Early Childhood Educator

Job Opportunity:

We are looking for an Early Childhood Educator to work with our client in Vancouver, BC.

* No. of Positions: 1

* Job Type: Full-time, Contract

* Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

* Hourly Wage: $23 per hour

* Job Requirements:

  • ECE Certification or Completion of Grade 12, and currently enrolled in an Early Childhood Education Certificate program or completing work experience required for licensing.
  • At least 6 months of previous experience working with children in a group childcare setting.
  • Previous multicultural or cross-cultural experience.
  • High degree of comfort around communicating with staff, children, and parents/caregivers, as applicable.
  • Standard first aid training and CPR training are considered an asset.

We look forward to many inquiries from qualified candidates. Please send your resume to jobs@swiftconnect.ca

Early Childhood Educator

Job Opportunity:

We are looking for an Early Childhood Educator to work with our client in Richmond, BC.

* No. of Positions: 1

* Job Type: Full-time, Contract

* Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

* Hourly Wage: $23 per hour

* Job Requirements:

  • ECE Certification or Completion of Grade 12 and currently enrolled in an Early Childhood Education Certificate program or completing work experience required for licensing.
  • At least 6 months of previous experience working with children in a group childcare setting.
  • Previous multicultural or cross-cultural experience.
  • High degree of comfort around communicating with staff, children, and parents/caregivers, as applicable.
  • Standard first aid training and CPR training are considered an asset.

We look forward to many inquiries from qualified candidates. Please send your resume to jobs@swiftconnect.ca

How to: Get a Criminal Record Check for ECE

How to Get a Criminal Record Check for ECE

Every daycare will require new employees to get a criminal record check (CRC) done before starting work. As well, most post-secondary institutions require a criminal record check before starting an Early Childhood Education program. The government of BC has a CRC specific for this case: Criminal Record Check for Working with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults. 

There are a couple ways to get a CRC:

  1. Online Request at Criminal Record Check (gov.bc.ca).
  2. Fill out a consent form from the school.
Online Request for Criminal Record Check

To be able to submit an online CRC request there are some eligibility requirements you have to meet:

  • At least 12 years old.
  • Have an access code from your school.
  • Verify your identity with your BC Services Card.

If you are over 12 years old and have a BC Services Card but not an access code from your school, you need to ask them for the code in order to be able to submit the request. All schools should have the code and share it with you.

If you are over 12 years old and have an access code but not a BC Services Card, see below for “Fill out a consent form”.

Fill out a Consent Form from the School

This option is used in a few scenarios. One scenario is as stated from above, you are over 12 years old but do not have a BC Services Card. The form can be filled out by your school and you just need to fill in your personal information and have the school verify your identity themselves. 

Another scenario where the form is used is for new students to an ECE program. Majority of post-secondary institutions will use the form instead of requesting online.

See below for a sample of the consent form to be filled out.

We hope this helps you get your criminal record check for studying or working as an ECE in BC!

3 Private College ECE Programs in Vancouver

3 Early Childhood Educator Programs for International Students in Vancouver (Private Colleges)

Finding the right school for your program can be difficult, that is why we created this blog post to help compare three Early Childhood Educator programs offered at private colleges in and around Vancouver.

VANCOUVER CAREER COLLEGE

Vancouver Career College is an esteemed private college in Metro Vancouver with six locations. However, the ECE Certificate program is only offered at five: Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Abbotsford. They offer a Early Childhood Education Certificate program for international students. The program is full-time and is 44 weeks long (one year). The tuition for international students is approximately $21,658 CAD.

General College Admission Requirements:

  • Graduation from a BC high school (or equivalent by WES or recognized institution)
  • At least 18 years old
  • Must pass VCC’s English admissions test

Program Specific Admission Requirements:

  • Interview with campus director, program coordinator, or designate
  • Resume with all work history
  • Three reference letters attesting to your character

Upon completing the certificate program, students can apply for the BC Early Childhood Educator Certificate.

SPROTT SHAW COLLEGE

Sprott Shaw College has been around Vancouver for almost 120 years, and has grown to have fourteen main campuses and two specialty campuses in Metro Vancouver, the Okanagan, and on Vancouver Island. They offer a few ECE programs, but we will be sharing details on the Early Childhood Education Basic program. This program is offered at all fourteen main campuses in the province. The program is full-time and takes 45 weeks (1,260 hours) to complete. For international students, tuition is approximately $16,350 CAD.

