Overview
Earn a Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Learning from CNC. This program will provide you the opportunities to work with infants and toddlers or children requiring extra support.
Early childhood education is a naturally rewarding and challenging career. It is full of opportunities to help children and families learn and grow. A natural ability around young children is only the first step in the career journey. Professional caregivers face a variety of behavioural, organizational, and personal challenges.
The diploma will prepare you with skills to work with infants and toddlers and children with diverse abilities.
Careers
Graduates in Early Childhood Care and Learning may go on to work with young children in a variety of settings, including:
- Child care centres
- Preschools
- Supported Child Development programs
- Aboriginal supported child care programs
- Infant and family development programs
- Infant Toddler Programs
- Social service agencies
- Libraries
- School district StrongStart programs
- Child development centres
- Owner/operator of early learning programs
What you will learn
The Early Childhood Care and Learning program provides comprehensive practical skills and theoretical understanding.
- Attachment theories
- Infant & Toddler development
- Health, safety, and nutrition
- Family Centered Practice
- Administration and Leadership
- Advocacy
Graduates of the diploma can apply for a certificate to practice as an Infant/Toddler Educator and/or a Special Needs Educator from the Early Childhood Educator Registry in BC.
Early Childhood Care and Learning Diploma Courses
The Early Childhood Care and Learning Diploma Program provides students with the competencies and knowledge required to care for and educate children from birth to five years of age, and to work collaboratively with children, families, professionals, and communities. Graduates are eligible to apply to the ECE Registry (Ministry of Children and Family Development) for the following credentials: - ECE Certificate - Infant Toddler Certificate - Special Needs Certificate
Required Courses
English Requirement
Choose one of the following English courses
Practicum Option
Choose one of the following practicums
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
2 years
Second year offered online |
| Fall 2026 |
Quesnel |
In Class |
2 years
Second year offered online |
Entry Requirements
Fall 2027 Intake and Onwards
For applications to the Fall 2027 intake (September start), you must meet the following requirements:
Note 1: Students must complete a provincial Schedule B criminal record search because there is
a practicum component involving work with vulnerable people. Students are responsible for all
costs incurred. A search which identifies relevant criminal convictions may prevent students
from registering for practicum. To graduate from the Early Childhood Care and Learning
program, each practicum must be successfully completed. RCMP criminal record checks are not
accepted.
Note 2: Students can apply for an Early Childhood Certificate to Practice with the ECE Registry
after completing the 100 level courses.
Note 3: Students can complete either ECCL 295 or ECCL 299 to receive a diploma. Graduates
may wish to return in a fall semester and complete either ECCL 295 or ECCL 299 to meet the ECE
Registry requirements for an Infant/Toddler certificate to practice or a Special Needs certificate
to practice; however, they will not receive further credentialing from CNC.
Note 4: If students have completed an Early Childhood Care and Learning Program, or
equivalent, at another post-secondary institution contact the Articulation Officer at
transfercredit@cnc.bc.ca to discuss transferring credits towards a CNC diploma.
All costs associated with certifications, courses, and/or documentation requirements are the
student’s responsibility
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Limited admission
A program with a limited number of seats per intake and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.
Invest in your future
This program is estimated at $12,552.22.
These costs are an estimate. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college