Special Needs Educator Post-Diploma Certificate

Graduates of the ECE program may want to continue their studies so they can work with children with special needs.

The Special Needs Educator post diploma certificate provides ECE graduates with the opportunity to continue their studies with a focus on children with individual differences.

Areas of learning include: child development, supporting children’s social skills, programming for individual children, critical reflection, working with a team of educators and other professionals to facilitate inclusion,the ECE’s professional role, and skills to support families. Students have the opportunity to connect theory and practice in practicum.

Admission requirements

Prior completion of an Early Childhood Education Diploma containing the following courses or their equivalent:

  • Three-credit undergraduate English (composition or literature)
  • ECED 2440 Interpersonal Relations – Working with Families (required by the BC ECE Registry for certification)
  • ECED 2490 Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs (required by the BC ECE Registry for certification)

If your ECE diploma program did not included the above courses, you will need to successfully complete them during the Fall semester that is prior to the Winter semester you plan to start the Special Needs Educator program. Please contact edadvising@tru.ca for more information.

Winter (January - April) semester — offered in even numbered years

Designation Course Title Credits
ECED 3300 Practicum - Individual Children 5
ECED 3310 Child Growth and Development - Individual Differences 3
ECED 3350 Programming for Individual Children 3
CMNS 2290 Professional Business and Technical Writing 3
    14

Completion of ECED 3300, 3310, 3550, 2440 and 2490 meets the BC ECE Registry requirements for certification and practice as a Special Needs Educator.

Also see: Infant Toddler Educator offered in odd numbered years