General College Admission Requirements:

  • Graduation from BC high school (or equivalent by WES or recognized institution)
  • English Level Assessment – must get minimum score of 20/40 in language
  • Admissions interview
  • Must prove full COVID-19 vaccination

Program Specific Admission Requirements:

  • At least two character references detailing volunteer or work experience with young children
  • Interview with an instructor or director
  • The following must be done within three months of program start date:
    • Complete a health declaration form
    • Submit a criminal record check
    • Have clear testing for TB

Upon completing the basic program, students can apply for the BC Early Childhood Educator Certificate.

PACIFIC RIM EARLY CHILDHOOD INSTITUTE

Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute is an online school based in Victoria, BC. They offer programs for all levels of ECE certificates in BC. In this post, we will discuss the Basic Early Childhood Educator Certificate program. Although the bulk of the program can be completed online anywhere, the three practicum courses must be completed in BC. The program length is 41 weeks (1,008 hours) and is full-time. The tuition for international students is approximately $11,335 CAD.

Admission Requirements:

  • Admission interview
  • Official Transcript showing completion of an English Assessment indicating English proficiency equivalent to successful completion of Grade 12 English from a recognized university or college.
  • Two reference letters
  • At least 19 years old, must send photo identification
  • Criminal record check
  • Declaration of Health

3 Public College ECE Programs in Vancouver

3 ECE Programs for International Students in Vancouver (Public Colleges)

Finding the right college can be difficult. This is why we have compiled information from three well-known public colleges in and around Vancouver, BC. There are many post-secondary institutions that offer Early Childhood Educator programs, but these three have great learning opportunities and the chance to gain work experience.

LANGARA COLLEGE

Langara College is located in Vancouver, BC on W49th Avenue and Columbia Street. The Canada Line Skytrain has a station a few minutes away by walking. They offer a Early Childhood Education Diploma for international students and have two intakes per year: September and January. The program length is 3 full-time semesters (equal to one year), note that this program cannot be completed part-time. The entire program is 63 credits and tuition for international students is approximately $39,400 CAD.

General College Admission Requirements:

  • Graduation from a BC high school (or equivalent by WES or recognized institution)
  • English Proficiency:
    • IELTS Academic: 6.5 (no band lower than 6.0)
    • CAEL: overall 70

Program Specific Admission Requirements:

  • Two reference letters
  • Current First Aid Certification (Level B)

Upon completing the diploma program, students can apply for the BC Early Childhood Educator Certificate, an additional citation (three courses and practicum) can be taken to earn the Post-Basic ECE Special Needs Certificate.

DOUGLAS COLLEGE

Douglas College has two campuses in Metro Vancouver: New Westminster and Coquitlam, BC. However, the Early Childhood Education Certificate program is only offered at the Coquitlam campus. There is one intake in September, and the program length is 3 semesters (one year). The program can be full-time or part-time, note that the 3 semester time is for full-time students. Students will earn 43.5 credits and tuition for international students is approximately $18,727 CAD.

General College Admission Requirements:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Graduated from a BC high school (or equivalent by WES or recognized institution)
  • English Proficiency:
    • IELTS Academic: minimum overall band test score of 6.5
    • CLB Level 8 in each module

Program Specific Admission Requirements:

  • Two reference letters
  • Complete and show proof of 20 hours of volunteer or work experience in a licensed ECE setting with children aged 0-6 (A form must be submitted when applying for the program)
  • Complete a Criminal Record Check
  • Complete a medical declaration or assessment

Upon completing this certificate program, students can apply for the BC Early Childhood Educator Certificate.

VANCOUVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Vancouver Community College has many locations across Metro Vancouver, however the Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma program is only offered at the downtown campus. There are three intakes per year: September, January, and May. The program length is 2 years full-time, equivalent to 6 semesters. Students earn 76 credits and tuition for international students is approximately $42,287 CAD.

General College Admission Requirements:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Graduated from a BC high school (or equivalent by WES or recognized institution)
  • English Proficiency:
    • IELTS Academic: overall 6.5 (no band lower than 6.0)
    • CAEL: Overall 60

Program Specific Admission Requirements:

  • Interview with selection committee
  • Two letters of recommendation

Upon Acceptance to Program Requirements:

  • Criminal Record Check
  • TB Screening
  • Immunizations

Once students have completed the diploma program, they can apply for the BC Early Childhood Educator Certificate as well as the ECE Infant Toddler Educator (ITE) and ECE Special Needs Educator (SNE) Certifications.

