EC1500

Program Planning and Development in Early Learning and Child Care

VanWest College Program Planning and Development in Early Learning and Child Care

Early Childhood Educators must participate in program planning and development. Students who complete this course will learn the skills required to successfully plan, implement, and evaluate a developmentally appropriate program that meets the various observed needs of children. This includes planning programs that reflect and respect diversity and inclusion, as well as planning and implementing a range of activities that foster development of the whole child. Students will learn how to ensure children are exposed to learning experiences that promote growth and development. They will learn the skills required to effectively plan indoor and outdoor play environments that meet the developmental needs of children and ensure their health, safety, and well-being. They will learn the importance of program planning and its impact on children, families, and the community. Students will learn how to ensure Indigenous children and families are reflected in their program planning. They will learn how to design an early learning and child care program from a holistic perspective. The students will reflect on how different philosophies and theories impact the development of a program. The students will consider how their philosophy is reflected in the program. They will look at child development needs to ensure children are able to actively participate in the program.

Course Details

  • Course ID: EC1500
  • Course Name: Program Planning and Development in Early Learning and Child Care
  • Course Length: 2 weeks
  • Offered Location: Vancouver
  • Method: In-person Lecture
  • Start Dates: 2025 – March 31, July 14, October 14 / 2026 – February 23, June 8, September 8
  • Course Schedule: Monday – Friday @ 4:30 – 9:30 PM
  • Credential: Upon the successful completion of this single course, you will receive Program Planning and Development in Early Learning and Child Care Single Course Certificate

Admission Requirement

English Admission Requirement

  • VanWest English Placement Test: Level 8, or
  • Completion of VanWest EAP 300 course with a final grade of 75%+ (8 weeks with an average academic score of 75% or greater), or
  • IELTS 6.0+, or
  • TOEFL IBT 90+

Academic Admission Requirement

  • High School Diploma (Grade 12), or
  • General Education Development (GED)

Additional Requirement

  • Provide a Personal Declaration of Health signed by the applicant verifying they are physically and mentally fit and able to work with young children in a licensed early childhood education setting
  • Provide at least 2 Character Reference forms outlining the applicant’s interest, skills, capabilities, and/or volunteer/work experience with children
  • Attend an interview with the ECE Coordinator
  • Pass a Criminal Record check in line with BC’s Criminal Records Review Act
  • Provide a Negative Tuberculosis (TB) skin test
  • Submit a Statement of Intent explaining your motivation, goals, and suitability for the Early Child Education (ECE) course

Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees
Course Fee (Domestic): $1,000
Course Fee (International): $1,300
Application Fee (Domestic): $150
Application Fee (International): $250
Student Services Fee: $250

*Textbook costs are not included. Textbooks should be purchased by the individual. For the list of required textbooks, please click HERE.

Textbook

  • Textbook: Freeman, N. K., Decker, C.A., & Decker, J. R. (2017). Planning and administering early childhood programs. (11th ed.). Pearson
  • ISBN: 978-0134027319
  • Online Source: Amazon
  • Buy at VanWest: Yes

All of our Vocational College Programs are reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.