The Early Childhood Education Post Basic  (Special Needs Specialization) program provides continuing education to  Early Childhood Educators or those who are in the process of completing  the required 500 hours of work experience needed to be certified. 

It takes caring, compassionate and patient people to work with children who have special needs. It also requires specific training to ensure all children in an ECE professional's care are receiving the care they need and deserve. The Early Childhood Education Post Basic (Special Needs Specialization) program gives ECE professionals a broader range of skills that they can use in any ECE setting. Whether working in a public preschool or a private daycare, Early Childhood Educators can benefit greatly from this additional ECE diploma.

*Workplace placement must be completed in British Columbia

Academic Admission Requirements

• Students must meet all of the pre-requisites listed below, meet their financial obligations with the college, and acknowledge their understanding of the college’s policies and procedures provided in the student handbook, prior to starting classes. 

• High school graduation or equivalent * 
  * (From an English language teaching institution) OR Mature student status ** 
  ** (19 years of age upon starting classes, and Pass college’s English admissions test.) 
  Completion of a Basic Early Childhood Education program from an accredited college 

Meet the English Language Proficiency Policy

Administrative Requirements for Admissions:

Interview with campus director, program co-ordinator, or designate 
Current resume (record of work history) 
Three character references

This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. 


The Early Childhood Education Post Basic (Special Needs Specialization) program is offered in-class format, at the Burnaby campus.

Individuals who have successfully completed early childhood training through a recognized educational institution in British Columbia may apply to the BC Early Childhood Educator Registry for certification as a Special Needs Educator (SNE). The program is offered as an in-person program.

Contact the Early Childhood Educator Registry for details of the application process at 1.888.338.6622 or visit their website.

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