required prior to admission to the program. Paid or volunteer experience with children or youth in a program setting is considered in the admissions decision. 

It is strongly recommended that applicants for the program have a current first aid certificate and updated Rubella and TB clearance. 

How to apply 

1. Submit the application fee ($45) along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available form 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 Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general admission information. 

Additional documents required for a complete application: 

2. Applications should be submitted by March 31 for the Fall semester. Applications received after that date will be reviewed only if seats remain available. No applications will be accepted after May 1. 

3. Students seeking application to the CYC degree program are required to attend an orientation. Once your application is complete, you will be informed of the orientation date and time. 

4. You will be advised of an admission decision and provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register (see Fees and Other Costs in the Introduction and General Information section). This money will be applied to the tuition fees and is not refundable. 

Fees and additional costs 

Fees stated are in effect for 2002/03 and are subject to change for 2003/04. 

Tuition for 300- and 400-level courses is $75.48 per credit or about $1,140 for 15 credits. 

Visiting students 

Since the CYC courses in the program are transferable to UVic, some students may wish to take them at UCFV for the purpose of completing their studies at UVic. UVic students require a Letter of Permission from UVic as well as an application to UCFV as a visiting student. Please consult the Registrar’s office at UVic. Applicants visiting from other institutions may not receive the same priority in registration as UCFV students. 

Courses at UVic and other institutions 

Students who wish to pursue the degree program more quickly than the part-time offerings at UCFV allow, may arrange to take distance education courses through UVic on an individual basis. You must obtain permission in advance from the UCFV program head. A Request for Letter of Permission form for this purpose may be obtained from the Admissions and Records office. You must still apply to UVic as a visiting student. 

Total transfer and course challenge credits may not normally exceed 90 credits; however, students pursuing a second degree are permitted to transfer a maximum of 50% of the CYC degree credits from their previous degree. All CYC degree requirements must be met. Not more than 18 upper-level (300 and 400 course numbers) credits will count toward the
upper-level requirements for the degree. 

Graduation 

All degree candidates must complete and submit the Request to Graduate form to the Admissions and Records office by April 1. 

All program requirements must be completed by April 30. This includes any transfer credits from other institutions. Students who enroll in the Spring semester to complete their program will qualify for the following year’s graduation. 

Standing required for continuance 

In order to graduate from the BA in CYC, a C+ or higher is required in the following: 

Students will be required to maintain a cumulative grade point average and semester grade average of C+ (GPA 2.33) or higher. Students who fail to meet the required semester and/or cumulative GPA will be placed on academic warning. Students will be expected to repeat any course from the categories listed above if they received lower than a C+ grade. If a student fails to meet the GPA requirements after being placed on academic warning, they may be withdrawn from the program. 

Students receiving academic warning for low grades or unacceptable student behaviour, will not normally be permitted to participate in the practicum component of the program. 

Regulations concerning practica 

The program head reserves the right to approve any agency or institution that provides placements for student practica, and to change any placement assigned to a student. Students are placed in practicum settings in accordance with their professional background and current learning needs. You have the right to be informed in writing of the reasons for any change in placement. You may be required to withdraw from a practicum course if none of the available practicum agencies will accept you. 

A criminal record check is required prior to practicum placement. 

Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from practicum sites. 

Program requirements 

Completion of at least 120 credits of which at least 42 must be upper-level (300–400) with a minimum grade point average of 2.33. 

Program outline 

First Year 

Course

Title

Credits 

CMNS 155 (see Note 1)

Communications for Human Services

CMNS 250 (see Note 1)

Report Writing for Business, Information Technologies, Social and Human Services

PSYC 101 
(see Note 2)

Introduction to Psychology I

PSYC 102 
(see Note 2)

Introduction to Psychology II

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Total

30 

Note 1: CMNS courses can be replaced with first-year university English. 

Note 2: PSYC 101 & 102 are prerequisites to PSYC 250. 

Note: Graduates of approved ECE certificate and diploma programs are eligible for block transfer credits. 

Note: In any CYC core courses with an “A” and “B” designation, students must complete the “A” component before continuing to the “B” component, except for CYC 200A and CYC 200B. 

Second Year 

Course

Title

Credits 

CYC 200A

Theoretical Foundations

CYC 200B

Professional Foundations

3

CYC 201

Intro to CYC

CYC 252 A/B

Fundamentals of Change

PSYC 250

Introduction to Developmental Psychology

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Total

30 

Third Year 

Note: Students may not register for 300-level core CYC courses until they have completed all 200-level core CYC courses and are admitted to the program. 

