Early Childhood Education — certificate

FEATURES:

• Practicum provides work experience and industry contacts
• The program will be offered at the Mission campus in Fall 2025, with core courses offered in the afternoon/evening and some weekends
• Students demonstrate professionalism in line with industry expectations by understanding and applying the Early Childhood Educators BC (ECEBC) Code of Ethics, with the expectation that they will uphold these standards in diverse early childhood education settings

Please note: Starting Fall 2025, ECE will be taking place at the Mission campus.

For those not in the ECE program but are interested in taking an ECE course, please fill out the pre-requisite waiver.

UFV’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate program is an excellent basis to pursue a career working with young children.

Designed for both students coming out of high school and those already in the workforce, this four-semester program consists of courses in communications and interpersonal development. You will learn the curriculum for early childhood education in BC, along with a deep understanding of the ECEBC Code of Ethics, to meet the highest ethical standards in your practice.

In the first and second semesters, you explore the theories and current trends in physical and cognitive development. You'll evaluate the influence of social factors in development. Furthermore, you'll learn various methods of recording that have been created by studying how children develop socially, through play, language, motor skills, and cognition.

In the third and fourth semesters, you also complete a 200-hour introductory practicum. You'll reflect and complete a 200-hour advanced practicum. You will be expected to integrate ECE theories and the ECEBC Code of Ethics into your daily practice. This includes documenting your experiences, applying advanced skills in parent interaction, conducting self-evaluations, and engaging in peer evaluations. You will be expected to demonstrate professional conduct, consistently aligning your actions with industry expectations and the ECEBC ethical standards.

Students can choose to complete the program in more than four semesters if needed.

During your program, you will also need to pass a basic first aid course offered in your community. When both your ECE program and first aid are complete, you can apply to the Provincial Licensing Board of BC for a basic license as an early childhood educator.

View the Early Childhood Education certificate program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar.

Your career in ECE will give you a chance to fill a meaningful and fulfilling role in society.

As a graduate you may seek employment in:

• daycares, preschools, and nursery schools
• special needs centres
• the public school system
• infant/toddler centres

With the evolving societal focus on early childhood development, there is an increasing demand for early childhood education professionals who are committed to caring for young children with ethical responsibility, guided by the ECEBC Code of Ethics.

Career opportunities for early childhood educators span a range of field settings and areas of practice. Career opportunities also exist with community services, governmental organizations, hospitals, and parks and recreation departments.

1. Suitability to work with children.
2. Secondary school graduation or equivalent.
3. Prerequisites for ENGL 105.

View the Early Childhood Education Certificate entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar.

This program is open for international students

• How to apply

Apply to Qualifying Studies if you do not currently meet the Early Childhood Education certificate entry requirements in order to upgrade your qualifications for future admissions.

Upgrading English courses

The entrance requirements to the Early Childhood Education certificate programs include minimum grades in English courses. There are several options to upgrade your English, including UFV CMNS 099 or ENGL 099 with a grade of C or better, UFV ENGL 081 or 091 with a grade of C+ or better, or UFV ESL WG84 with a grade of C+ or better.