Indigenous Early Childhood Education Diploma
Program Description
In this 11-months certificate program, students prepare for a rewarding career in BC early childhood education and childcare. Students will gain foundational knowledge about the field of early childhood education (ECE) in a program that is infused and centers on Indigenous Knowledge and ways of being. Students will acquire the necessary skills and competencies for successful and multidirectional career paths in ECE. Course content includes Indigenous approaches to childrearing; learning how to put the BC Early Learning Framework (ELF) and the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework (IELCC) into practice; and how to support and promote Indigenous children’s identity development and connections with their Nation’s cultural practices and traditions.
Coursework in this program spans topics such as supporting Indigenous families; Science, Technology, Art, Engineering, and Math (STAEM); child growth and development; pedagogical narration; and advocacy. Students are also required to complete 425 hours of practicum experience during this program, where they gain the opportunity to make professional connections and put classroom theory into practice.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of Indigenous Early Childhood Educator Certificate, the learner will be able to
1. Connect Indigenous children to cultural practices, traditions, and knowledges related to their Nations and Peoples
2. Students gain experience during practicum placements where they build relationships with children and professionals in the ECE community.
3. Support children’s language and literacy development, particularly Indigenous languages, and vocabulary
4. Create engaging lesson plans for activities and circle time, with focuses on STEAM, language and literacy, and play-based practices
5. • Support and plan for children’s health, safety, and nutritional needs, including snack and meal planning
5. Communicate effectively and professionally, building relationships with children and other Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators, mentors, and staff
Become an Early Childhood Educator
What topics will be covered?
Some topics covered in this program include:
- Child growth and development
- Sociocultural theories and teaching practices
- Indigenous perspectives on childrearing and decolonizing education
- Histories of Indigenous Peoples in so-called BC and Turtle Island more broadly
- The impact of settler-colonialism and residential schools on ECE
- Indigenous resilience, resurgence, and language revitalization
- STEAM, land-based and outdoor education
- Diversity of family forms and community
- Neurodivergence, exceptionalities, support needs and childhood dis/abilities
- Introduction to research methods in ECE
- The BC Early Learning Framework (2019)
- The Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework (2018)
- Pedagogical narration and documentation
- Basic requirements for supporting children’s health, safety, and nutrition
- Licensing, ethics, policies, and regulations in the field of ECE
- Advocacy, trauma-informed practice and social justice in ECE
- Food Safe and First Aid certification
Occupation upon Completion
After graduating from this program, students apply to the ECE Registry for their one-year Early Childhood Educator Certificate. Once this certification is received, students can work in licensed early learning settings, including preschools and daycares with children ages 3-5. Once students have completed 500 hours of either paid or volunteer work at a centre, students can then apply for their five-year license to practice.
Course Descriptions
ECE 101 Child Growth & Development 1 3 credits
ECE 102 ECE Theoretical Foundations 3 credits
ECE 103 Arts & Music 3 credits
ECE 113 Health, Safety & Nutrition 3 credits
ECE 120 BC Early Learning Framework 3 credits
ECE 115 Practicum Seminar 1 2 credits
Winter Semester
ECE 111 Guiding & Caring 3 credits
ECE 112 Child Growth & Development 2 3 credits
ECE 116 Block Practicum 1 6 credits
ECE 121 Family & Community Relations 3 credits
ECE 123 Language & Literacy 3 credits
Spring Semester
ECE 122 STEM 3 credits
ECE 125 Practicum Seminar 2 2 credits
ECE 126 Block Practicum 2 6 credits
ECE 128 Advocacy 3 credits
Locations of the program
All classes are offered at the NEC campus. Classes are scheduled from 9am-4pm, with a mid-morning and mid-afternoon break and a 1-hour lunch break every day.
Students are responsible for commuting to practicum placement locations, but student preference for practicum locations will be considered. Practicums within Indigenous communities is encouraged. Ideally, students spend the same amount of hours per day at practicum as they would in regular class.
Admission Requirements, Fees & Tuition
- Transcript with Grade 12 completion
- Two Reference Letters
- Ability to pass CRC
- TB test Negative
- Doctor’s note of good health and mental and physical fitness to work with young children
- 19 years old or older
- Written assessment with 60% or higher
- Two Reference Letters
- Ability to pass CRC
- TB test Negative
- Doctor’s note of good health and mental and physical fitness to work with young children
If you do not have your High school transcript, and CAAT assessment documents, you can do the exams at NEC
Tuition: | $5,350.00 |
Fees: | $150.00 |
Books: | $2010.00 |
Lab: | $200.00 |
UPass: | $495.00 |
Total Cost: | $8,205.00 |
The sooner you apply, the better your chances for scholarships
Apply now for Fall Intake 2023