Course

Title

Credits 

CYC 301 A/B

Prof. CYC Practice: Theory and Application

CYC 338 A/B

Applied Developmental Psychology

CYC 310 A/B

Supervised Practicum

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Total

30

Fourth Year 

Note: Students may not register in any 400-level core CYC courses, except 423 and 425, until they have completed all CYC 200- and 300-level core courses. 

Course

Title

Credits 

CYC 410A/B

Advanced Supervised Practicum

CYC 423

Research Methods in Child and Youth Care

CYC 425

Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis

CYC 465

Theory of Child and Youth Care Practice with Groups

CYC 466

Theory of CYC Practice With Families

     

CYC 474

CYC Practices with Individuals, or

3

CYC 475

Discussion and Counselling, or

 

CYC 476

CYC Practice With Families

 

     

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Total

30

Recommended areas for elective courses could include arts, science, human services, English, and criminology. Electives must be university transferable. CYC-sponsored electives may also be offered under courses CYC 260, 360 and 460. To confirm elective transferability, contact the ECE/CYC program head. 

Course listings 

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section. 

Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care — Child Welfare
Specialization 

Program outline 

First Year 

Course

Title

Credits 

CMNS 155 (see Note 1)

Communications for Human Services

CMNS 250 (see Note 1)

Report Writing for Business, Information Technologies, Social and Human Services

PSYC 101 
(see Note 2)

Introduction to Psychology I

PSYC 102 
(see Note 2)

Introduction to Psychology II

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Total

30

Note 1: CMNS courses can be replaced with first-year university English. 

Note 2: PSYC 101 & 102 are prerequisites to PSYC 250. 

Note: Graduates of approved ECE certificate and diploma programs are eligible for block transfer credits. 

Note: In any CYC core courses with an “A” and “B” designation, students must complete the “A” component before continuing to the “B” component, except for CYC 200A and CYC 200B. 

Second Year 

Course

Title

Credits 

CYC 200A

Theoretical Foundations

CYC 200B

Professional Foundations

CYC 201

Intro to CYC

CYC 252 A/B

Fundamentals of Change

PSYC 250

Introduction to Developmental Psychology

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Total

30

Third Year 

Note: Students may not register for 300-level core CYC courses until they have completed all 200-level core CYC courses and are admitted to the program. 

Course

Title

Credits 

CYC 301 A/B

Professional Child and Youth Care Practice: Theory and Application

CYC 310 A/B

Supervised Practicum

CYC 338 A/B

Applying Developmental Theory in Child and Youth Care Practice

CYC 350

Law and Social Services

CYC 394

Introduction to Substance Abuse

Elective

Approved by department

Elective

Approved by department

Total

33

Fourth Year 

Note: Students may not register in any 400-level core CYC courses, except 423 and 425, until they have completed all CYC 200- and 300-level core courses. 

Course

Title

Credits 

CYC 351

Legal Skills for Social Service Professionals

CYC 410 A/B

Advanced Supervised Practicum

CYC 423

Research Methods in Child and Youth Care

CYC 425

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

CYC 465

Theory of Child and Youth Care Practice With Groups

CYC 466

Theory of child and Youth Care Practice With Families

CYC 496

Special Topics: Disability Issues

CYC 498

Special Topics: Multidisciplinary Child Welfare

Total

30 

Recommended areas for elective courses could include arts, science, human services, English, and criminology. Electives must be university-transferable. CYC-sponsored electives may also be offered under courses CYC 260, 360, and 460. To confirm elective transferability, contact the ECE/CYC program head. 

Course listings 

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section. 

Early Childhood Education certificate 

UCFV offers a three-semester program at both the Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses leading to registration in British Columbia as early childhood educators. 

The three-semester certificate program includes basic courses in communications, interpersonal relations, child growth and development, working with children, and the early childhood curriculum. Students in the ECE certificate program must maintain semester and cumulative grade point average of at least 2.33 (C+) in order to be awarded the certificate. Students who do not maintain the required cumulative GPA will be placed on Academic Warning for one semester. If they do not attain the required
GPA they will need to meet with the program head before continuance in the program, and they may need to withdraw from the program. 

Before taking practicum you will be required to obtain a TB clearance (as required as per Community Care Facilities Licensing Legislation), as well as a Rubella clearance and criminal record check. 

