Early Childhood Education Basic

The ECE certificate program gives the student the skills and occupational competencies necessary in the industry today based upon the Ministry of Education and Child Care approved curriculum.

The ECE certificate program will develop a broad range of skills through the study and practice of certified courses in order to develop and lead daily age-appropriate activities for children aimed to help promote social, emotional, physical, cognitive and early literacy development.

Students learn to observe children and communicate professionally, when appropriate, children’s progress and/or needs with parents, other staff members and individuals involved with the child’s development.

This program includes practicum placement. This experience within a workplace enables Instructional staff to observe the student in a practice situation while providing the student with the opportunity to gain direct exposure to the chosen career field.

Sprott Shaw is a member of Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC).

Learning Objectives

• Cultural, economic, and generational influences on development
• Main categories and methods of observational recording
• Current licensing and registration regulations, development of policies and procedures, floor plans, and childcare center design
• Development of partnerships with parents, colleagues, and other service providers
• Positive contemporary child guidance practices, causes and characteristics of inappropriate behaviour
• Planning and implementing comprehensive program plans, focusing on social, emotional, cognitive, physical, language and cultural development
• Activities to facilitate diversity and multi-cultural experiences and concepts to enhance curriculum
• Creating a positive learning environment that includes fun and engaging music and movement activities, enhancing other learning such as language and language skills
• The use of concepts and activities from LEAP BC 2010 Resource Booklet and recognizing movement categories and motor skills
• Creativity and open-ended, process-oriented creative art activities and experiences
• Verbal and non-verbal communication skills and techniques.
• Design newsletters and communication tools for parents, children and staff
• Signs and symptoms of common communicable childhood illnesses
• Goal setting, note-taking, problem-solving, and teamwork
• Interview techniques and creating an employment package

Grant and Scholarship Opportunities

Save on tuition with a variety of scholarship and grant options. Up to $4000 in scholarships and grants are available to recent high school graduates, Sprott Shaw alumni, military veterans, and more! Click here to browse our full list of grants and scholarships.

Success Stories

• “The college instructors are so proactive and passionate not only in teaching and sharing information with students but also in helping and supporting each individual. If you are ready to move forward, you will not regret choosing to study at Sprott Shaw College.” – Brandon K.

• “Do it. I am 57 years old and finally have my dream job.” – Shelly C.

Where Are Sprott Shaw Graduates Working? 

Our Early Childhood, Education, and Support graduates can be found working throughout the province.

In addition to school districts across BC, our Early Childhood Education and Education Assistant graduates can be found working at daycares and preschools such as CEFA Early Learning and the Boys and Girls Club. 

Community Support Workers and Mental Health and Addiction workers can be found working in women’s shelters, mental health and addiction recovery facilities, homeless shelters, and more. 

Click below to learn more about where our graduates are currently working. Please note that these lists do not cover every single business that has hired a Sprott Shaw graduate, but they do provide a good representation of the sort of industries that Sprott Shaw graduates are working in.