For detailed descriptions of each course, please click here.

Course schedule is subject change without notice.

Delta’s ECE program offers in-person training. In class sessions will be held at Delta Community College, 11590-83 Ave, Delta or at North Delta Secondary, 11447 – 82 Ave, Delta.

Throughout the terms, there may be times when some sessions may be at different locations or offered via Zoom in a synchronous manner (ie., guest speakers/inclement weather). Students are given this information on the first night of classes. Students must have home access to a computer or device capable of videoconferencing and to reliable, high-speed internet.

Students must attend two nights per week and a minimum of two Saturday classes per term.  Evening classes run from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Saturday classes run from 9am to 4pm. A class that falls on a statutory holiday and/or a school break closure will be rebooked for a different evening.

Students are strongly urged to avoid extended absences or holidays during scheduled class time. The attendance policy for the DCE ECE programs stipulates that students missing more than two (2) sessions (Saturday class counts as two sessions) will result in an automatic grade of no credit.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are paid on a term-to-term basis; payment for tuition is due upon registration deadline.  

*Fees are subject to change

Additional Fees

*Fees are subject to change. There may be additional fees throughout the year of schooling which are not listed. 

The Post Basic ECE program focuses on working with infants and toddlers, and children with special needs.

• Delta Continuing Education has been teaching Early Childhood Education (ECE) since 1969.
• Delta Continuing Education is approved by the Early Childhood Registry as an educational training institution and fulfills all provincial requirements for certification in the ECE sector.
• DCE ECE programs are part time programs (evenings and Saturdays).
• DCE ECE programs provide quality instruction, based on current research and practice and grounded in the BC Early Learning Framework: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/early-learning/teach/earlylearning/early_learning_framework.pdf
• DCE ECE programs have affordable fees and are paid on a term-by-term basis. Also, students are eligible to apply to the ECE Education Support Fund for Bursary funds through ECEBC (ecebc.ca/bursaries-grants/ece-education-support-fund)

Our Pedagogical Vision

Our program recognizes the important connections between children, families, educators, and society. We aim to create a learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and understood, and where curiosity, creativity, and diverse perspectives are encouraged. We believe strong, respectful relationships are at the heart of learning and professional growth.

Our teaching approach includes current best practices:

• Responsive curriculum
• Inquiry-based learning
• Practices guided by the BC Early Learning framework

Following the BC Early Learning Framework, we are committed to “respectfully living and learning together.” This framework “supports the creation of rich, joyful early childhood spaces where children, adults, ideas and materials come together, and where knowledge is constructed about learning and living in ways that are local, inclusive ethical and democratic” (BC Early Learning Framework, p.11).

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.  – Maya Angelou

 Our Mission Statement

The DCE ECE program empowers students to contribute their personal best to society as they become tomorrow’s Early Childhood Educators. We strive to cultivate a place of well being for all students while providing a high-quality, comprehensive, and meaningful education for students.

What kind of world do you want to live in?
What kind of people do we want to be?
– Ann Pelo

These two questions are reflected in our core values, which guide our decisions, actions, and relationships with students, instructors and the community:

Compassion – Resilience – Responsibility – Integrity – Creativity – Diversity

What is the difference between the Basic and Post Basic Program?

The Basic ECE program, also known as the ECE Certificate or Basic Certificate, provides the foundational training required to become an Early Childhood Educator. The total program hours are 1032; this includes designated practicum and observation hours, and observation and writing workshops. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for their ECE Certificate to the BC ECE Registry. For more information on the Basic ECE Program, please click here.

The Post Basic ECE program refers to the specialized training offered after completing the Basic ECE Program. Students can complete the Infant/Toddler or Special Needs program or both. Each specialization takes 450 hours, including specialized practicums, and can be completed as a one-year part-time program.

What career opportunities are there with the Post Basic ECE Program?

The first years of a child’s education are among the most important; during this time educators can have a profound impact on a child’s success in development. There is an increasing demand for qualified Early Childhood Educators to work with young children in licensed child care facilities. Graduates of the program may find employment opportunities in a variety of Early Learning programs such as: childcare/daycare, pre-schools, family childcare/daycare, Strong Start, Supported Child Care Consultants and/or CCRR (child care resource and referral programs). The additional training and work experience gained in the Post Basic ECE program further increases employment opportunities for graduates of the program.

Approximately 90% of DCE ECE students will find employment prior to graduating from the program. 

Will I have opportunities to work with children?

Yes, students will have opportunities to observe children and complete practicums in licensed child care programs. Observation is a foundational practice in the ECE program, supporting students in developing the skills to notice, record and interpret children’s everyday experiences. Practicums are structured, hands-on learning experiences where students apply what they have learned in coursework within a real early learning setting. It provides opportunities to work directly with children, educators, and families, allowing students to develop practical skills in observation, curriculum planning, relationship building and responsive caregiving. The practicum is an essential bridge between theory and practice.