Full-time students will have priority for practicum placement. 

After completing this program, graduates can be licensed as early childhood educators by the Provincial Licensing Board, with an additional 500 hours of supervised work and a first aid certificate. 

Following completion of the certificate, students who wish to continue their studies can ladder into the following diploma programs: 

Program details follow. 

Entrance requirements 

1. Applicants must be 19 years of age or older before being accepted into the program. 

2. Ability to supply own transportation to field sites. 

3. You must have a CPT (Composition Placement Test) score of 48 or better (or C or better in ENGL 099 or higher, CMNS 099, or an approved university transferable English/Communications course with a C or better). An LPI essay score of 30 (level 5) is considered equivalent to a CPT score of 48. 

4. Satisfactory completion of interview or questionnaire. 

How to apply 

1. Submit the application fee ($45) along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available form any A&R or Student Services office. See the Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general admission information. 

Additional documents required for a complete application: 

2. After your complete application is received and reviewed, the Admissions and Records office will notify you of an orientation session that you must attend. If you do not attend or make arrangements with the program head, you will not be eligible for admission to the program. 

After the orientation session, you will be required to obtain a TB (as required per Community Care Facilities Licencing Legislation) and Rubella clearance and criminal record check and be given a questionnaire to return or be assigned to an interview time. 

3. Based on your CPT score and questionnaire, you will be interviewed and evaluated according to the following scale: 

Physical health and readiness to work with children

 35 

Prior relevant experience

 25 

Interview/questionnaire

 40 

Total

 100

4. After the orientation session you will be required to: 

You will also be assigned an interview time. 

5. Approximately eight weeks after the orientation you will be advised of the admission decision. 

Following admission to the program you will be provided with registration information. 

If you do not register for courses and pay course deposits, your place will be given to the next person on the program waiting list and you must reapply to the program. 

6. Admission decisions are made in October to November for a January start, and April to May for a September start. Start dates are as follows: 

Dates and locations 

In Abbotsford: 

Semester 1 — January to April, 2002
Semester 2 — September to December, 2002
Semester 3 — January to April, 2003 

In Chilliwack: 

Semester 1 — September to December, 2002
Semester 2 — January to April, 2003
Semester 3 — September to December, 2003 

Note: If you wish to begin taking courses at UCFV while waiting for a space to become available in this program, it will be necessary to submit a separate application to take courses as a general studies student (see the Admission chart for application dates). 

Regulations concerning practica 

The program head reserves the right to approve any agency or institution that provides placements for student practica, and to change any placement assigned to a student. Students are placed in practicum setting in accordance with their professional background and current learning needs. You have the right to be informed in writing of the reasons for any change in placement. You may be required to withdraw from a practicum course if none of the available practicum agencies will accept you. 

A criminal record check is required prior to practicum placement. 

Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from practicum sites. 

Full-time students will be given priority. 

Part-time studies 

Part-time students are invited to contact the ECE program head to discuss their program plan before enrolment in courses. 

Part-time students may complete CMNS 155 or ENGL 105, and SSSW 120 before applying to or entering the ECE program or take these two courses in the first semester. 

Fees and additional costs 

Fees stated are in effect for 2002/03 and are subject to change for 2003/04. 

See Fees and Other Costs in the Introduction and General Information section for more information. The fees for a full-time student (18 credits) are about $1,200 per semester. Books and additional supplies are about $100 per course. 

You should be prepared to spend approximately $800 per semester on books and supplies. You must also have your own means of transportation. Up to half of your program time will be spent working in early childhood centres in the community. UCFV takes no responsibility for students’ transportation to field sites. 

Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid office for information on loans, bursaries and work-study options. 

Program outline 

Semester I 

Course

Title

Credits 

ECE 100

Human Development

ECE 101

Intro. to Early Childhood Education

ECE 102

Intro. to Early Childhood Guidance

ECE 103

Intro. to Observing and Recording Behaviour of Young Children

SSSW 120

Intro. to Interpersonal Communications

One of: 

CMNS 155

Communications for Human Services, or

3

ENGL 105

The Reading & Writing of Prose (see Note 1)

Total

 18

Semester II 

Course

Title

Credits 

ECE 120

Human Development II

ECE 122

Introductory Practicum

ECE 123

Art in ECE

1.5 

ECE 124

Music in ECE

ECE 125

Early Childhood Programs

Total

16.5

Note: Students are required to complete all Semester I courses before taking Semester II courses. 

