Early Childhood Care & Education

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) students will study many facets of early learning and child development, focusing on the needs of children from birth through school age and their families.

Accessibility & Flexibility for Students

All ECCE Certificate courses can be completed full-time, part-time, fully online or blended online and face-to-face. Certificates in Infant Toddler Care or Inclusive Practices (Special Needs) can be completed fully online.

Contact admissions for further details.

A Field that Nurtures Children

ECCE students learn how to develop programs and create environments that are child-centred, nurturing and rich with potential for early development.

Learners will be prepared to work with young children and their families in a variety of exciting and rewarding roles. They will be able to participate in the planning and delivery of programs that focus upon healthy child development and develop relationships within the field of early care and learning.

By entering the ECCE program, students choose a flexible career path with many options. After the completion of the Certificate Program, graduates can choose to work in a variety of settings or attend a second year to complete their Human Services Diploma.

Funding Options

Don't let the cost of studying in Early Childhood Care & Education stop you from pursuing your dream.

Based on the 2017 B.C. Labour Market Outlook, a total of 9,100 additional early childhood educators are projected to be required in B.C. by 2027. Because of t his need, funding is accessible.

ECE Student Bursary Program (delivered through ECEBC)

CBT ECE Workforce Development Fund

Selkirk College Student Awards and Financial Support

Start Your Rewarding Career

At Selkirk College, you will learn how to create programs and environments that are child-centered, nurturing and rich for supporting child development. Our program incorporates a variety of teaching learning strategies including:

• Case study and theoretical analysis
• Cooperative and experiential learning
• Practical application of knowledge and skills in a six week practicum

You will experience small class sizes and instructors who are committed to excellence in education and professional practice.

Further Your Credentials/Transfer Opportunities

Your ECCE certificate serves as your prerequisite for entry into the following Human Services diploma specialties for a total of two years of study at Selkirk College.

• Child and Youth Care Specialty
• Early Childhood Care and Education Specialty - Inclusive Practice and Infant & Toddler Care

You can also transfer into related programs at other universities.

Take This Program If You Are

• Comfortable working with young children
• Patient and flexible
• Creative and energetic
• Caring
• Empathetic

The Early Childhood Care and Education Program has built its program values on three of the four Selkirk College Pillars of Success:

• Focus on the Learner
• Teaching Excellence
• Community Engagement and Innovation

At Selkirk College, with classrooms and communities nestled within the welcoming West Kootenay and Boundary regions of British Columbia, students feel like home.

Since 1966, Selkirk College has been providing innovative and unique learning opportunities through 60+ nationally recognized programs. Selkirk International is committed to welcoming students from around the world and providing opportunities for all Selkirk College students to have an international experience as a part of their studies.

At Selkirk College, Canadian and international students study side by side in over 60 different programs. Selkirk College is located in the Kootenays, a spectacular region of rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, mineral hot springs, alpine meadows, and snow-capped mountains that is home to four of British Columbia's seven national parks.