Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma

Academic Admission Requirements

• B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for one year as of the first day of classes.

• English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.

General Requirements

• Valid First Aid Certificate that meets the BC Child Care Licensing Regulation (Schedule C) for the duration of the program.
• 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.
• Completion of the ECE Program Information and Student Questionnaire Form. Instructions will be sent to applicants by Admissions to complete this form.
• Students in this program engage actively in laboratory practice, acting both as patient/client and as caregiver in simulated situations. 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.
• Students entering into the Early Childhood Education program should review Okanagan College policy information on clinical, practicum and external placements.

Other notes and recommendations:

• All applicants are strongly advised to ensure their immunization status is current for work in child care settings. Some child care organizations may ask for proof of immunization records as a requirement for a practicum placement.
• All applicants are asked to review the Health and Social Development Requisite Skills and Abilities Checklist and will be asked to submit this form to the department at the start of the program. Students in this program engage actively in practical skills development in simulated situations and will participate in practicum placements that require the safe care of vulnerable children.

• Students will be responsible for costs of travel to off-site facilities for scheduled field-trips, observation assignments and practicum placements.

A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed through OC including completion of all semester 3 and 4 courses including practica and preceptorships.