Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:
- General College Admission Requirements
- Be age 18 by December 31st of the year you enter the program.
- Suitability is determined on the basis of an overview of an applicant's mental health, physical health, formal education, the ability to work in a team setting and life experience, as demonstrated in the following.
- Two letters of reference from individuals who are not related to you (character references from reputable community members and/or individuals familiar with your experience in working with young children). Reference letters should not be written by the person who completes your volunteer verification form. If you have an ECE basic license to practice, you would complete a work history form which includes references.
- Complete a Criminal Record Check (information will be provided by Enrolment Services).
- Complete a medical declaration or assessment indicating a satisfactory level of physical and emotional health. The workload of the programs and the close contact with individuals in practical settings require students to be in good mental and physical health.
- Applicants who have completed 9 or more post-secondary credits must be in good academic standing (with a minimum GPA of 1.5) for admission to any ACS program.
Graduation Requirements:
- Students are not permitted to use credits earned from the Diploma in Early Childhood Education towards the Certificate in Early Childhood Education: Special Needs - Inclusive Practices
- Successful completion of 60 credits
- 50% (30 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College.
- In good academic standing
- Time limit to complete the program graduation requirements: 7 years. Any courses completed outside of that time limit will not be usable. Students may seek the permission of the Department/Program to complete a credential outside the approved time limits.
Course Requirements (see notes 1-4):
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| Semesters 1 and 2 | ||
| ECED 1155 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 1.50 |
| ECED 1241 | Positive Guidance in Early Childhood Programs | 3.00 |
| ECED 1125 | Promoting Healthy Practices in Early Childhood Education | 3.00 |
| ECED 1200 | Growth and Development: Preschool Years | 3.00 |
| ECED 1211 | Professional Growth and Communication | 3.00 |
| ECED 1220 | Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programmes for Young Children l | 3.00 |
| ECED 1231 | ECE Curriculum l | 3.00 |
| ECED 1285 (see note 4) | Early Childhood Education Practicum I | 3.00 |
| ECED 1121 | Transforming and Teaching: Observing and Documenting the Learning and Care of Young Children | 3.00 |
| Select one course from the following two options: | ||
| CMNS 1110 | Workplace Writing for Applied Community Studies | 3.00 |
| ENGL 1130 | Academic Writing | 3.00 |
| Semester 3 | ||
| ECED 2305 | Change and Development: Birth thru Early School Years | 3.00 |
| ECED 2361 | Indigenous Worldview and Early Childhood Education | 3.00 |
| ECED 2331 | ECE Curriculum II | 3.00 |
| ECED 2320 |
Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programmes for Young Children ll |
3.00 |
| ECED 2385 | Early Childhood Education Practicum II | 3.00 |
| Semester 4 - Special Needs | ||
| ECED 2315 | Working with Families in Early Childhood Education | 1.50 |
| ECED 2412 | Administrative Skills for ECE Centres | 3.00 |
| ECED 2471 | Issues and Trends in ECE | 3.00 |
| ECED 2401 | Advanced Growth and Development: Individual Planning for Children with Diverse Abilities | 3.00 |
| ECED 2450 | Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programs for Children with Diverse Abilities | 3.00 |
| ECED 2455 | Special Needs Preceptorship | 3.00 |
|
Total Credits |
60.00 | |
Notes:
1. After completion of Early Childhood Education diploma requirements, the student may return for an additional post-diploma certificate by completing the remaining Infant/Toddler courses.
2. Douglas College students who completed their certificates under a previous model may "bridge" into the new diploma program by completing ECED 2305 (3 credits), ECED 2361 (3 credits), and ECED 2320 (3 credits).
3. Students with ECE Certificates from other programs should consult the Program Coordinator for advice and assistance with course planning.
4. Students must complete and show evidence of 20 hours of volunteer or work experience in a licensed Early Childhood Education setting with children from birth to age six. The 20 hours documentation of volunteer or work experience form must be complete and submitted prior to enrollment in practicum courses.