Early Learning and Childcare - Diploma

Program Details

Credential Received

Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare

Overview

Program Summary

The Early Learning and Childcare 2-year diploma program is a specialized and inclusive program for international students designed to cultivate the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in early childhood education. This program is tailored to meet the diverse needs of international students, combining theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on experiences in early learning environments. Participants gain a deep understanding of child development, curriculum planning, and effective teaching methodologies, while also honing cultural competence and language proficiency to engage effectively with children and families from various backgrounds. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on fostering creativity, nurturing positive learning environments, and promoting the well-being of young learners. Graduates of this program emerge as well-rounded professionals equipped to contribute meaningfully to the field of early childhood education.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate professionalism in practice consistent with the code of ethics and standards of practice of their respective disciplines

2. Use effective interpersonal skills including active listening, collaboration, self-awareness and conflict resolution within multi-faceted roles and contexts

3. Understand and respect cultural differences and multiple ways of knowing

4. Practice from an ethic of inclusivity

5. Establish and maintain wellness strategies to assure work/life balance both personally and professionally

6. Engage in critical thinking, problem solving and reflective practice

Program Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, the applicant must meet the following Early Learning and Childcare Diploma Program requirements to be considered fully-qualified:

a) English Studies 12, or equivalent with a minimum of 60% or higher

b) As English is the language of study in BC, students must meet English language proficiency at an appropriate level to be accepted into this program. Those not meeting this requirement must achieve scores identified in Policy 8611.

Additional Requirements

A current criminal record check from the Ministry of Justice must be completed prior to starting the first practicum. Some types of criminal records may limit or prohibit acceptance in field placement; acceptance into field placement is a requirement for program promotion.

Graduation and Promotion

Promotion

1. In order to progress to the next semester, the following requirements must be met.

• Completion of all courses in the semester with a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.00 and a grade of a “C” or better in all semester courses.

2. Promotion to practicum will be determined by the following criteria:

• A grade of "C" or better in all required courses as defined in Part II, C, Graduation Requirements.
• Some types of criminal records may limit or prohibit a student's acceptance in field placement agencies. Ability to be accepted into field placement is a requirement for promotion.

3. A student’s performance will be reviewed by program faculty when:

• Grades in one or more courses fall below a “C”.
• Unacceptable behaviour, inappropriate interpersonal skills, and/or patterns of absence are displayed (as outlined in program policies).
• On probation.

4. Considerations for practicum placement:

• Practicum placements are normally completed within the College region.
• To avoid a conflict of interest, students are expected to inform instructors and the practicum coordinator of agencies where family and/or personal connections exist.
• Practicum placements will be arranged by the practicum coordinator.

Graduation

• In order to graduate with a credential from Early Learning and Childcare Diploma program a student must meet all program requirements with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better.
• In order to graduate with Honors students must meet all program requirements with no grades less than a B- and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Additional Program Policies