Main Programs and Courses Teaching Education Programs Early Childhood Education Post Basic (Special Needs Specialization)

Early Childhood Education Post Basic (Special Needs Specialization)

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.

Admission Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent* OR mature student status**.

Criminal record check (in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act)
Immunization report (form provided by the college)
Interview with campus director, program coordinator, or designate
Current resume (record of work history)
Three character references
Completion of a Basic Early Childhood Education program from an accredited college

*From an English language teaching institution.
**19 years of age upon starting classes, and pass college’s English admissions test.

This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

This program is 36 weeks in length if taken part-time.

This program is 18 weeks in length.

Daycare Supervisor
Daycare Worker
Preschool Supervisor
Childcare Worker
Early Childhood Supervisor
Early Childhood Program Director

Program Courses

ECE4050 / Administration Skills for Child Care Centers

This module prepares students in the administrative duties of a preschool or daycare. Topics such as program philosophy and policy design, financial management, organizational structure, staff development and relationships with families and community will be highlighted.

ECE4000 / Advanced Child Growth and Development

Students will review typical development from birth to six years of age. This module includes a focus on recognition of children who require additional support with an emphasis placed on current theory and research. Students will apply their knowledge of child growth, development and individual differences using a case study approach.

ECE4060 / Advanced Health, Safety and Nutrition

This module equips the student with knowledge and skills for planning, implementing and evaluating health practices for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children who need extra support in integrated and infant/toddler settings.

ECE4070 / Foundations of Working with Children with Special Needs

This module is designed for those requiring specialized skills in the care and guidance of working with children who require additional support. Students will explore the selection and use of appropriate assessment materials and intervention techniques for working with children who have special needs. A family-centered approach, which focuses on promoting social interactions among children, will be taken.

ECE4010 / Interacting with Families, School and Community

This module examines the knowledge, strategies and competencies needed by the early childhood educator to collaborate effectively with families of infants, toddlers and children who need additional support. The ethics of empowerment of families, professionals, and children is also examined. Students will review the family systems approach, communication skills and the family-centred care model.

ECE4080 / Program Planning for Children with Special Needs

The emphasis of this module is on adaptation of special care needs and curriculum development to the various group care environments. Child development principles will provide the basis for program planning and implementation.

ECE4090 / Special Needs Practicum

A six-week integrated community-based practicum, supervised by a Certified Special Needs Educator with additional observation and evaluation by ECE Faculty from Vancouver Career College. This laboratory course provides the student with opportunities for the development and implementation of comprehensive projects that demonstrate advanced professional knowledge and practice.

Early Childhood Education Post Basic (Special Needs Specialization)

This program is 36 weeks in length if taken part-time.

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