Tips and How to be a Successful ECE

Tips and How to be a Successful Early Childhood Educator

Before you start your career as an Early Childhood Educator, consider if the job is right for you. Below is a list of character traits that make a great & successful ECE.

  • Love for children and working with them.
  • Patient and dedicated
  • Creative and enthusiastic
  • Strong communication skills
  • Well organized
  • Professional
  • Kind and caring towards others
  • Compassionate and empathetic
  • Accepting of other backgrounds and beliefs

If you fit all of the above traits, then becoming an ECE is the perfect career for you!

STAND OUT

After graduating from your post-secondary program, it is time to look for a job. Create a portfolio to help stand out from the rest of the applicants. Check out our other blog post to learn more of what to include.

Have your three reference letters ready. You can even attach them in your portfolio for ease for the employer. Most daycares will ask for three reference letters from previous coworkers or friends when deciding on your application.

When you have the job, help out and care for the children as much as you can. Build relationships with everyone.

COMMUNICATE

Communication is key when working as an ECE. You have to communicate with the children, parents, and coworkers.

When communicating with children, your voice should be soft and nurturing. Make sure to be affirmative and support the children in their decisions. Enthusiasm is key when teaching and interacting with children to get them excited about learning.

When you are communicating with parents, your voice and tone should be calm and reassuring. Most parents will be concerned on how their children are performing and developing, so a calm voice and reassurance will help put them at ease.

When communicating with coworkers, your voice should be relaxed and more normal. If you show stress or you are flustered the children will pick up on this and may start to misbehave. It is important to put on a brave face and poise yourself appropriately as the children are observing you at all times.

Tips and How to get Immunization Records

Required Immunization Record Information for Early Childhood Educators

Early Childhood Educator’s in BC need to have up-to-date immunization records before working in a daycare. Most post-secondary schools will require students to have the immunization record before enrolling in their ECE program. Additionally, before being offered a job at a daycare, the employer will request your immunization record to make sure you are fit to work with children.

WHAT VACCINATIONS ARE REQUIRED?

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC), childcare workers should have the following vaccines:

  • All Routine Vaccines
    • Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine
    • Shingles Vaccine
    • Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine
    • Influenza (flu) Vaccine
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine

The Hepatitis A Vaccine is not routinely recommended for childcare workers as the BC CDC recommends to practice good hygiene ie. washing hands regularly.

** Please note that some daycares may require additional immunizations such as Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Varicella (Chicken Pox), and/or Polio.

HOW TO GET AN IMMUNIZATION RECORD?

It is your responsibility to ensure that your immunizations are current and the records are accurate and safe.

If you are a resident of BC and have a BC Services Card you should be able to use the Health Gateway website (Health Gateway (gov.bc.ca)) to retrieve all your personal medical information.

In the case that your records are incomplete, check with your previous doctors or caregivers. If you are from overseas, check with your hometown doctor.

Alternatively, if you have no records of your vaccinations you can go to a walk-in clinic in BC and request a blood test form for LifeLabs.

If you would like an immunization card to refer to check out this website for samples available to download and print at home: Immunization record cards | Immunize BC

Tips and How to get First Aid Certification

How to get First Aid Certification for Early Childhood Educators

WHAT DO I NEED?

The First Aid and CPR Certificate is an essential qualification to becoming an Early Childhood Educator in BC. To start, there are many different categories of first aid certificates, see below for a list of the different types available.

  • First Aid for Home and Work
  • CPR/AED for Home and Work
  • First Aid for Childcare Workers
  • First Aid/CPR BLS Level for Healthcare (HCP)
  • First Responder/Emergency Medical Responder
  • Marine First Aid
  • Wilderness & Remote First Aid
  • Public Education

As you can guess from the list, an ECE would need to take the First Aid for Childcare Workers. This will allow you to get the Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR/AED Level B Certificate. The certificate is valid for 3 years then you will need to take the course again to renew.

** Note: most post-secondary institutions in BC with ECE programs will allow you to earn this certificate during the course of your study.

WHERE TO GET IT?

The best organization to get your first aid certificate with is the Canadian Red Cross (Home – My Red Cross). There are many locations across Metro Vancouver offering the course as suitable times. They also list other reputable organizations that offer the course for $100-140.00 per person.

