Early Childhood Education (ECE) Infant Toddler Certificate

Students work alongside infants and toddlers in this advanced training.

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 or On-campus All classes take place in-person at one of our campuses.

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: ECEDIT

Cost

$2,492 total program cost Domestic students: $2,492 total program cost

Location

  • Kelowna, Vernon or Distance Full program offered in Kelowna, Vernon or Distance

Available for

  • Domestic students

Program features

TBD

Program overview

About the program

Build upon your experience working alongside children with advanced training in the care of infants and toddlers. 

Practicum experiences are an integral part of early childhood education programs with mandatory attendance requirements for practicum hours.  Descriptions of each practicum course are included in the program outline. Students, not part of Work Integrated Learning (WIL), will be assigned to a practicum site which will be located in the Okanagan Region.  Transportation to and from practicum locations are 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. 

Our Early Childhood Education program provides students the competencies and knowledge to work with children under age 3 in licensed childcare facilities. Graduates of the Infant Toddler Certificate will meet the requirements of the British Columbia Early Childhood Educator Registry for achieving certification as:

  • Infant Toddler 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.

Tuition and fees

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 Admissions will provide applicants with instructions to submit the request 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 may 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
Aug. 2026
Vernon
On-campus
Open
Aug. 2026
Kelowna
On-campus
Open
Jul. 2027
Distance
Distance
Open

Program details

Infant and Toddler Specialty
ECDE 213 - Working with Families and Community
ECDE 214 - Practices in Infant Toddler Care
ECDE 222 - Developmentally-Responsive Environments for Under Threes
ECDE 223 - Administration
ECDE 239 - Practicum V

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