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Early Childhood Education/Child and Youth Care
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. 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 core courses (3), and one set of specialty courses (3) 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

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

Applicants must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see English language proficiency requirement in the Admissions section of the calendar.

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

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. Submit the application fee along with your UFV application for admission form to the Office of the Registrar (OReg). You can apply online or download an application form at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply. Application forms are also available from any OReg or Student Services office.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• Copy of the ECE certificate and a provincial licence to practise (UFV ECE graduates exempt).
• Official transcripts if from another institution, showing completion of ECE certificate. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.

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.

Certificate in 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

Entrance requirements

 To be admitted students must have completed a certificate in Early Childhood Education from UFV 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 UFV calendar.

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

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.