Want to make a positive difference in the lives of children? Join us at an upcoming (Teams) ECEC Information Session to find out more about the Early Childhood Education and Care profession and the certificate and diploma options available to you. The work of early childhood educators has a lasting impact on children’s development. It’s a rewarding career in a rapidly growing field. Graduates of this program are in high demand.
Available program offerings
In Person Diploma | Nanaimo Campus | September Start
Online Diploma | Available across BC | January Start
Blended Certificate | Hybrid of in person & online for Cowichan & tiwšɛmawtxʷ Campus (Qathet Regional Districts) | September Start
Work-Integrated Learning | Complete your ECE Certificate requirements while you work! | October Start (accepting applications)
Program options available on a full-time or part-time basis.
Did you know?
- Eligible ECEs working at participating licensed child care facilities received a $2-per-hour raise in January 2024, based on hours worked in December 2023, on top of the existing $4-per-hour raise. This government-funded raise is the most recent in a series of increases to the ECE Wage Enhancement, bringing the total raise to $6 per hour and increasing the median wage for ECEs up to approximately $28 per hour.
- Early Childhood Educators of BC (ECEBC) has an ECE Education Support Fund.
- ECE Student Bursary: This funding is to support students studying in an ECE program. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $500 per course, to a maximum of 8 courses, for a total of $4,000 per semester to assist with tuition while studying.
- ECE Workforce Bursary: This funding is to support ECEs, ECE Assistants, Responsible Adults (as defined in the Child Care Licensing Regulation) and StrongStart BC Facilitators who are currently working in the ECE field and would like to upgrade their credentials. Applicants must be able to demonstrate active employment within a licensed child care facility (with the exception of StrongStart BC facilitators). Awards may range in amounts up to $5,000 per semester to assist with tuition and other expenses such as loss of wages or travel.
- ECEBC has a Specialized Certification Grant. Eligible ECEs who hold one Specialized Certificate (ITE or SNE) will receive a $2,000 grant. Eligible ECEs who hold both Specialized Certificates (ITE and SNE) will receive a $3,000 grant. Successful completion of the VIU ECEC diploma provides credentials in both ITE and SNE)
- ECEC graduates are in high demand.
If you are unable to make this information session, please contact VIU ECEC at ecec@viu.ca with any questions you may have about our programs!