Programs Available
Students are required to complete courses in each program in order. In British Columbia, students may apply for Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) Certification through the BC ECE Registry as an early exit point of the Basic ECE Certificate. The Basic ECE Certificate must be completed prior to beginning the ITE Certificate or SNE Certificate programs and an Early Childhood Education Diploma is granted upon successful completion of all three certificate programs. For further information, full program outlines are linked to each of these programs.
Most students choose to complete the programs and courses part-time. Part-time students take one course at a time and complete it before taking their next course. Prerequisite courses must be completed before advancing to the next course in the program. There are also a limited number of openings available in the full-time programs. If you wish to apply for a full-time program, please contact the administrator for details. The full-time Basic ECE Certificate is 41 weeks, and the full-time ITE and SNE Certificates are each 25 weeks. It is advised that students take the programs part time and enroll in courses individually as they are ready to take them. Each course is made up of 10 units and a final exam to be completed over 10 weeks (approx. 45-98 hours). Practicums may be taken in approved institutions around your community and vary between 120 and 225 hours of work experience. Ensure that before you enroll in a course, you acquire the appropriate textbook first.
Early Childhood Educator Assistant Certification and Renewal
Students become eligible to apply for Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) Certification through the BC ECE Registry upon successful completion of one of the first three courses in the Basic Early Childhood Education Certificate program. ECEA applicants must successfully complete one of the following courses at Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute:
Upon completion of one of these three courses, students may order a transcript to show completion of the province's ECEA academic requirement and have it sent to the BC ECE Registry, along with their ECE Assistant Application.
Already certified Early Childhood Assistants and Educators looking to renew and upgrade certifications are welcome to take individual courses to continue along their education pathway.
Basic Early Childhood Educator Certificate
Graduates of the Basic Early Childhood Education Certificate Program become eligible to apply for Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certification through the BC ECE Registry. Students who successfully complete one of the first three courses in the program (HSN, CGD, or GC) become eligible to apply for Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) Certification through the BC ECE Registry.
This program provides training for individuals to work in licensed facilities that care for children aged 3 to 5 years. It consists of 8 courses and 3 practicums. Areas covered include the following aspects of child care: health, safety, nutrition, growth, and development. Also included are foundations in early childhood education, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and interpersonal communication. Through the practicums, students learn how theory studied in the courses relates to practice. Click here for full program outline.
Courses
Post-Basic Infant/Toddler Educator Certificate
Graduates of the Infant Toddler/Educator Certificate Program become eligible to apply for Infant Toddler Educator (ITE) Certification through the BC ECE Registry.
This program focuses on growth and development in the first three years of a child’s life as well as safety of children under the age of three. It includes appropriate curriculum for this age group, relationships with the families of the children, theories related to infant growth and development, and administering an Infant/Toddler Centre. Click here for full program outline.
Courses
Post-Basic Special Needs Educator Certificate
Graduates of the Special Needs Educator Certificate Program become eligible to apply for Special Needs Educator (SNE) Certification through the BC ECE Registry.
This program is designed to provide the skills necessary to work with children who need extra support in a child care setting. Courses cover the following topics: benefits of inclusion, effects of a disability on the child and family, intervention strategies, and early intervention. Courses will also discuss strategies for early childhood educators to maximize the potential of children with extra support needs. Click here for full program outline.
Courses
Early Childhood Educator Diploma
Students who complete all three certificate programs (Basic, Infant/Toddler and Special Needs) will receive the Early Childhood Education Diploma and be eligible to apply for Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certification, Infant Toddler Educator (ITE) Certification, and Special Needs Educator (SNE) Certification through the BC ECE Registry.
Students wishing to take both Post-Basic Certificate programs are not required to repeat Infant/Toddler Growth and Development, Working with Families or Centre Administration. Click here for full program outline.
Domestic Student Tuition
The cost of each of the academic courses is $695.00 and each Basic Program practicum component is $695.00 and each Post Basic practicum component is $895.00. The cost does not include textbooks.
International Student Tuition
The cost of each of the academic courses is $1045.00 and each Basic Program practicum component is $1185.00 and each Post Basic practicum component is $1470.00. The cost does not include textbooks.
Costs and fees are subject to change. Please view our fee schedule for tuition rates effective July 1, 2023.
For more information, please read the Student Handbook.