IT'S YOUR MOVE
Better job stability, more career options, higher salary — find out what a post-secondary education can do for you.
Learn MoreWilliams Lake Campus
Williams Lake Campus
The Early Childhood Education Diploma program provides innovative opportunities for classroom-based research and hands-on field work experience so students can acquire the teaching skills to become effective educators of young children.
Areas of learning include: developing relationships with children, child development, child guidance, interpersonal relations, educational theories, designing and developing curriculum content, reflective practice, working with families, and program management.
Practical fieldwork experience is a component of each semester. With a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience in early childhood care and education, graduates are able to work effectively with co-workers and children to become strong advocates for children and families.
Intake date
The ECE program in Williams Lake offers one intake every year, beginning in September.
Inspiring learning and creativity
Graduates embark on rewarding careers in half or full day child care programs, family child care, Head Start programs, Strong Start programs, and other child care facilities.
The ECE Diploma has small class sizes to support student learning and the option to complete the program in just three semesters of full-time study. There is also an option to complete the program through part-time study over five semesters.
TRU ECE graduates are respected and hired!
Early Childhood Educator certification
Completion of the ECE diploma satisfies the requirements of the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development ECE Registry for certification as an Early Childhood Educator. This program does not qualify a person to teach a public school kindergarten.
Please note: The ECE Registry requires 500 hours of work experience under the supervision of a Certified Early Childhood Educator in order to qualify for certification as an Early Childhood Educator. Many of these hours can be completed between the second and third semesters as either volunteer or paid assistant in an early childhood setting. For further information about certification requirements, visit the BC government website.
Further study in one or both of the post ECE-diploma certificate(s) that provide specialization in the areas of Special Needs or Infant & Toddler would satisfy the requirements of the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development ECE Registry for certification as an Educator in those areas of specialization.
The ECE diploma program is in-depth, with hands-on practicum experiences in every semester, that is centred around a shared love for children. The program instructors are approachable, encouraging, and very helpful. The program is cohort based with lots of interaction and support from classmates as well.
The professors are approachable, encouraging and so helpful. A very in-depth course centred around a shared love for children. Very beneficial, worthwhile, eye-opening and a total learning experience. Classmates become your support group. ECE graduate
Admission requirements
- B.C. Grade 12 OR Mature Student status (or equivalent).
- BC English 12/English 12 First Peoples with a minimum of 73% (or equivalent).
Requirements after admission to the ECE program
Acceptance to the ECE program is not deemed final until the required documents below have been submitted.
Volunteer and/or work experience with children:
After you have submitted an application, the Admission Office with provide you with a link to the required form for online submission of your hours of experience. The completed online form must be submitted before the start of the program.
- Details of 25 hours of volunteer and/or work experience in a licensed group daycare program (full day or half day) under the supervision of a certified Early Childhood Educator.
Health and safety requirements
The following two forms will be provided to you on the first day of class.
- Immunization record form
- Consent to criminal record check form
You will need to bring two pieces of official identification as follows:
- One primary photo ID: BC driver’s licence, BC ID card, BC services card, passport, Canadian citizenship/permanent resident card
- One secondary ID : School ID card, birth certificate, BC services card, Canadian or US driver’s license, picture employee ID card, bank card
ECE diploma program schedules
The Early Childhood Diploma program can be completed on a full-time basis.
- Full-time diploma
ECED 1200 Practicum 1 - Developing Relationships with Children (0,2,10P)(L) ECED 1200 Practicum 1 - Developing Relationships with Children (0,2,10P)(L)Credits: 4 credits This is an innovative field practice course designed to allow students to apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to become an effective educator of young children. Students have repeated opportunities to practice observation and documentation techniques, prepare the learning environment, develop relationships with children, and guide behavior with the mentorship of early childhood educators and a practicum instructor. Students integrate theoretical knowledge, use reflective practice and demonstrate professional conduct.
|
ECED 1320 Child Guidance (4,0,0)(L) ECED 1320 Child Guidance (4,0,0)(L)Credits: 3 credits This course is designed to demonstrate the positive influential effects of developmentally appropriate practice and a positive environment on children's behavior. Students are instructed in how to support children's social and emotional development through an examination of the significance of play, interpreting children's behavior, and individualizing interactions with children. To practice direct and indirect guidance strategies, students focus on the development of meaningful relationships and positive self-esteem for young children.
|
ECED 1340 Communication (3,0,0) ECED 1340 Communication (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Effective interdependent relationships are essential to the work of early childhood educators. Self-awareness, and an ongoing commitment to become a competent communicator are fundamental to the development of positive relationships. An emphasis on personal reflection offers students the opportunity to learn and use interpersonal communication skills effectively. Students examine the qualities of ethical, constructive, and respectful communication.
|
ECED 1350 Introduction to Program Planning (4,0,0)(L) ECED 1350 Introduction to Program Planning (4,0,0)(L)Credits: 3 credits An exploration of art media and authentic materials develops student's competence and creativity prior to implementing activities with children. Emphasis on the preparation of the learning environment, both physical and social, routines, and the role of the educator to develop, implement, evaluate, and document appropriate educational experiences for children. The British Columbia Early Learning Framework and pedagogical narrations are introduced.