If you have trouble understanding English, and you speak Mandarin or Korean, check out Family Plus First Aid (Home – Family Plus First Aid) for their courses. They offer the course for $135.00 per person and have locations across Metro Vancouver.

If you speak Punjabi, Spanish, or Arabic, check out Pro Safe Training (Canadian Red Cross First Aid Courses – ProSafe First Aid | Training and Supplies (prosafetraining.ca)) for their course offerings. They charge $110.00 + GST per person and have locations across Metro Vancouver.

Tips for Accidents in the Daycare

MINOR INJURIES OR ACCIDENTS

In minor accidents, it is best to treat the child right away and make sure they are okay. Make sure to monitor the child throughout the rest of the day to check if there is bruising or the wound becomes more noticeable. It is good practice to take notes of any incident that happens in case parents or other teachers need to look back on it. Taking pictures can also help to understand the injury and to ease the parents mind.

MAJOR INJURIES OR ACCIDENTS

If a serious injury happens, the child needs to be initially treated in the daycare. Documentation and pictures are vital for reference and safety records. The school director or other authoritative persons must be made aware of the situation. The parents of the child should be called immediately after first aid care to inquire whether the child should be picked up and taken home.

If the situation requires the child to go to the emergency room, make sure to inform the parents where the child is going and explain the situation carefully and calmly.

**Please note that these are merely tips to help you in the workplace. Every daycare likely has their own emergency response protocol, which must be followed by all employees. Make sure to ask about the protocols to understand what to do if an emergency arises. Do not be afraid to ask questions or clarifications to help you.**

See below for a sample accident report form which a daycare may have.

How To: ECE Portfolio

How To: Create a Portfolio for Early Childhood Educators

A portfolio is a great way to distinguish yourself from other applicants when looking for a job as an Early Childhood Educator. In this blog post, I will outline best practices and what to include in your ECE Portfolio to help you get that job! The portfolio is a way to showcase your experience and abilities in addition to your resume. This provides visual evidence of your past work and how you interact with children.

DESIGN

It is a good idea to use colours and tabs to differentiate sections as well as add to the experience of looking at the portfolio. A blank white portfolio is boring, but also using too many patterns and colours can be overwhelming. There needs to be a balance of colour and space so the portfolio flows and is easy to look at. Consider the size of the portfolio to ensure that it is not too long. Make sure that the portfolio suitably represents yourself and your personality.

Clearly state on the first page that it is your portfolio, ie. Jessie’s Portfolio and include a picture of you in the classroom. Make sure that the picture focuses on you so that the employer knows what you look like.

On the second page, add a Table of Contents with either the corresponding colour tab or page number so an employer can directly see what they want to focus on.

INTRODUCTION TO YOURSELF

The first things that should be included in your portfolio are your resume and cover letter. Your resume should not be longer than 2 pages and your cover letter should only be 1 page. Make sure to address your cover letter to the organization you are applying for and add details in there that relate to the specific job you are applying for. It is good practice to reference the job posting and mention how you are the perfect fit for the job.

CERTIFICATES

Next, you should attach copies of your relevant certificates such as your BC Early Childhood Educator Certificate, Emergency Child First Aid and CPR Certificate, and your Food Safe Certificate. This will make it clear that you are certified and qualified for the job. It will also let the employer know when you got certified and when your certificate needs renewing.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

In this section, you should introduce any academic assignments, teaching aids, or proof of experience. During your studies, if you had any assignments you were proud of, you can attach them here. In addition, if you have any teaching aids like a felt story board or arts and crafts activities, you can attach pictures here. If in any of your previous work experiences, you had the opportunity to take pictures of the kids you worked with or someone took photos of you with the children, here would be a great spot to put them. Try not to have more than 4 pictures per page as otherwise it gets crowded. It is a good idea to put a description with the pictures to describe the name of the workplace as well as the activity happening in the photos.

VIDEOS

Most employers enjoy having videos of applicants interacting with children. It is not required to have children in the video with you, but you will need to be energetic and enthusiastic as if there were children. The videos would be separate from a paper portfolio but if you create a slide deck, then videos can be inserted. A good idea is to have at least one video of you singing a song ie. Welcome or If You’re Happy and You Know It. Another video that is good to make is you reading a short story ie. 5 Little Monkeys. The videos should be approximately 3-5 minutes in length to showcase how you would do that activity with children. 

I hope this can help you find the perfect job in a daycare centre! If you need assistance or further information, contact us.
Happy Portfolio-ing!