Early Childhood Education - Inclusive Child Care Certificate

Young children smiling with care provider

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate Certificates are short programs focused on specific skills or subjects. They are a fast and flexible way to start a new career, upgrade your qualifications or gain professional recognition.

Delivery mode

Distance Distance

Time commitment

Full-Time You take a regular course load and move through the program at the standard pace. Expect to study most weekdays. Part-Time You take fewer courses at once and progress more slowly. This option offers more flexibility for work or personal commitments.

Duration

1 year

Program codes

  • Code: ECDEIC

Cost

TBD Domestic students:

Location

  • Distance Full program offered in Distance

Available for

  • Domestic students

Program features

TBD

Program overview

About the program

Build on your experience working with children and families through advanced training that prepares you to create inclusive, strength-based, and culturally responsive environments for young children with diverse abilities

Practicum experiences are an integral part of early childhood education programs with mandatory attendance requirements for practicum hours.  Practicum descriptions are included in the program outline. Practicum sites will be located within the Okanagan Region.  Transportation to and from practicum locations is the student’s responsibility.

Students looking for financial support to access this program are encouraged to explore the links below and/or contact HealthPrograms@okanagan.bc.ca for assistance.

This program explores the history and philosophy of inclusive care, emphasizing the strengths and potential of working with children with diverse abilities. Learners develop foundational knowledge and practical skills to create inclusive, culturally responsive environments, engaging with children holistically to foster a sense of belonging for children and families. By the end of this program, learners will be equipped to create inclusive, family-centered, and community-based environments that promote the holistic development of young children.

Graduates of the Inclusive Child Care certificate will meet the requirements of the British Columbia Early Childhood Educator Registry for achieving certification as:

  • Special Needs Educator

More information about Becoming an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) in British Columbia is available from the Government of British Columbia.

Upon successful completion of the required courses the learner will meet the BC Child Care Sector Occupational Competencies as required by the Early Childhood Educator Registry.

Admission and program requirements

  • Satisfactory completion of the ECE Certificate program or a current BC ECE Registry Certificate to Practice. Applicants without either prerequisite may be admitted to components of the certificate program with written recommendation by the ECE department chair, if space permits.

  • Applicants must provide evidence of current First Aid that includes Child Safe & Infant CPR certification.

  • A criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. Okanagan College's admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms for applicants to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline will result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.

  • Notwithstanding all specific program prerequisites, Okanagan College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant when, in the opinion of Okanagan College, there is sufficient and substantiated evidence, medical or otherwise, to conclude that by granting admission Okanagan College would jeopardize the safety of clients under student care or would otherwise be negligent in providing for the safety and well-being of clients, agency staff or other students.

A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed through OC.

Start date
Location
Delivery mode
Application status
Jul. 2026
Distance
Distance
Open
Note: This is the Online Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Online delivery of Modules 4&5. Students are required to attend class, online, two evenings per week (M/W)
Jul. 2027
Distance
Distance
Open
Note: This is the Online Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Online delivery of Modules 4&5. Students are required to attend class, online, two evenings per week (T/TH)

Tuition and fees

Program details

Complete All of the following:
ECDE 213 - Working with Families and Community
ECDE 223 - Administration
ECDE 224 - Inclusive Practice Theories
ECDE 225 - Inclusive Practice Strategies
ECDE 229 - Practicum IV

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