CERTIFICATE programs
Early Childhood Education (K-primary option)
Early childhood is widely recognized as being a critically important period for establishing strong foundations for learning and wellbeing throughout life. Early childhood professionals thus have a tremendous responsibility in creating optimal learning environments, assessing children appropriately, and designing learning experiences to foster children's development and learning.
The certificate program in early childhood education can provide experienced teachers of young children, teachers new to teaching kindergarten and primary, and other early childhood professionals with knowledge and skills to enhance their professional practice with young children. 
Recognizing the value of teachers with specialized knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices, some school districts require kindergarten teachers to take courses specifically focused on the kindergarten year, and for grade one teachers to take courses in early childhood education.
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The UBC Certificate in Early Childhood Education does NOT qualify persons for a provincial license as an early childhood educator to teach in preschool or daycare programs. A license to work in preschool and daycare settings as a qualified early childhood educator is granted by the Ministry for Children and Family Development. Often, this license is obtained after completion of an Early Childhood Education program in one of the community colleges, university college, or through the continuing studies programs of some local school district, and 500 hours of supervised field experience. For information regarding regulatory requirements for registration see The Early Childhood Education Registry or phone 250-952-1726. |
This is a 15-credit certificate program, including ECED 405 Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education (required core course) plus four of the ECED courses listed below, or three ECED courses plus one approved elective.
The program allows you to complete the certificate within one year. Selected courses are offered online providing the opportunity to complete your Early Childhood Certificate program completely online. Some courses, including the IECER Summer Institute, will be held on campus.
View the ECED Course Schedule, or check the UBC Course Calendar for available sections.
| Course | Title | Online Option? |
|---|---|---|
| ECED 405 (3) | Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education (REQUIRED CORE COURSE) | Yes |
| ECED 406 (3) | Pre-kindergarten Curriculum | Yes |
| ECED 415 (3) | Supporting Learning in the Primary Years | no |
| ECED 416 (3) | Kindergarten Curriculum | Yes |
| ECED 417 (3) | Supporting Learning in the Kindergarten Year | no |
| ECED 420 (3) | History of Early Childhood Education | Yes |
| ECED 421 (3) | Home, School, and Community Relations | Yes |
| ECED 425 (3) | Advanced Studies in Early Childhood Education | no |
| ECED 438 (3) | Observation and Recording | Yes |
| ECED 480 (3) | IECER Summer Institute (held July each year, UBC campus) | no |
Pre-Approved Online Electives:
| Course | Title | Online Option? |
|---|---|---|
| EPSE 317 (3) | Development and Exceptionality in the Regular Classroom | Yes |
| EPSE 406 (3) | Typical and Atypical Development in Infants and Children | Yes |
| LLED 441 (3) | Introduction to Children's Literature | Yes |
If there is an elective course you would like to substitute you must request approval from the Institute of Early Childhood Education, email Iris Berger. Teachers should check with their school district about preferred courses, selected from the previous list.
Other UBC courses, or courses from other Canadian universities may also be approved (maximum allowable equivalent to 6 UBC credits, see Transfer Credits). If you are seeking approval for a course not on the above list, please contact the Undergraduate Coordinator, Iris Berger.
If you wish to continue your studies, certificate courses (including those you wish to transfer from other institutions) can be applied to the Diploma in Early Years Education. Check the Diploma in Education transfer credit procedures.
Students who wish to transfer courses to their Masters' programs are encouraged to check the Faculty of Graduate Studies procedures.
For further information about the Early Years Diploma, see EYE Diploma or contact Iris Berger (604-822-6593). |
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For information on other diplomas, see Diploma in Education or contact the Teacher Education Office (604-822-5242) |
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For information about the MA or MEd in Early Childhood Education, see ECE Graduate Programs. |
All applications for the Certificate must include a resume detailing relevant experience and coursework.
Review Application & Registration information.
Academic Advising: |
Iris Berger, Program Coordinator |
Student Support: |
Jo-Anne Chilton, Program Assistant |
UBC Admission: |
Maureen Shepherd, Teacher Education Office |
