Early Childhood Education - Douglas College
The Early Childhood Education Program gave Katie Kump a wealth of hands-on experience. "As important as all the theories and lessons are, it's equally if not more important for us to test and practice these theories and lessons to truly understand them."
"Teachers must enjoy what children do . . . equally important, they must be AMAZED at what they do."
Lillian Katz
Working with young children can be rewarding and fulfilling, not to mention a whole lot of fun. As an early childhood educator, you'll connect with children and their families, providing quality child care and education in environments that are rich with possibility.
At Douglas College, the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program will give you the skills and knowledge you need to work with newborns right through to children up to eight years of age. In our program you'll learn 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, you'll experience learning from theory to practice in a variety of early childhood education settings. Another way you'll get real-world experience is through our Children Teaching Teachers program. This innovative program puts the children in the role of teacher, providing a unique learning experience for our ECE students.
When you graduate from the diploma program, you are qualified to receive two provincial licences as a basic early childhood educator and a special needs educator. Diploma students are eligible to apply to a variety of degree programs. You may also choose to return for a post-diploma citation in infant and toddler care and then apply for your third provincial licence.
Do you already have experience working with young children? Find out more about getting credit for your skills or knowledge through PLAR, our Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition service. Call 604-527-5481 for more information about PLAR.