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Early Childhood Education Post Basic – Special Needs Specialization

The Early Childhood Education Post Basic (Special Needs Specialization) program is an extension to the ECE program. These courses are for students who are certified as an Early Childhood Educator or are in the process of completing the required hours of work experience. The advanced courses lead to a License to Practice as Special Needs Educator.

In this program, students will learn how to work with children through a variety of hands-on training that combines theory and practice. The program covers advanced child growth and development; foundations of working with children with special needs; advanced health, safety, and nutrition; program planning; and more.

In order to specialize, students must complete a practicum placement in a special needs setting to develop and implement comprehensive projects that demonstrate their advanced knowledge as well as gain practical experience.

Students will also be required to complete observation assignments that will take place in real-world childcare settings, which will be used to complete assignments. These observations hours required by the Ministry of Children & Family Development.

Admission Requirements

  • High school graduation or equivalent*, or mature student** status.
  • Pass college admissions test.
  • Criminal record check (in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act).
  • Immunization report (form provided by the college).
  • Interview with campus director, program coordinator, or designate.
  • Current resume (record of work history).
  • Three character references.
  • Completion of a Basic Early Childhood Education program from an accredited college.

*From an English-language teaching institution.
**19 years of age upon starting classes and Pass the college's English admissions test.

This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

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*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.