|
CYCA 2500 Special Topics (3,0,0) CYCA 2500 Special Topics (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students are provided an opportunity to examine selected current issues in child and youth care.
|
ECED 1300 Practicum 2 - Program Planning for Young Children (0,2,10P)(L) ECED 1300 Practicum 2 - Program Planning for Young Children (0,2,10P)(L)Credits: 4 credits Building on the goals of ECED 1200: Practicum 1, students integrate their knowledge and skills while participating as a team member in child care programs. Students take on additional responsibilities related to curriculum planning, managing a program, and responsibility for documentation with the mentorship of an early childhood educator and a practicum instructor. Students introduce a project to a group of young children, observe and record children's learning, and make the learning visible to the children, families, educators, and community.
|
ECED 1330 Child Health (3,0,0) ECED 1330 Child Health (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Holistic health and wellness principles to support children's development is the focus of this course. An emphasis is placed on strategies to promote children's understanding of good health and nutritional habits. Students explore the health and safety of children by examining health related agencies, health regulations, and children with exceptionalities. Additional topics include personal wellness, childhood illness, and hospitalization.
|
ECED 1360 Curriculum Development (4,0,0)(L) ECED 1360 Curriculum Development (4,0,0)(L)Credits: 3 credits Students examine the principles to develop, implement and evaluate a play-based program with key concepts in language and literacy and music and movement across the curriculum. Students learn theory and gain practical knowledge to plan activities in which young children can explore sound, movement, music, books, stories, drama, and beginning literacy, within the context of the whole program for children.
|
ECED 1440 Interpersonal Relations - Helping Interactions (3,0,0) ECED 1440 Interpersonal Relations - Helping Interactions (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Building upon the knowledge and skills acquired in ECED 1340: Communications, students examine the essentials of professional interdependent relationships. Topics include leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. Students practice assertive communication, intercultural awareness, and teambuilding.
|
CYCA 2500 Special Topics (3,0,0) CYCA 2500 Special Topics (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students are provided an opportunity to examine selected current issues in child and youth care.
|
ECED 2200 Practicum 3 - Demonstration Practicum (0,2,16P)(L) ECED 2200 Practicum 3 - Demonstration Practicum (0,2,16P)(L)Credits: 5 credits This is an advanced practicum course designed to give students opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge of the role of the educator in a community child care program under the supervision of a practicum instructor and a designated sponsor educator. Students take on a leadership role to design and implement curriculum, in addition to having more opportunities for reflection and the practice of ethical decision-making. Students introduce a project to a group of young children, observe and record children's learning, and make the learning visible to the children, families, educators, and community.
|
ECED 2350 Advanced Program Development (4,0,0)(L) ECED 2350 Advanced Program Development (4,0,0)(L)Credits: 3 credits This course surveys the historical foundations of Early Childhood Education through an examination of the theories and practices of important philosophers and educators. A discussion of philosophy and play lays the groundwork for students to examine values and beliefs with the purpose of articulating a personal philosophy to guide their practice. In-depth projects, reflective practice, and a variety of curriculum models are essential to this course.
|
ECED 2440 Working with Families (3,0,0) ECED 2440 Working with Families (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits A strong, reciprocal and respectful relationship between families and educators is a critical component of quality
early childhood education programs. The impact of personal experiences on professional interactions are examined
within the context of understanding diverse family structures and contemporary issues. Interpersonal communication
strategies for building relationships, problem –solving, and conflict resolution with families are explored, and a
variety of strategies to share information with families are reviewed.
|
ECED 2490 Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs (3,0,0) ECED 2490 Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine the aspects involved in the administration and supervision of early childhood programs. Topics include organizational structure, policies, procedures, and budget preparation, licensing regulations, staff relations, personnel management, and leadership. Students apply course content to design a comprehensive educational program for young children.
|
ENGL 1100 Introduction to University Writing (3,0,0) ENGL 1100 Introduction to University Writing (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore the practices of reading and writing in scholarly contexts by investigating a chosen topic or issue. Students read, critically analyze, and synthesize information and ideas found in appropriate secondary sources and coming from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds. They also develop their abilities to communicate knowledge by composing in the genres and sub-genres of scholarly writing, including the incorporation of research and documentation while using a clear, persuasive, grammatically-correct style.
|
In each semester, students are placed in day-care sites to gain practical experience and apply knowledge learned in classroom course work. A unique component of the TRU ECE program is the program's partnership with the Cariboo Child Care Centre located on the TRU campus.
For each of the two Year 1 practicum courses, ECE students participate in the 3-5 year old programs at Cariboo Child Care.
For the third practicum, ECE students are placed at a full-day or half-day early childhood program site in the Kamloops region for an extended period on time.
A critical component of practicum is the opportunity to transfer learning from the on-campus experiences to another early childhood program. ECE students observe or participate in a community setting in each of the three practica in the ECE diploma.
