Aboriginal Early Childhood Education

Program Delivery Location

Merritt
Community Based

Department Coordinator
Denyse Oswald-Finch, ECED, BACYC

Faculty
Nedra McKay
Denyse Oswald-Finch

Programs in this Department

Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Certificate
Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Diploma

The Aboriginal Early Childhood Education program is designed to meet provincial licensing standards, academic standards, community and First Nations standards to ensure NVIT graduates are successful, effective child development workers in BC communities.

The program is unique in that it emphasizes the knowledge, skills and standards relevant to both Aboriginal and mainstream individuals, families and communities. Early Childhood Education is a rapidly expanding field with a high need for qualified and certified childcare workers, particularly in Aboriginal communities. The program also includes First Aid certification as part of the program included in the Health, Nutrition and Safety Course (AECE 150).

The AECE program is an exciting and progressive program with a focus on Aboriginal content in the curriculum. Admission is open to all learners, particularly those wishing to explore and experience Early Childhood Education from an Aboriginal perspective. The program is designed to run 10.5 months from the beginning of September to the middle of July.

*Note that practicum placement will be scheduled throughout the Nicola Valley and Thompson Areas.

The Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Diploma program is currently going through a reassessment based on the new information received from the Ministry of Children and Families, ECE division. In the 2012/2013 year the program will only be 10 courses with a total of 36 credits. the course will run from September to the end of April and there will continue to be two practicums. The same admission requirements will be obligatory. Students will continue to receive their diploma in Aboriginal Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Special Needs and Infant/Toddler Development.

To see the future changes please refer to the NVIT website in April of 2012 or phone the AECE Coordinator at 250.378.3311.

Admission Requirements
• Grade 12 Diploma/Mature student
• Medical Reference form for AECE 
• Immunization Record form for AECE 
• A professional letter of reference from an individual working in the childcare, education, or special needs field.

Additional Requirements
All applicants must attend an interview the last week in August with an individual in the department.
All admitted students will be required to obtain a current clear Criminal Record Check from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. Refer to the Ministry website for details on this process:
http:/www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/criminal-records-review/ This application will be completed by all students on the first day of classes. The results of this check must be forwarded to the AECE Program Coordinator for retention and presentation to practicum facilities.
Must have transportation in order to travel to practicum placements that are throughout the Nicola Valley and Thompson Regions.

For more information, contact Denyse Oswald-Finch 250-378-3311 or doswaldfinch@nvit.bc.ca

Aboriginal Early Childhood Education diploma students get a taste of the outdoors. Read full story here.

Licensing

The Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Certificate is approved by the Ministry of Children and Family Development and the Early Childhood Educator Registry. Successful completion of the program will allow graduates to work with children 0 to 12 as well as supervise children up to a private kindergarten level.

Graduates of the Aboriginal Early Childhood Education program will be prepared for employment in many different career areas: