Early Childhood Education

Early childhood educators can have a huge impact on children’s lives at a key time in their development, when they are learning to walk, talk, and relate to others.

In fact, a long-term study by the HighScope Educational Research Foundation found that children enrolled in quality preschool programs were more likely to graduate from high school, hold a job, earn more, and commit fewer crimes than those who did not attend preschool.

Completing a certificate in Early Childhood Education (ECE) at UFV can help you launch a career in this field and prepare you to take on a meaningful role in society.

The UFV ECE certificate program is especially designed for part-time students and those already in the workforce, with core course offerings scheduled during afternoons and evenings.

Spread over four semesters, the program equips you with skills in childhood education, communications, and interpersonal relations and includes two practica that provide a context to apply classroom learning.

After you complete the program, a first aid certificate, and 500 hours of supervised work, you can apply to the Provincial Licensing Board to receive your Early Childhood Educator license.

To enhance your professional qualifications, you may opt to pursue your studies to earn a ECE diploma or a Bachelor's degree in Child and Youth Care at UFV.

Career Outlook For Early Childhood Education

Job prospects in the Early Childhood Education field are excellent in Canada, where, according to Statistics Canada, nearly two thirds of families have both parents working outside the home and 67.8 per cent of women with children under six employed in the workforce.

Graduates may find work in daycares, preschools, nursery schools, special needs centres, public schools, and infant or toddler centres. Career opportunities also exist with community services, governmental organizations, hospitals, and parks and recreation departments.

Men in the early childhood field may find strong opportunities in group care settings, where male role models are at a premium.A lack of regulated child care spaces also opens up opportunities for entrepreneurs wishing to launch their own childhood education centre.