Education

Early Childhood Education diploma

Note: This program will not be accepting applications for Fall 2025; prospective students can contact soeinfo@ufv.ca and request to be added to a contact list.

After completing the certificate program students can continue their education and take advanced courses in more specialized areas. The diploma courses are offered 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 three core courses and one set of three 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.

Entrance requirements

1. Completion of ECE certificate and a provincial licence to practice (UFV ECE graduates exempt).
2. Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider Qualifying Studies.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall semester only. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Copy of the ECE certificate and a provincial licence to practice (UFV ECE graduates exempt).
   • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
2. After applications are received applicants 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 duration

The Early Childhood Education diploma program is normally one year in duration.

Location

The program is located at the Abbotsford campus.

Program outline

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.

Required courses

Special Needs specialty

Infancy specialty

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or higher) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV's Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Certificate in Extended Studies in Early Childhood Education

These programs 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:

• Certificate in Extended Studies in Early Childhood Education: Special Needs Specialty
• Certificate in Extended Studies in Early Childhood Education: Infancy Specialty

Entrance requirements

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

Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

The department may interview applicants to assess their particular needs. Admission will be granted on the basis of the 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 calendar.

Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 on the required courses in order to be awarded the diploma.

Residency

Students must complete at least 25% of the credits required at UFV.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.