The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program will give students the skills and knowledge they need to work with newborns right through to children up to eight years of age. In our program students will learn how to: observe, assess, plan for and guide the development of children, individually and in groups; ensure safety and monitor/promote health and nutrition; communicate and collaborate with children, families, community and colleagues; act and continue to develop professionally; manage the operation of a child care setting. In practicum placements, students will experience learning from theory to practice in a variety of early childhood education settings, including child care, preschool and others. Another way they'll get real-world experience is through Children Teaching Teachers program. This innovative program puts the children in the role of teacher, providing a unique learning experience for our ECE students.

Completion of Certificate-Level Early Childhood Education studies at Douglas College or equivalent post-secondary training. Provide proof of completion of an Early Childhood Education training (license). An overall average of "C+" in courses completed in the certificate program. Successful completion of the written English language requirement. Submission of a work history form and two acceptable references from employers or from a former instructor and an employer. These must be submitted directly to the department. Participation in a personal interview with ECE faculty. Suitability will be determined on the basis of a review of an applicant's emotional stability, physical health, formal education, work experience, ability to work in a multidisciplinary-team setting, ability to work within the values of the department and personal suitability. General requirements: All applicants for admission to the College must satisfy at least ONE of the following criteria: BC secondary school graduation (or the equivalent in another school system); One course short of BC secondary school graduation; 19 years old by the end of the first month of the first semester of attendance; 17 years old on the first day of the first semester of attendance and has not been in school for at least one year; Completion of a certificate or equivalent from a special needs program and has been in school for 12 years. English Proficiency Requirement. All applicants to the College must demonstrate proficiency in English by providing proof of ONE of the following: Douglas College English Assessment; LPI - minimum essay score 4; TOEFL iBT - minimum score 83; IELTS - minimum overall band test score 6.5 (academic module only); EIKEN Practical English - minimum placement of Grade 1; CAEL - minimum overall and essay score of 60 (computer or paper based); Cambridge English CAE- minimum score 75 or "B"; Cambridge English CPE - minimum score 60 or "C"; Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 8 in each of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - minimum score of 56. Language School Pathway Options: Completion of the Advanced Level of the University Preparation program at EC English Language Centers (ECAD); Completion of Level A2 of the University Pathway program at Int’l Language School of Canada (ILSC); Completion of Level 16 (Pathway 3.3) of the Academic pathway program at Int’l Language Academy of Canada (ILAC); Completion of highest level course ELS level 112 with ELS Language School; Completion of VGC International College Advanced University Preparation course level 7 with 75% or higher; Completion of Kaplan International Centres Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Level C1. The full list of extra requirements is on the web-site. Note: Students who do not meet any of the above requirements may apply for admission as a "special student”. Students are urged to discuss their situation with the Registrar and/or a College counselor.