Early Childhood Education - Inclusive Child Care Certificate

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

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Campus

  • Distance
View schedule and campus details
Legend:
  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered

Credential

Certificate

Delivery options

Full-Time, Part-Time

Tuition and fees

Domestic students

  • Fees include all mandatory fees: Activity fee, Health & Dental, Student Association fee, Education Technology fee, Development fee.

  • All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.

  • Detailed domestic tuition and fees information

Program details

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.

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.

Important Information regarding Distance Education:

· This intake is offered as part of the Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) model. The WIL delivery is for students who are currently employed at a childcare center looking to upgrade their qualifications.

Campus Start date Schedule
Distance Jul. 20, 2026

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)

Distance Jul. 18, 2027

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)

Admission 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.

Program outline

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
Graduation requires successful completion of the courses in the program outline.
Students must receive a pass in the practicum and a minimum grade of 70% in each course.

Residency requirements

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

Additional information

View the official Calendar details and policies
Learn more about the department
View the Tuition and fees page

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