The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver is one of Canada’s major universities. UBC attracts distinguished researchers and professors who work with communities and students to enhance the quality of young children's education. Together they integrate practice, research, dialogue and policy pertaining to infant development.
UBC's Contribution to Infant Development
Research by the UBC community includes specialties such as brain development, social and emotional development, early literacy, family involvement and special needs. A panel discussion presented "Caring for and Educating the Young Children of British Columbia: The Issue of School Readiness."
UBC offers professional development courses in the field of infant development through the Faculty of Education's Teacher Education Office (TEO) and Institute for Early Childhood Education & Research (IECER).
Certificate in Infant Development & Supported Childhood Development
Students interested in working as infant development consultants or supported child care consultants can apply to a part-time certificate or diploma. Infant development consultants provide extra support to children from birth to 3 years. Supported child care consultants work in child care settings and provide extra support to children from birth to 12 years.
Please note that the certificate and diploma do not qualify for the British Columbia license that allows teaching in preschool or daycare programs.The certificate program in Infant Development & Supported Childhood Development provides basic skills and knowledge for the infant development consultant. Students enroll in five courses offered through the Teacher Education Office in consultation with IECER. The first two courses are offered online from External Programs and Learning Technologies:
- Family-Centred Practice for Children with Special Needs
- Typical and Atypical Development in Infants and Young Children
Certificate students study three additional courses covering assessment, development and early intervention.
Diploma in Infant Development & Supported Child Development
Students interested in course work beyond the basic foundation of the certificate program can apply to the diploma program in Infant Development & Supported Child Development. (Reference 3) The diploma program, also offered by the Teacher Education Office, requires completion of 10 courses within five years of acceptance into the program.
Diploma students can apply the five courses listed in the certificate program to their diploma. Five approved electives complete the remaining course requirements. Students take one elective course through UBC; students can study the four remaining approved elective courses through UBC or other universities. Students must consult a program advisor for program advice and course approval prior to enrolling in elective courses.
Summer Course on UBC Campus
The IECER Summer Institute offers an intensive course taken on the Vancouver campus: Selected Topics in Infant Development and Supported Child Development. Students can take this credit course more than once towards the IDSC Diploma program.
Online Admission Application Process
Students seeking admission submit online application forms, two Referee Reports, a non-refundable application fee and official transcripts. For programs beginning in May, send application materials by the previous February. For programs beginning in September, send application materials by the previous April. For current academic and experience requirements, please contact the Teacher Education Office.
UBC Campus Experience
Students pursuing professional development in the Faculty of Education will benefit from the resources and scholarship of one of the world's great research universities. UBC's extensive library system ranks among the best academic libraries in Canada. Students new to Vancouver can look to a diverse city with a campus that unites tradition and progress in a scenic West Coast setting.
Sources
The University of British Columbia: Faculty of Education Programs
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