Early Learning and Care (Diploma)

Total Credits:	72
Credential:	Diploma in Early Learning and Care
Program Code:	ELC.DIP
CIP:	13.121

Overview

The Early learning and Care Diploma program is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and values to create responsive and nurturing early learning experiences. The ELC program embraces the belief that children and families are competent and capable, and the program reflects this principle in our work with students and the community. Indigenous perspectives on supporting children and families, and connections to nature, land and place, as well as the impact of colonization and the residential school experience, are woven throughout the learning experience. Students learn how to support and strengthen children’s unique and complex identities within their particular contexts. The program incorporates a sociocultural perspective of early childhood education as identified by current research and contemporary discourses.

Graduates are prepared with a strong foundation for many professional opportunities in the field of early learning and care. They have the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to create responsive, caring environments for all including infants, toddlers, pre-school age children and children with diverse abilities. Graduates are prepared to provide leadership and advocacy within the community of early learning and care.

Students who successfully complete all required courses for the Diploma are eligible for Provincial certification as an Early Childhood Educator with specialization as Infant and Toddler Educators and/or Special Needs Educators. Information on certification can be found on the Early Childhood Provincial Registry.

Career/Academic Advancement Opportunities

Early Years Centers (provincial hubs)
Group Childcare Centers (Pre-schools and Day Cares)
Family Child Care Homes
Family Resource Programs
School-Age Care Programs
Graduates with a diploma in ELC may apply for transfer credit towards a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care Degree at: University of Victoria, Vancouver Island University, University of the Fraser Valley, Douglas College or a Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and Education at Capilano University.

Admissions

One of:

C+ in English 12
C in English 12 Camosun Alternative

And all of:

Info Session: Attendance at a scheduled Early Learning and Care program Information Session is required.
*Experience: Submit proof of completion of 40 hours experience as an employee or volunteer within the past five years in an early years group program/setting/child care. Experience must be with children five years of age and under. Experience may include up to two settings, with a minimum of 20 hours in each.

You are required to submit a letter from your employer/supervisor verifying:

your name
hours of experience, including date range
name, address and description of the early years program/setting/child care, and age range and number of children
signature, name, title and contact information of the employer/supervisor

*Camosun is waiving this 40 hours admission requirement for the Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 ELC Diploma Program intakes.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the program students will be able to:

Use critical thinking skills in the ongoing, dynamic creation and reflection of democratic early learning and care practices.
Support young children’s well-being and holistic learning within the context of family, culture and community.
Establish, maintain, evaluate and adapt inclusive, nurturing, safe and healthy environments which exceed the requirements of current legislation, regulatory bodies and program policies.
Use respectful, professional and culturally appropriate interpersonal communication skills in all aspects of work as an early learning and care professional.
Develop relationships with young children, families, and colleagues as a foundation for early learning and care practice.
Demonstrate basic knowledge of indigenous ways of knowing and being as well as the impact of residential schools and colonization in order to provide supportive early learning experiences for aboriginal children, families and community.
Demonstrate professional responsibility and accountability as an early childhood educator by adhering to the Early Childhood Code of Ethics (principles of fairness, equity and diversity).

Curriculum

Year One

All of:

ELC 110 - Perspectives on Child Growth and Development 1 Credits: 3
ELC 113 - Guiding Relationships 1 Credits: 3
ELC 120 - Introduction to Learning Environments Credits: 3
ELC 130 - Early Childhood Profession Credits: 3
ELC 143 - Practicum 1 Credits: 6
ELC 150 - Health and Wellness for Early Learning & Care Credits: 3
ELC 160 - Community Observations Credits: 3
ELC 170 - Working With Family and Community Credits: 3
ENGL 151 - Academic Writing Strategies Credits: 3 *
PSYC 154 - Interpersonal Skills Credits: 3

One of:

HLTH 111 - Indigenous Peoples’ Health Credits: 3
IST 120 - Indigenous Peoples/TELTIN TTE WILNEW Credits: 3

Note:

* Students may use ENGL 150 in lieu of ENGL 151 toward program completion.

Year Two

All of:

ELC 212 - Guiding Relationships 2 Credits: 3
ELC 214 - Leading to Build Capacity Credits: 3
ELC 216 - Perspectives on Child Growth and Development 2 Credits: 3
ELC 220 - Inclusive Child Care Credits: 3
ELC 221 - Designing Dynamic Environments Credits: 3
ELC 230 - Infant and Toddler Care Credits: 3
ELC 231 - Early Childhood Profession 2 Credits: 3
ELC 240 - Practicum 2 Credits: 6
PSYC 256 - Introduction to Counselling Credits: 3

One of:

ELC 241 - Infant/Toddler Practice Credits: 6
ELC 242 - Inclusive Practice Credits: 6

Note:

There are two versions of the program - 4 or 6 semester diploma schedule

Program Participation Requirements

On or before the first day of class students are required to:

Submit documented completion of current First Aid Certificate accepted by the Child Care Facilities Licensing Board.
Submit proof of a Criminal Record Check.

Program Completion Requirements

Students must receive a “C+” in all letter-graded courses in the program, plus successfully complete ELC 143 , ELC 240 and ELC 241 or ELC 242 with a COM, to graduate with a Diploma in Early Learning and Care.