Semester III 

Course

Title

Credits 

ECE 130

Presenting Literature to Children

ECE 132

Nutrition, Health and Safety

ECE 133

Advanced Practicum

ECE 135

The Process of Curriculum Development

One of:

CMNS 250

Report Writing for Business, Information Technologies, Social and Human Services, or

3

ENGL 120–170 
(one of) (see Note 1)

 

Total

18

Note: Students are required to complete all Semester II courses before taking Semester III courses. 

Note 1: CMNS 155 and 250 are the recommended series of courses. 

Course listings 

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section. 

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 practise (UCFV ECE graduates exempt). 

How to apply 

1. Submit the application fee ($45) 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 Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general admission information. 

Additional documents required for a complete application: 

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

Program outline 

Core diploma requirements 

Course

Title

Credits 

ECE 213

Atypical Development

ECE 223

Administration of Childhood Centres

ECE 224

Working with Families

Special Needs specialty 

Course

Title

Credits 

ECE 242

Practicum: Special Needs

ECE 260

Foundations of Working with Exceptional Children

ECE 281

Programming for Exceptional Children

Infancy specialty 

Course

Title

Credits 

ECE 243

Practicum: Infancy

ECE 269

Foundations of Infant Caregiving

ECE 282

Programming for Infants

Minimum number of credits needed to graduate for the diploma is 60. 

Course listings 

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section. 

Speech and Language Assistant diploma 

Entrance requirements 

Completion of a minimum of 30-credit certificate in a related field (such as ECE, CYC, Social Services, Recreation Therapy, Music Therapy) including six credits of university transfer English or communications, six credits of Human Development/Developmental Psychology, and a GPA of 2.84 or higher; or 

30 university transfer credits including six credits of Human Development/Developmental Psychology, and six credits in
English/Communications with overall GPA of 2.33 or higher. 

It is strongly recommended that all applicants for the program have a current first aid certificate and updated Rubella and TB clearance. 

Program length and location 

This program is available on a part-time basis only, and can be completed over a minimum of two years. Classes are held at Mission or Abbotsford campuses. 

How to apply 

1. Submit the application fee ($45) 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 Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general admission information. 

Additional documents required for a complete application: 

2. After your application is received, the Admissions and Records office will inform you of an orientation that you must attend. Further details about the program, including registration, scheduling and costs, will be available at the orientation session. 

Program outline 

Course

Title

Credits 

SLA 201

Introduction to the Profession of Speech-Language Pathology and the Role of the Speech Language Assistant

SLA 202

Language, Learning, and Literacy

SLA 203

Communication Disorders and Intervention Techniques

SLA 204

Articulation/Phonology

SLA 205

Programming

SLA 206

Amplification Systems Aural Rehabilitation

SLA 207

Language Learning Environments

     

SLA 209

Introduction to Linguistics, or

LING 101

Introduction to Language

     

SLA 215

Practicum — 200 hours

Total

30 

Course listings 

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section. 

Full-time faculty 

D’Anne Epp, BA, MEd (Ottawa), Program Head
Gwen Clarke, ECE Dip, IDP, AEdP (VCC)
Linda Matwichuk, BA (Man), Grad. Studies ECE (WWU), MAdEd (St. FX)
Maple Melder Crozier, BA (CSU), MS Ed Psyc (CSUH)
Christine Puder, BA CYC (UVic), MEd (UBC)
Lou Schroeder, ECE, MEd Elem. Ed. (Wichita State) 
Les Stagg, BEd, MEd (UBC) 

Part-time faculty 

George Melzer, MECE (SFU)
Cindy Rammage, BA (UVic) 

Sessional faculty 

Colleen Bohlen, BA (UBC), MA (WWU)
Diane Eynon, BA (Minn.), MA (N. Dakota)
Barry Forer, BSc (Toronto), MA (UVic)
Stacie Prescott, BEd (UBC), MA, RCC
Iona Snair, BA (Waterloo), MA (UBC) 

Staff 

Doris Ball, Department Assistant 

ECE/CYC External Advisory committee 

The following committee list does not include members of the ECE/CYC department. 

