Academic Calendar 2021-22 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
Academic Calendar 2021-22 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Early Learning and Care (Diploma)


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Total Credits: 64
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:

And all of:

  • Info Session: Attendance at a scheduled Early Learning and Care program Information Session is required. An online option of the Information Session is available for anyone unable to attend in person
  • Experience: Submit proof of completion of 40 hours experience as an employee or volunteer within the past five years in an early years group setting. 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 and age of children
  • signature, name, title and contact information of the employer/supervisor

*Camosun is waiving this 40 hours admission requirement for the Winter 2022, Fall 2022 and Winter 2023 intake due to current guidelines to limit all non-essential persons in child care programs.

 

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


Fall Semester


Winter Semester


Summer Semester


Note:


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

** Students may use CFCS 160  (taken prior to Jan 1, 2015) in lieu of ELC 170   toward program completion until 2018 (per Camosun College Standards for Awarding Credentials).

Year Two


Fall Semester


Winter Semester


Note:


*** Students may use CFCS 211 (taken prior to Jan.1, 2016) in lieu of ELC 231   toward program completion until 2019 (per Camosun College Standards for Awarding Credentials)

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.

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