Surrey Schools partners with Douglas College for early childhood education program
Image via iStock
The district is offering a new Early Childhood Education (ECE) program for Grade 12 students interested in working in a career that contributes to the well-being of young children.
In partnership with Douglas College, the five-month program prepares Grade 12 students to become ECE assistants after just one semester, with the option of pursuing an ECE diploma or certificate through the college after graduation. The district program was developed with funding from the Ministry of Education and Child Care, with the B.C. government expecting more than 10,000 new job openings for certified ECEs and assistants in the next decade.
“We have a strong working relationship with Douglas College and, for the past two years, have partnered with them to deliver a Child and Youth Care course for Surrey students,” said Mark Flynn, principal of Career Education. “We are familiar with their ECE program and know that it is reputable and held in high regard, so when we were looking for a post-secondary partner to assist us in delivering an ECE program, it just made sense to partner with Douglas.”
Beginning in February, the program will be held largely online Mondays through Thursdays, with two theory classes hosted in-person at Douglas College in Coquitlam on Fridays. The district is also coordinating with a local Montessori school and daycare facility for in-person learning opportunities on Wednesdays, with students observing ECE workers in action for a few hours each week.
Career Education coordinator Georgina Hopps said the course was designed to be as beneficial as possible for students, who will complete 10 weeks of theory before doing 200 practicum hours.
“In late April or beginning of May, they will start their practicum and be placed in daycare and early education facilities all over Surrey and outlying areas,” said Hopps. “The students will apply theory and methodology through observation and practice over the course of 200 hours.
“If they are successful in both the theory and the practicum settings, the students will receive support in applying for their Assistant License through the ECE Registry. Once they are registered, they will be eligible to work to work as ECE Assistants immediately following the program.”
Students will earn credits for four secondary school courses as well as four Douglas College ECE courses while still in secondary school. Additionally, those who decide to pursue a full ECE diploma or certificate may continue at Douglas College in September to finish the remaining two semesters of their program.
Eligible Grade 12 students must turn 18 by December 31 of the calendar year in which they are taking the program, and must successfully complete a Grade 12 language arts course and other mandatory graduation requirements by the end of the first semester of the program year.
Other prerequisites include excellent attendance and punctuality, and strong speaking, listening and communication skills. Upon conditional acceptance, students will also be required to undergo a Police Information Check and a medical assessment of physical and mental health.
“We’re looking for the type of person who is really ready for the challenge of working with young kids, eight years and under,” said Hopps. “They have to be mature, caring, compassionate, reliable and responsible.”
“They don’t have to necessarily see themselves being early childhood educators down the road, they might have an interest in teaching or social work or child and youth care work,” said Flynn. “While this training will enable students to work as early childhood educators, aspects of it are transferable and will benefit students who may decide to enter a related career.”
Applications are open until Oct. 14. and available at secondary school Career Centres.
The district is also hosting a free virtual information session on Oct. 4 from 6-7 p.m. with members from Douglas College and Career Education to answer questions about the program. To register for the info session, click here.
For more information on the new ECE program, please contact the Career Education department at 604-595-6175 or CAED-Office@surreyschools.ca