Dawn Adamson, Langley School District No. 35
Pam Biero, Peardonville House
Betty Black, RN, Fraser Valley Health Region
Barbara Braun, Braun-Tasaurus Preschool
Loretta Cooper, Upper Fraser Valley Health Region
Sandi Cubbon
Luda Diakonova, Busy Bear Club Preschool
Diane Eynon, Fraser Valley Child Development Centre
Ronnie Gill, Best for Babies/Multicultural Coordinator
Vernie Greenhalf, Supported Child Care
Cheryl Havens, Out-of-school-care Representative
Josie Kane, Substance Abuse program
Sue Khazie, Ministry for Children & Families
Laurie Kocher, School District #34
Joanne Laliberte, The Rotary House
Jim Latham, Chilliwack School District
Dr. Rob Lees, Community Psychologist
Marilyn Leskin, Principal, Bakerview School
Maggie Medcalfe. SCC, Fraser Valley Child Development Centre
Bev Olfert, New Beginnings/Youth Commission
Penny Peterson, Coordinator, Family Services
Donald Preston, SLP, Fraser Valley Health Region
Lorna Rannie, Infant Dev. Prog., F. V. Child Development Centre
Gwen Reese, ECE, Columbia Bible College
Linda Weismiller, Chilliwack Developmental Preschool
Heather Wood, SCC, Mission Association for Community Living
Donna White, Upper Fraser Valley Health Region 

Family Child Care certificate 

The Family Child Care certificate program provides training for people who want to provide care for young children in a home setting. People who are currently providing childcare are also welcome to take the program. 

Because of the variety of childcare arrangements being offered in the community, this program provides training for family childcare providers as well as nannies and parent aides. These are the people who provide care in a home-setting for small groups of young children. 

In the summer of 1988, UCFV conducted a survey of family childcare providers to help determine the educational interests and needs of individuals providing in-home care for young children in the UCFV region. In 1993 UCFV wrote the provincial curriculum for all B.C. Colleges. 

The B.C. Child Care Facilities Act (1978) defines family childcare as: 

“The provision, in a home environment of childcare, including an opportunity for social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth, for children from birth to school age.” 

The Provincial Act regulates the physical conditions under which a family childcare can operate. Trained providers give potential consumers of this form of childcare the reassurance they need, in order to carefully select the type of care they desire. With well-trained family childcare providers, children can be cared for in their own neighbourhoods, in their own home, or near a parent’s workplace, in groups of less than five children, at reasonable cost. At present there is a critical lack of licensed and
available childcare spaces. 

Program goals 

Entrance requirements 

Participants in this program: 

Individuals applying for the Family Childcare training program should plan to take courses in the 10-month time frame. Spaces if available will also be offered to individuals wishing to take only some of the courses listed. 

Students will need to arrange for time in which they can observe a variety of family childcare settings. 

UCFV reserves the right to cancel any course for which there is insufficient enrolment. Maximum class size is 24 and minimum class size is 12. 

Please note: 

This program also qualifies graduates as preschool or childcare assistants. 

Completion of this program with grades of C+ or better in all courses will be considered as six credits of advanced standing toward an Early Childhood Education certificate. Successful completion will also result in preferential admittance into the ECE program for qualifying applicants. It will also result in a letter of Licensing Board equivalency to enable one
to work as an assistant in a childcare setting. 

How to register 

Students may usually register two weeks prior to the course start date. Consult the UCFV continuing education booklet for course start dates and the program head for more information. 

Note: Registrations will be received as long as space is available. If enrolment is low at the Mission, Hope, or Chilliwack campus, students will be referred to the Abbotsford campus. 

Fees and additional costs 

Fees stated are in effect for 2002/03 and are subject to change for 2003/04. 

Fees are approximately $100 per course, including books. 

Program content and outline 

In addition to classroom instruction and observations, students will be required to read and study outside of class approximately three hours per week. Guided observations require four hours per course. Each course is 21 hours of instruction, plus four hours of guided observation. 

FAM 01

Introduction to Family Childcare

FAM 02

Understanding Child Development

FAM 03

Understanding Children’s Behaviour

FAM 04

Nutrition/Health and Safety

FAM 05

Planning Children’s Experience

FAM 06

Operation of Family Childcare — Administration/Parent Interaction

Family Childcare students are welcome to attend workshops and seminars as available through Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia, or UCFV. 

Evaluation 

Assignments will be given during each course. Participants will also be required to maintain a journal and resource file throughout the program. 

Course listings 

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section. 

Instructors 

Gwen Clarke
Isabel Hay
Bev Higgins
George Melzer
Barb Presseau 


To course descriptions index 
  
  Look for: Child & Youth Care (CYC), Early Childhood Education (ECE), Family Childcare (FAM), and Speech and Language (SLA)
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