The Faculty of Education at UBC offers pre-service teacher education (B.Ed), undergraduate certificate and diploma programs, and graduate programs in early childhood education. The IECER works in a consultative and cooperative role with the units offering these programs.

The Faculty of Education does not offer programs leading to certification for work with children under 5 years of age.  Preparation to work with children under 5 – in childcare centres, parent participation preschools, private nursery schools, inclusive childcare and preschools, family day cares and other child minding services – is provided through colleges. To view the provincial regulations and a list of approved programs for early childhood education programs for 0-5 year olds, please see the Ministry of Children and Family Development Early Childhood Educator Registry website.

Teacher Preparation and early childhood/primary concentration

To teach in the public schools of British Columbia (Kindergarten – Grade 12), an educator must hold a Certificate of Qualification issued by the British Columbia College of Teachers (BCCT). Information on BCCT certification.

Teacher preparation programs are offered through the Teacher Education Office. Information on teacher education programs, including initial certification, recertification, unclassified and visiting students, admission, readmission, international applicants, landed immigrants, and new Canadians is provided at the Teacher Education Office website.

The Institute for Early Childhood Education and Research works in a consultative and collaborative role with the Teacher Education Office in offering an Early Childhood/Primary Concentration in the Two-Year Elementary BEd. Program. This is the only concentration that prepares individuals specifically to teach Kindergarten through Grade 3 (all other concentrations in the 2-Year Program and all sections in the 12-Month Program are "generic" K-7). The Early Childhood/Primary Concentration is composed of three ECED courses and one elective in a related field (12 credits). More about Early Childhood/Primary Concentration

Early Childood Education Certificate Programs NEW

The Early Childhood Education Certificate Programs (15 credits) are designed for teachers, early childhood educators, and other early childhood professionals to advance their knowledge of professional practice. The Certificate programs are open to applicants with one or more of the following:

    • BA/BEd/BSc degree from a recognized university
    • Diploma in Early Childhood from an approved community college program, or equivalent
    • Some college/university course experience and relevant professional experience in related fields such as nursing, psychology, social work, child and youth care, occupational therapy, child development, etc.
    • Relevant professional experience in related fields such as teaching, nursing, social work, child and youth care, occupational therapy, infant/child development and/or supported childcare settings, etc.

More about ECE certificate programs

Infant Development and Supported Child Development (IDSC) Certificate and Diploma Programs

The Infant Development and Supported Child Development (IDSC) Programs (Certificate and Diploma) are designed for Infant Development Consultants who work with children requiring extra support (and their families) from birth to age three, and for Supported Child Care Consultants who work with children requiring extra support from birth to 12 years in child care settings.
The IDSC Program is open to applicants with one or more of the following:

    • B.A./B.S. degree from a recognized university, with coursework and/or professional experience related
       to child and youth care
    • Diploma in Early Childhood from an approved community college program
    • Some college course experience and relevant professional experience in related fields such as nursing,
       social work, child and youth care, occupational therapy, infant/child development and/or supported
       childcare settings, etc. Admission will be on approval of the Diploma Advisor.
    • Relevant professional experience in related fields such as nursing, social work, child and youth care,
       occupational therapy, infant/child development and/or supported childcare settings, etc.

More information about the program

Diploma in Early Years Education

The Early Years Diploma (EYE) program (30 credits) is designed for teachers, early childhood educators, and other early childhood professionals to advance their knowledge of professional practice. The Diploma Program is open to applicants with one or more of the following:

    • A/BEd/BSc degree from a recognized university
    • Diploma in Early Childhood from an approved community college program, or equivalent
    • Some college/university course experience and relevant professional experience in related fields such as nursing, psychology, social work, child and youth care, occupational therapy, child development, etc.
    • Relevant professional experience in related fields such as teaching, nursing, social work, child and youth care, occupational therapy, infant/child development and/or supported childcare settings, etc.
    • Students who have taken UBC courses towards the ECE Certificate in Early Childhood Education may transfer up to 15 credits towards the Early Years Education Diploma.

Diploma In Early Years Education