Education and Social Work Menu
Early Childhood Education Diploma
The ECE diploma program is an in-person cohort based program in Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc colonially known as Kamloops, BC.
Admission requirements
- Grade 12 (or equivalent) or mature student status
- English Studies 12/English First Peoples 12 with a minimum of 73% (or equivalent)
Submission Deadline
The program application remains open until all seats are full. Submit your applications by January 15 and you will be contacted for an interview.
Requirements after admission to the ECE program
After a student has been accepted into the program, they will receive a welcome letter that will outline the days for orientation and the documents that will be required prior to the start of classes. The letter will include a link to the Criminal Record check process which must be submitted prior to the first day of classes. You will also need to provide a statement of immunization (forms will be provided with your welcome letter).
Registration and Payment of Fees
If you are accepted, the Registrar’s Office will notify you in writing. To reserve your place, you must pay a tuition deposit by the date specified in your offer of admission letter.
Financial Aid, Entrance Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
Applicants may apply for financial aid, entrance scholarships and awards. To learn more, search the Awards Guide on the Student Awards & Financial Aid page.
Helen MacDonald-Carlson Award for Excellence in Children’s Studies
Two Awards of $2000.00
One award, to continue the legacy of Helen Macdonald-Carlson's contributions to the field of Children and Family Studies, given annually to an ECE graduate continuing their education at TRU or completing research at TRU in a field related to children and families OR a 2nd year ECE student with exemplary skills and leadership capability.
Applicants should provide a short paragraph outlining demonstrated leadership and practical skills they have acquired working with children, as well as a description of what work, studies or research the applicant is anticipating completing during the upcoming academic year. Email paragraph to edadvising@tru.ca.
Sun Peaks Resort Early Childhood Education Award
Two Awards of $1000.00
This faculty-adjudicated award recognizes an exemplary Early Childhood Education student. Preference will be given to students in the second year of the ECE diploma program. Mentorship and potential work-placement opportunities at the Sundance Kids Centre are offered as part of this award.
Margaret Patten Early Childhood Education Scholarship
One Award of $1000.00
Awarded annually to a student enrolled in the second year of the Early Childhood Education Program. Student must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA. Additional criteria to be considered for faculty selection to include strong interpersonal skills, dedication to children and the professional of early childhood education, professional attitude, motivation and the willingness to work as part of a team. Faculty Selection.
Early Childhood Education Faculty Award
One Award of $1000.00
Awarded annually to a student enrolled in the first year of the Early Childhood Education Program. Adjudicated by Faculty Selection.
Dr. Peter Riben Memorial ECE Award
Three Awards of $1000.00
Awarded annually to a student enrolled in the first year of the Early Childhood Education Program. Adjudicated by Faculty Selection.
Program Schedule
The ECE Diploma program is only available for on-campus with courses scheduled Monday to Friday anywhere from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is subject to the ECE Student Attendance policy.
Costs
Each full-time semester consists of five courses. Students can estimate program tuition and fees using the cost estimator.
For practicum courses: Students must be prepared to bear the costs of travel to and from each of their practicum placements.
Part time Students
Part-time options may be available based on current offerings and at the discretion of the program coordinator. Please indicate your interest in this option in the additional comments section of your online application form.
Transferability
Pathways for Continued Studies
Pathways for Continued Studies There are options for further studies in bachelor degree programs following successful completion of the TRU ECE diploma program. Below are examples of opportunities students can undertake to build their post-secondary experience. Below are some examples of options available:
TRU Bachelor of Education (Elementary) Degree (BEd)
The Bachelor of Education (BEd) (Elementary) degree prepares you to teach in elementary schools. As a successful graduate, you receive a Bachelor of Education (Elementary) degree and qualify for a professional teaching certificate issued by the BC Ministry of Education, Teacher Certification Branch (TCB). This degree and certification qualifies you to teach grades Kindergarten to 12 (K-12) in BC public and private schools. You can also teach in any province or territory in Canada, and in many other countries. The program integrates theoretical study with experiential learning. It begins in September of each year and runs for two successive years.
To be eligible for admission, you must have completed at least 60 credits (30 credits can be from eligible ECE Diploma program courses). Students interested in pursuing this option should contact the Education Advisor at edadvising@tru.ca
Visit Bachelor of Education (Elementary) for more information.
TRU Bachelor of General Studies Degree (BGS)
Visit Bachelor of General Studies for more information.
TRU Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Degree (BIS)
This is a two-year degree program open to undergraduate university students and diploma graduates. The TRU BIS is a unique program that allows students to design their own curriculum customized to their interests and goals.
Admission of Diploma Graduates
Successful completion of the TRU ECE diploma and at least one of the post-diploma specialty certificate programs (minimum 60 credits) with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
The admission process is selective. This means all applications with be reviewed, and credits from other institutions will be evaluated for transfer according to established standards determined by appropriate articulation committees, or the Office of the Registrar. Applicants may be requested to attend an interview with members of the BIS Steering Committee.
Admission Deadline
March 30 for admission to the Fall Semester
October 30 for admission to the Winter Semester
Visit Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies for more information.
TRU Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Human Service (HUMS) Diploma
Students interested in continuing their education may consider laddering into the Bachelor of Social Work or the Human Service Programs.
TRU ECE Diploma graduates may be eligible for block credit into the BSW or HUMS Diploma.
Visit Bachelor of Social Work for more information.
Other options include:
Capilano University Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
This unique degree builds upon the ECE Diploma/certificate and post-diploma specialties to provide students with advanced competencies and knowledge required to work with children under the age of five, including those children who require extra support, in licensed preschools and daycare centres. Graduates will be prepared to assume leadership roles as advocates, policy specialists, administrators, researchers and early childhood educators.
Courses offer students further opportunities to pursue their understandings of the changing global context of child care, education, families, and childhood. They offer advanced perspectives on ECCE practice, encouraging graduates to continue to develop their abilities as outstanding educators and partners in children's lives.
TRU ECE Diploma graduates may be eligible for block credit into the Bachelor of ECCE program.
Capilano University is located in North Vancouver, BC.
Visit Capilano University for more information.
University of Victoria Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (BCYC)
The School of Child and Youth Care provides education, training, professional development and research for the care and support of children, youth, families and their communities. The work of the School of Child and Youth Care is grounded in the principles of inclusion, social justice and ethical practice.
The Early Years Specialization is designed to meet the growing demand for early years practitioners who can work across a range of services for young children (up to 6 years of age) and their families. Its focus is to promote leadership and the skills needed to build capacity within communities. Social justice and cultural diversity are threads that underlie all the courses in the Specialization.
TRU ECE Diploma graduates may be eligible for block credit into the BCYC program.
The University of Victoria is located in Victoria, BC.
Distance option:
The School of Child and Youth Care's Distance and Distributed Education Program distance program allows you to complete your Bachelor of Child and Youth Care degree entirely at a distance, with the exception of one 10-day on-campus seminar course in the 4th year.
Visit uvic.ca/education/cyc for more information.
