Early Childhood Care and Learning Diploma

Diploma
TYPE:
  • Part Time
  • Full Time
LENGTH: 2 year
CAMPUS: Prince George
FEES: Estimated at $9,168
START DATE: Fall 2025
DELIVERY:
  • In Class
Application Status
Applications still open.
  • Overview
  • Courses
  • Location & Dates
  • Entry Requirements
  • Fees

Overview

Earn a Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Learning from CNC. This program will provide you the opportunities to work with infants and toddlers or children requiring extra support.

Early childhood education is a naturally rewarding and challenging career. It is full of opportunities to help children and families learn and grow. A natural ability around young children is only the first step in the career journey. Professional caregivers face a variety of behavioural, organizational, and personal challenges.

The diploma will prepare you with skills to work with infants and toddlers and children with diverse abilities.

Careers

Graduates in Early Childhood Care and Learning may go on to work with young children in a variety of settings, including:

  • Child care centres
  • Preschools
  • Supported Child Development programs
  • Aboriginal supported child care programs
  • Infant and family development programs
  • Infant Toddler Programs
  • Social service agencies
  • Libraries
  • School district StrongStart programs
  • Child development centres
  • Owner/operator of early learning programs

What you will learn

The Early Childhood Care and Learning program provides comprehensive practical skills and theoretical understanding.

  • Attachment theories
  • Infant & Toddler development
  • Health, safety, and nutrition
  • Family Centered Practice
  • Administration and Leadership
  • Advocacy

Graduates of the diploma can apply for a certificate to practice as an Infant/Toddler Educator and/or a Special Needs Educator from the Early Childhood Educator Registry in BC.

Early Childhood Care and Learning Diploma Courses

The Early Childhood Care and Learning Diploma Program provides students with the competencies and knowledge required to care for and educate children from birth to five years of age, and to work collaboratively with children, families, professionals, and communities. Graduates are eligible to apply to the ECE Registry (Ministry of Children and Family Development) for the following credentials: - ECE Certificate - Infant Toddler Certificate - Special Needs Certificate

Required Courses

COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE CREDITS LENGTH
ECCL-167 Responsive Environments 3 45 hours
ECCL-175 Families 3 45 hours
ECCL-178 Professional Interactions 
3 45 hours
COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE CREDITS LENGTH
ECCL-150 Developmental Perspectives I 3 15 weeks
ECCL-151 Developmental Perspectives II 3 15 weeks
ECCL-154 Historical Contemporary ECE 3 15 weeks
ECCL-156 Care and Guidance 3 15 weeks
ECCL-165 Responsive Curriculum I 3 15 weeks
ECCL-166 Responsive Curriculum II 3 15 weeks
ECCL-170 Observing and Recording 3 15 weeks
ECCL-172 Health and Wellness 3 15 weeks
ECCL-190 Practicum 1 3 15 weeks
ECCL-195 Practicum II 4 15 weeks
ECCL-199 Practicum III 3 15 weeks
ECCL-251 Advanced Dev. Perspectives 3 15 weeks
ECCL-252 Leadership and Administration 3 15 weeks
ECCL-255 ECCL Program Planning 3 15 weeks
ECCL-256 Intro to Inclusive Child Care 3 15 weeks
ECCL-272 Advanced Health & Wellness 3 15 weeks
ECCL-275 Partnership With Families 3 15 weeks

English Requirement

Choose one of the following English courses

COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE CREDITS LENGTH
ENGL-103 Composition & Style 3 15 weeks
ENGL-113 Writing and Communication 3 15 weeks

Practicum Option

Choose one of the following practicums

COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE CREDITS LENGTH
ECCL-295 Infant-Toddler Practicum 4 15 weeks
ECCL-299 Inclusive Child Care Practicum 4 15 weeks
START DATE CAMPUS DELIVERY LENGTH
Fall 2025 Prince George In Class 2 years

Entry Requirements

  • High school graduation or equivalent.
  • English Studies 12, or English First Peoples 12, or ENGL 050, or ENGL 051 or equivalent (minimum “C”)

Note 1: Students must complete a provincial Schedule B criminal record search because there is a practicum component involving work with vulnerable people. Students are responsible for all costs incurred. A search which identifies relevant criminal convictions may prevent students from registering for practicum. To graduate from the Early Childhood Care and Learning program, each practicum must be successfully completed. RCMP criminal record checks are not accepted.

Note 2: Students can apply for an Early Childhood Certificate to Practice with the ECE Registry after completing the 100 level courses.

Note 3: If students have completed an Early Childhood Care and Learning Program, or equivalent, at another post-secondary institution contact the Articulation Officer at transfercredit@cnc.bc.ca to discuss transferring credits towards a PornÑо¿Ëùdiploma. All costs associated with certifications, courses, and/or documentation requirements are the student’s responsibility

Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.

Limited admission

A program with a limited number of seats per intake and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.

Invest in your future

The estimated cost for this program is $9,168.   

These costs are an estimate. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details. 

Books for this program can be purchased from the .

Paying for college

We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding. Visit Financial aid to find out how.

Salaries and employment

Looking for a job? Check the .