COURSE CURRICULUM

The Diploma in Early Childhood Education at Douglas College consists of 60 credits spread across four semesters, combining foundational knowledge with practical experience to prepare students for roles as both Early Childhood Educators and Special Needs Educators. In Semesters 1 and 2, students take core courses such as Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECED 1155), Positive Guidance (ECED 1241), Growth and Development (ECED 1200), Professional Growth and Communication (ECED 1211), and health-related practices (ECED 1125). Curriculum-focused courses include Methods for Inclusive Play-Based Programs I (ECED 1220) and ECE Curriculum I (ECED 1231), alongside Observing and Documenting Learning (ECED 1121). Practical training is introduced with Practicum I (ECED 1285). Students also choose one communication course—either Workplace Writing (CMNS 1110) or Academic Writing (ENGL 1130). Semester 3 builds on this foundation with courses such as Change and Development from Birth through Early School Years (ECED 2305), Indigenous Worldview and ECE (ECED 2361), ECE Curriculum II (ECED 2331), Inclusive Play-Based Programs II (ECED 2320), and a second practicum (ECED 2385). Semester 4 focuses on special needs, including courses like Working with Families (ECED 2315), Administrative Skills (ECED 2412), and Issues and Trends in ECE (ECED 2471). Specialized content includes Advanced Growth and Development for children with diverse abilities (ECED 2401), Inclusive Play-Based Methods for Children with Diverse Abilities (ECED 2450), and a final Special Needs Preceptorship (ECED 2455). The program emphasizes inclusive, play-based learning, health and development, family collaboration, and Indigenous perspectives, ensuring students graduate with a comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and practical education. Through a combination of theory, guided practice, and innovative approaches like the Children Teaching Teachers method, graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles in child-care and early learning settings across British Columbia.