Is it possible to take the course online?

No, Delta’s ECE program is an in-person training program. The heart of our work as ECE professionals is grounded in relationships with children and families and is always done in person. This gives students hands-on learning and real-time feedback from instructors.

Is there any financial assistance available?

Since September 2018, the Early Childhood Educators of BC (ECEBC), in partnership with the Province of BC, enhanced and expanded the ECE Bursary Program, now known as the ECE Education Support Fund (ECE ESF). In December 2019, an additional $4 million from the Canada-BC Early Learning and Child Care Agreement was invested to help more educators obtain/upgrade their ECE Certificate.

These funding streams are designed to increase the number of students entering, re-establishing and graduating from recognized ECE post-secondary programs.  Delta Continuing Education’s Basic and Post Basic ECE programs are recognized ECE post-secondary programs, which means those accepted into them are eligible to apply for this funding.

For further information and application deadlines please refer to the ECEBC website at: www.ecebc.ca/bursaries-grants/ece-education-support-fund and/or contact ECEBC directly via email: bursary@ecebc.ca.

Does my previous education/training exempt me from some courses? 

Applicants who feel their prior education/training, outside of BC and/or internationally, may exempt them from some or all courses can request an assessment of their credentials directly from the ECE Registry of BC. Delta Continuing Education does not assess previous education/training but will review assessments from the ECE Registry of BC.  Please note: A review of these assessments does not guarantee acceptance into the program nor does it guarantee transfer equivalency credits. Please contact, the ECE Registry of BC: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/early-learning/teach/training-and-professional-development/become-an-early-childhood-educator/pathways

Students who wish to have their international training assessed, should contact ICES – International Credential Evaluation Services, prior to contacting the ECE Registry of BC.  Further information can be obtained at: www.bcit.ca/ices

Are courses with a different educational institution transferable?

Courses taken from any recognized ECE educational institution within BC may be accepted for transfer equivalency credit. For a complete list of recognized educational institutions please go to: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/early-learning/teach/training-and-professional-development/become-an-early-childhood-educator/recognized-ece-institutions

Students wanting their courses reviewed must first apply to the program; submit an official transcript and course outlines for all ECE courses they have successfully completed. If the student is accepted into the ECE program, DCE will then evaluate courses for possible transferability.

Only a maximum 25% of the ECE program would be transferable. Students who have been accepted into the program and have taken more than 25% of courses elsewhere, would submit official transcripts from both educational institutions to the ECE Registry for assessment. Education taken more than five years ago is not considered current and therefore will not be granted transfer equivalency credit into the DCE ECE program as DCE ECE believes there would be a gap in knowledge on current practices in the ECE field.

Please note: Students applying to the DCE ECE program who have exceeded 25% of their Post Basic Training from another institution will not be granted a workplace practicum. This policy is to ensure students are current in practice and have the required knowledge to help them be successful in meeting the required competencies of the DCE ECE practicum. 

Can I apply to the ECE program if I am an international student?

International students can apply to the program if they are legally eligible to be in Canada. Please note: Delta Continuing Education is not a designated post-secondary school in Canada. We are certified by Employment and Social Development Canada. Tuition fees and eligible months of part-time study can be used for income tax deductions. Although we are recognized as an education institution program within B.C. by the ECE Registry, students in the program are not eligible for B.C and Canadian student loans.

How do I register for courses?

Only students accepted in the program will be eligible to register for courses. Students will receive registration information via email with details on course registration and textbook ordering.

What is your refund/withdrawal/cancellation policy?

Refunds, minus a $20 processing fee, will only be issued to students who withdraw before the start of the second class. Partial refunds will be issued if students have requested a withdrawal before the start of the third class. No refunds will be issued after the start of the third class. Full refunds are only issued for courses cancelled by Delta Continuing Education. There are no refunds for textbooks ordered. If you have registered for a class and must withdraw, please contact the ECE Coodinator first at ececoordinator@deltaschools.ca, and then call the Delta Continuing Education Office at 604 940 5550.

Does Delta Continuing Education help with employment or job placement?

Students are in high demand. We offer practicum placements and observations with licensed childcare centres; approximately 90% of students find work prior to finishing their training programs.

How do I get my ECE Certificate?

Before a certificate in a post basic specialty is issued, an applicant must be registered as an Early Childhood Educator with the ECE Registry of BC. For further information and complete details on certification as an Infant Toddler Educator (ITE) or Special Needs Educator (SNE) in BC, please contact the Early Childhood Registry of BC:

It is the responsibility of each educator to maintain their certification with the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Registry. Renewal is required every five years for each certificate an educator holds. For complete details on renewal of registration, refer to the ECE Registry website

How can I get more information?

Please contact the ECE Coordinator at ececoordinator@deltaschools.ca. Information sessions on the program are held regularly. To register for an upcoming information session, please visit: https://cimsweb.deltasd.bc.ca/publicconnect/deevents.aspx