EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – BASIC CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This ‘Basic’ Early Childhood Education (ECE) program is designed for those planning to care for and educate young children 3-5 years of age in preschool, group child care centres, ‘early learning’ programs and ‘family places’.
The ECE – Basic Certificate program offered by Burnaby CCE is approved by the Early Childhood Registry of the BC Ministry for Children & Families.
Our program’s pedagogical vision includes the current practices of responsive curriculum, inquiry-based learning and the curriculum from the BC Early Learning framework.
Successful completion of 13 courses and 3 practicums is required for licensing by the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Registry. Burnaby CCE also requires 2 Academic Enrichment courses.
NEXT PROGRAM START DATES
- FULL-TIME PROGRAM
◆ Schedule: 2025-Sep to 2026-Aug courses run weekdays 9:30-3:30
◆ Location: partly online, partly in person at 7650 Sapperton Ave.
◆ Tuition Fee: $8500
◆ Application submission for the fulltime program are now OPEN
◆ Qualifying applicants will be invited to an interview - PART-TIME PROGRAM
◆ Schedule: 2025-Sept to 2027-June courses run weekday evenings 6:45-9:45pm with occasional Saturday 9:30-3:30
◆ Location: partly online, partly in person at at 7650 Sapperton Ave.
◆ Tuition Fee: $8500
◆ Application submission for the part-time program is now OPEN
◆ Qualifying applicants will be invited to an interview
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply, submit the following:
- Photocopy of government id (Driver’s Licence, BC ID card, passport, etc.) to verify your identity
- Copy of academic transcripts and other documents relevant to childcare training
- Two page autobiography (include details about your values, interests, and the reasons for choosing to care for and educate young children)
- Proof of completion of English 12 or Communications 12 with a C+ OR will write or has written an English test with BCCE
- Updated resume
- 3 signed reference letters; at least one should be from past employment/study
- Completed form for ECE Student Health Declaration
How to submit the application package:
- Please submit a complete application package; we cannot accept incomplete packages that are missing required documents
- Online submission: (1) submit the application package online and (2) pay the non-refundable ECE Basic Application Fee using the green button at the top of this page and use course code 3000
- In person submission: Bring the package and ECE Basic Application Fee to the Marian Education Centre, 7650 Sapperton Ave, Burnaby. Please contact 604-296-6939 to set up an appointment for drop-off.
- Once this application is submitted, you will be contacted for a interview and English test if required
- Once you are accepted, you will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check; details will be provided as part of the admission package
To complete your application you must also submit the non-refundable ECE Basic Application Fee $30. If you have any questions prior to registration, please email ECE@burnabyschools.ca for assistance.
SUBMISSION ASSISTANCE
If you have trouble submitting the application online, please email ECE@burnabyschools.ca for assistance.
If you do not have access to a Scanner, here is an app called Simple Scanner:
Link to download the app on Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simplescan.scanner&hl=en_CA&gl=US&pli=1
Link to download the app on Apple (ios):
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/simple-scanner-pdf-doc-scan/id1531265666
PROGRAM CURRICULUM
Year 1 Courses
- Academic Enrichment
- ECE3103 Interpersonal Skills
- ECE3100 Child Growth and Development 1
- ECE3200 Child Growth and Development 2
- ECE3120 Foundations of Early Childhood
- ECE3102 The Learning Child
- ECE3130 Guiding & Caring
- ECE3115 Observing, Recording, and Interpreting
- ECEP3125 Demonstration Practicum 1
Year 2 Courses
- ECE3206 Responsive Curriculum
- ECE3205 Program Development: Music & Movement
- ECE3202 Program Development: Art
- ECE3203 Program Development: Science, Socials, and Math
- ECE3204 Program Development: Language & Literature
- ECEP3225 Demonstration Practicum 2
- ECE3210 Parent, Teachers, and Community Relations
- ECE3230 Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- ECEP3250 Demonstration Practicum 3
The ECE – Basic Certificate program is offered part time and full time.
- PART TIME – classes are scheduled in the evenings (6:45-9:45 pm) and occasional Saturdays (9:30-3:30 pm).
- FULL TIME – the program is scheduled to run Monday – Friday, (9:30 am – 3:30 pm).
Please note that BCCE offers our program in a hybrid format, with an emphasis on in-person programming, we do not currently offer a fully online program.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To graduate, students must meet all the following requirements:
- Completion of all assignments, presentations and tests
- Successful completion of all practicums and courses
- A minimum of 65% in each course
- Demonstration of professional standards of behaviour
FUTURE EMPLOYMENT
Graduates of our program work in a variety of licensed child care settings including preschools, group child care centres, in-home multi-age, early learning programs, and family drop-in programs.
Approximately 90% of our students find employment within 6 months of graduating from our program.
STUDENT FEEDBACK
Why did I take the ECE program?
When my daughter was two and a half years old I started taking her to Strong Start. We lived in Burnaby at the time and we were going to one of the local schools. We both fell in love with the teacher, a very special lady with a big heart full of kindness and patience for children and parents. I didn’t know much about the different approaches and philosophies to Early Childhood Education back then, however, I could tell that this teacher loved her job. I noticed the way she was setting up the environment in her classroom as well as the materials she was offering to the children were different than the conventional classroom. I learned that the Strong Centers in the Burnaby school district were inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and were following the children’s interests. After my daughter started Kindergarten I enrolled in the Basic ECE Program with the Burnaby School District.
What were the benefits of taking the ECE basic program?
The Basic ECE program offered by the Burnaby School District is designed for people with busy schedules like myself, working full time jobs and taking care of their families. The classes are in the evening or sometimes on Saturday. Students can choose to enroll in the 2 or 3 year program. The program is run by an amazing team of instructors who have significant experience in the ECE field and are very knowledgeable and supportive. I think that building close relationships between instructors and students is creating a very positive learning environment. The Burnaby ECE program is offering an affordable high quality education that gives you the knowledge and confidence you need to become an ECE professional.
What are the best things about the ECE basic program?
I really enjoyed our evenings of sharing and discussions in a safe, welcoming environment, surrounded by amazing instructors and classmates, driven by their love for the children and their dedication to provide the best care possible. What doors opened for you after graduating from the ECE Basic program? Two years ago, I opened my home-based child care center. Graduating from the Basic ECE program gave me the confidence in my skills and knowledge that I needed in order to build an engaging high quality program.
Why did you return to school to take the Post Basic program?
Sometimes I get asked by parents why I returned to take the ECE Post Basic program if I’m already running my own daycare. When the principal at my daughter’s school sends the parents an email, he always ends it with the same quote “He who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” (Anonymous) This is probably the main reason why I went back to school. I think that as ECE professionals we have to always be open to learning so we can provide the best care to the children in our centers.
What do you love about the Post Basic program?
The courses I’m taking now are engaging and inspiring, encouraging me to become a more reflective teacher and to embrace the principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy in my practice.
I began my journey with Burnaby Continuing Education in 2004. In 2007, I opened Childgarden Preschool. The Early Childhood Education was an incredibly inspiring program, far exceeding my expectations. The instructors are passionate, inspiring, very knowledgeable and deeply caring about each student’s success. The courses are detailed and in depth; giving you a thorough foundation of knowledge that will spark your future in ECE. I believe the instructors and programing shaped my future as a 2012 recipient of The Prime Minister’s Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education; a result of preschool parent nominations. I now have a passion for the Reggio Emilia approach flamed by the experience and enthusiasm of the instructors. I am forever grateful to them for sharing their insight, vision and wisdom.Sue Woodward (Owner of Childgarden Preschool, Coquitlam, BC, and BCCE Instructor)