ITSN Educator Online Courses

Infant Toddler and Special Needs Educator Online Courses

Vancouver Island University is pleased to offer Infant Toddler and Special Needs Educator courses online to applicants who have completed their Early Childhood Education and Care Certificate. 

Program Content

Students will complete their courses through a combination of online learning, seminars by Zoom, and practicum experiences.

Upon successful completion of seven courses, including two practica, students will then be eligible to apply for their Infant Toddler Educator (ITE) and Special Needs Educator (SNE) Certificates from the Early Childhood Education Registry.

Tuition help

Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC) offers bursaries through the ECE Education Support Fund (up to $500 per course). Learn more about the ECE Education Support Fund.

Course Delivery

VIU is offering ongoing intakes until the Fall 2024

Students will complete up to three courses per term, including practicum, for a total of seven courses over three terms. Please note that work-based practica may be possible for qualifying students.

Instructors will work collaboratively to support students in meeting the learning outcomes for each course through a combination of online learning (which students will do independently each week), weekly seminars (scheduled on weekday evenings), practicum experiences, and a variety of assignments. In addition, instructors will meet twice per term with students and mentors as part of their practicum evaluation (either in-person or by Zoom, depending on safety protocols and other factors). 

Program Outline

Intersession 2024 (May to August)

  • Approved Elective*

Fall 2024 (September to December)

  • ECEC 221 - (Assessing and Supporting Healthy Early Development)
  • ECEC 223 - (Program Development for Infants and Toddlers)
  • ECEC 224 - (Practicum IV - Infants and Toddlers)

Spring 2025 (January to April)

  • ECEC 222 - (Program Development for Children with Diverse Abilities)
  • ECEC 231 - (Practicum V–Children with Diverse Abilities)
  • CYC 252 - (Fundamental Counselling Skills)

* Approved Electives include “block credit transfer” or one of the following courses:

  • ANTH 111 - (Introductory Anthropology: Physical Anthropology /Archaeology)
  • ANTH 112 - (Introductory Anthropology: Sociocultural Anthropology)
  • CYC 100 - (Introduction to Professional CHild and Youth Care Practice
  • CYC 212 - (Introduction to Activity Based Child and Youth Care Practice)
  • CYC 260D - (International Field Study)
  • CYC 362 - (Child Abuse and Neglect Concerns)
  • CYC 360L - (Intro to Working with Children and Youth through the Medium of Art)
  • CYC 232 - (Diverse Abilities in Child and Youth Care)
  • ENGL 232 - (Children's Literature)
  • HHS 263 - (Elders Teachings Across Disciplines)
  • HHS 275 - (Animal Assisted Interventions with Individuals and Families) 
  • INDG 101 - (Exploring Aboriginal Identities)
  • INDG 110 - (Coast Salish Language: Hul’q’umi’num’ I)
  • PSYC 111 - (Contemporary Psychology I)
  • PSYC 112 - (Contemporary Psychology II)
  • SOCI 111 - (Introduction to Sociology)

Note: Approved elective may be taken in any term, including Intersession 2024.

  • VIU ECEC Certificate, or equivalent.
    • This includes all first-year ECEC courses at VIU plus successful completion of ECEC 200 (formerly called ECEC 100), ECEC 211, ECEC 270, and CYC 231.
  • Completion of VIU English 115 (or equivalent).

Notes on Admission

  • Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
  • An overall average of “C+,” as well as “C+” grade in each of the ECEC and CYC courses is expected of students should they intend to proceed through the program and complete VIU’s ECEC Diploma. 

Other Program Requirements -

Practicum Placements

  • Documented completion of a CPR Emergency Child Care Certificate, or equivalent (e.g. St. John’s Ambulance Standard First Aid Certificate or Basic Life Support, Level B). The First Aid certification must be valid for entire practicum placements. Documentation to be submitted to ECEC Faculty before first day of practicum.
  • Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.

Important Dates:

Description

Date

Applications Open 

September 5, 2023

Applications Close**

April 15, 2024

Proof of Admission Requirements - Document Deadline

Three weeks prior to term start date

Non-refundable $200 Tuition Deposit Due

Within three weeks of admission offer

Balance of Tuition Due

As per regular university tuition due dates

Last Day to Withdraw with partial refund (no refunds will be issued after this date).

As per regular university tuition due dates

Program Start

See university schedule of dates for each term

Program End

2025 (exact date to be confirmed)

* Dates are subject to change

** Late applications may be accepted if there is still room in the program

2023-24 Program Fees:

  • Program Tuition: $3425.94
  • Application Fee:  $44.27
  • Student Union Fees: ~ $212.72
  • Student Activity Fees: ~ $137.04
  • Student Service Fees: ~$151.41

    • Total: ~$3971.38

  • Graduation Fee: $57.41
  • Criminal Record Check Fee: $45.55
  • Textbooks:  Approximately $250.00

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Please note the ECEBC offers bursaries through the ECE Education Support Fund (up to $500 per course). Please check the website for details: https://www.ecebc.ca/ece-education-support-fund

The Government of Canada also offers a Student Grant for Part-Time Students (up to $2,520 per year). This grant is available to part-time students who are in financial need. Please check the website for details: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans/part-time.html  

Infant Toddler and Special Needs Educator online courses are now available with our ECEC Online Diploma program. 

For registration information, please contact registration@viu.ca.

Department Chair: Summer Lin
Phone: 250.740.6598
Email: ECECchair@viu.ca