Program at a glance
Credential
Diploma
Work experience
Clinical/fieldwork placement
Study options
Full-time
Open to International
Yes
Area of study
Length
2 years (16 months)
Make a difference in the life of each child
Start in September or January!
In the Early Learning and Care (ELC) program, you'll be provided with cutting edge knowledge and skills to work collaboratively with children, families, professionals and communities. You'll learn to create responsive environments that support each child to reach their potential in every area.
We'll help you succeed
You will learn how to provide care and education that focuses on the needs of children and their families. You'll foster each child's optimal emotional, intellectual, linguistic, creative, physical, cultural and social development.
Hands-on learning
In the two years you'll spend in the ELC program, you'll participate in three practicum placements. Emphasis is placed on working collaboratively with families, within communities and with other professionals.
Graduates
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.
Further transfer opportunities
Graduates with a diploma in ELC have transfer credit towards a degree in Child and Youth Care. If you decide to continue with further education you may eventually seek employment as a licensing officer, consultant, policy analyst or college instructor. You'll have an exciting role in a quickly developing field of work. As public awareness of the importance of the early years grows, early childhood educators are beginning to receive professional recognition and appropriate pay for the role they play in the lives of young children. You may choose to pursue further education towards the Child and Youth Care degree at:
Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions
The School of Health & Human Services (HHS) offers Priority Seating for Indigenous students in all Health related programs.
Visit Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen - Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections (IECC) for information on how to apply.
Any questions about the application process, please contact hhsindigenoussupport@camosun.ca
The Indigenous Limited Priority Admissions process, approved by the Board of Governors, supported by the Education Council, and approved by the BC Human Rights Tribunal, welcomes applications from all qualified Indigenous applicants.
What you'll learn
Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.
Program outline
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.
What to expect
Located at our Interurban campus, the ELC program is two academic years long. If you’re enrolling as a full time student you’ll be taking the equivalent of 5 or 6 courses each term with a combination of 11-16 class hours and 6-18 practicum hours in local early learning and care programs each semester. It’s common for an additional 15-30 hours per week be spent on homework. Student assessment occurs in all courses, and may include research papers, reflective journals, projects, presentations, and exams. Some courses may be offered via distance delivery.
This is a rigorous program with a combination of academic and hands-on practical experiences.
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll receive the skills and knowledge to guide children’s behaviour and their environment, while supporting and developing good communication skills.
Year 2
In your second year, you’ll consolidate and integrate your foundational knowledge. Then you will go deeper into leadership, professional practice and specialty focus.
*Please note, that the CRC can take 6-8 weeks to be returned, and the First Aid courses are often full. You are encouraged to start your CRC and register for First Aid as soon as possible to prevent any delays.
ELC program handbooks
Find current student information in the School of Health and Human Services and ELC program handbooks.
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025
Estimated tuition
Tuition estimates are for the entire program.
Early Learning and Care, Diploma
$8,153 (domestic)
$32,864 (international)
Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.
For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees.
Student fees
In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.
Financial assistance
You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.
Admission requirements
One of: And all of: You are required to submit a letter from your employer/supervisor verifying:
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...
Ready to get started?
Check our current program availability.
Missing admission requirements?
You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Need help applying?
Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.
Contact us
If you have admissions questions contact us today!
If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your Health and Human Services classes contact hhsinfo@camosun.ca
Faculty/staff profile
Michelle Jaworsky
Chair of CFCS Department, Program Leader, and Instructor
jaworskym@camosun.ca
250-370-4293
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Erin Van Stone
Practicum Coordinator, Early Learning & Care (ELC)
vanstonev@camosun.ca
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness (CHW)
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Anastasia Butcher
Instructor
butchera@camosun.ca
250-370-4290
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Jeanne Puritch
Instructor, Early Learning & Care (ELC)
puritchj@camosun.ca
250-370-4673
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness (CHW)
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Jessica Fee
Instructor
feej@camosun.ca
250-370-4291
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Saza Rose
Instructor, Early Learning and Care (ELC)
lichtyl@camosun.ca
250-370-1029
Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness (CHW)
Full bio
Faculty/staff profile
Learn more
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.
Contact information
School of Health and Human Services
Admissions questions: