Early Childhood Education

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 has one intake in September 2024. 

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. The program is condensed into 12 months, allowing graduates to quickly enter the workplace.

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).
  • B.C. 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 is a full-time, 12-month diploma program.

Year 1 - Semester 1 (September - December)
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
Delivery: Campus

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.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Early Childhood Education Program
Corequisite: ECED 1320, ECED 1350
For more information, search for this course here.

ECED 1320
Child Guidance (4,0,0)(L)

ECED 1320 Child Guidance (4,0,0)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

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.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Early Childhood Education Program or permission from course instructor Corequisites: ECED 1200, ECED 1350 if admitted to the Early Childhood Education program
For more information, search for this course here.

ECED 1340
Communication (3,0,0)

ECED 1340 Communication (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

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.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Early Childhood Education Program or permission from course instructor
Note: Students cannot receive credit for more than one of EDCS 1540, HUMS 1540 or ECED 1340
For more information, search for this course here.

ECED 1350
Introduction to Program Planning (4,0,0)(L)

ECED 1350 Introduction to Program Planning (4,0,0)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

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.
For more information, search for this course here.

CYCA 2500
Special Topics (3,0,0)

CYCA 2500 Special Topics (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students are provided an opportunity to examine selected current issues in child and youth care.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Child and Youth Care Diploma program
For more information, search for this course here.


Year 1 - Semester 2 (January - April)
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
Delivery: Campus

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.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Early Childhood Education Program; ECED 1200
For more information, search for this course here.

ECED 1330
Child Health (3,0,0)

ECED 1330 Child Health (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

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.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Early Childhood Education Program or permission from course instructor
For more information, search for this course here.

ECED 1360
Curriculum Development (4,0,0)(L)

ECED 1360 Curriculum Development (4,0,0)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

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.
Corequisite: ECED 1300
For more information, search for this course here.

ECED 1440
Interpersonal Relations - Helping Interactions (3,0,0)

ECED 1440 Interpersonal Relations - Helping Interactions (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

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.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Early Childhood Education Program; ECED 1340.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for more than one of HUMS 2530 or ECED 1440.
For more information, search for this course here.

CYCA 2500
Special Topics (3,0,0)

CYCA 2500 Special Topics (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students are provided an opportunity to examine selected current issues in child and youth care.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Child and Youth Care Diploma program
For more information, search for this course here.


Year 1 - Semester 3 (May - August)
ECED 2200
Practicum 3 - Demonstration Practicum (0,2,16P)(L)

ECED 2200 Practicum 3 - Demonstration Practicum (0,2,16P)(L)

Credits: 5 credits
Delivery: Campus

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.
Prerequisite: Completion of ECED 1200, ECED 1300, ECED 1320, ECED 1350, ECED 1340, ECED 1360
Corequisite: ECED 2350
For more information, search for this course here.

ECED 2350
Advanced Program Development (4,0,0)(L)

ECED 2350 Advanced Program Development (4,0,0)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

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.
Prerequisite: Completion of ECED 1200, ECED 1300, ECED 1320, ECED 1350, ECED 1340, ECED 1360
Corequisite: ECED 2200
For more information, search for this course here.

ECED 2440
Working with Families (3,0,0)

ECED 2440 Working with Families (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

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.
Prerequisite: Completion of ECED 1200, ECED 1300, ECED 1320, ECED 1350, ECED 1340, ECED 1360 or with permission from the course instructor
Exclusion: HUMS 1560
For more information, search for this course here.

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
Delivery: Campus

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.
Prerequisite: Completion of ECED 1200, ECED 1300, ECED 1320, ECED 1350, ECED 1340, ECED 1360 or with permission from the course instructor
For more information, search for this course here.

ENGL 1100
Introduction to University Writing (3,0,0)

ENGL 1100 Introduction to University Writing (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

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.
Prerequisite: English Studies 12 /English First Peoples 12 with a minimum 73% or equivalent
Note: students cannot receive credit for both ENGL 1100 and ENGL 1101
For more information, search for this course here.


A critical component of practicum is the opportunity to transfer learning from the on-campus experiences to another early childhood program. In each semester, students are placed in day-care sites to gain practical experience and apply knowledge learned in classroom course work. 

Inquiries and Advising

Phone: 250-392-8000
Email: williamslake@tru.ca

Admissions

Phone: 250-392-8020
Email: wladmissions@tru.ca