🏆CapU’s Childhood Studies Centre Earns LEED Gold Certification
Capilano University’s Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies has earned LEED Gold certification, recognizing its strong environmental performance and sustainable building design. Opened in April 2025, the centre uses approximately 40% less energy than a conventional building of a similar size and includes energy-efficient ventilation and lighting, water-saving fixtures, native landscaping and recycling systems. It provides purpose-built spaces for teaching, applied research, collaboration, experiential education and child care.
The centre is also home to CapU’s School of Education & Childhood Studies, giving students access to a modern learning environment designed specifically for childhood education and research. Students interested in supporting the learning, development and well-being of children and youth can explore programs under School of Education & Childhood Studies.
👉View full article on CapU’s school news page.
🌟Why Study ECCE at CapU
- Learn in a purpose-built facility: Study at the Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies, a modern space designed for teaching, child care, applied research and collaboration.
- Gain practical experience: Connect classroom theory with hands-on practicum placements in early childhood learning environments.
- Choose a flexible academic pathway: Begin with an ECCE Certificate or Diploma and continue toward the Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and Education.
- Prepare for professional practice: Develop the competencies needed to pursue Early Childhood Educator certification and employment in licensed child care settings in British Columbia.
- Build inclusive and responsive teaching skills: Learn to collaborate with children, families, colleagues and community members while supporting diverse learning needs.
- Explore specialized areas: Degree students can study infant and toddler education, inclusive practice, outdoor learning, leadership, advocacy and early childhood research.
🧑🏼🍼 Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and Education Degree
The program combines academic theory, applied research and practical experience in early-years education. Students explore curriculum development, childhood studies, leadership and advocacy while developing the professional competencies needed to support children, families and communities.
Program Highlights
- Credential: Bachelor’s Degree
- Length: 4 years
- Location: CapU Main Campus in North Vancouver and CapU Squamish
- Intake: Fall
- Study Format: Full-time or part-time
- PGWP Eligibility: Yes
- Graduates must also meet all other Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada eligibility requirements when applying.
What Will Students Learn?
Students will explore:
- Child development and contemporary learning theories
- Curriculum planning for early childhood settings
- Inclusive education and support for diverse learning needs
- Family, community and professional relationships
- Leadership, advocacy and early childhood program administration
- Practical skills through supervised practicums and field experience
The first two years include courses that meet the educational requirements for B.C.’s ECE Certificate to Practice, Infant/Toddler Certificate to Practice and/or Special Needs Certificate to Practice.
Future Career Pathways
Graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Early childhood educator
- Child advocate
- Child development consultant
- Education consultant
- Early-years program facilitator
- StrongStart BC facilitator
- Child-care program leader or administrator
👉More information, such as tuition and course list, view Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and Education Degree page on CapU’s official school website.
👶🏼Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma
Capilano University’s Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma prepares students to work with children under five in licensed child care centres, preschools and other early-learning environments. The program combines foundational knowledge in child development, inclusive practice and curriculum design with three supervised practicum placements.
Program Highlights
- Credential: Diploma
- Length: 2 years
- Location: CapU Main Campus in North Vancouver and CapU Squamish
- Intake: Fall
- Study Format: Full-time or part-time
- PGWP Eligibility: Yes
- Students must also meet all other IRCC eligibility requirements when applying for a post-graduation work permit.
What Will Students Learn?
Students will explore:
- Child development and early learning
- Curriculum planning for young children
- Inclusive education and diverse learning needs
- Infant and toddler care
- Observation, documentation and play-based programming
- Practical skills through three supervised practicums
The program’s education courses meet the academic requirements for students to apply to the B.C. Early Childhood Educator Registry for the ECE Certificate to Practice, Infant/Toddler Certificate to Practice and/or Special Needs Certificate to Practice.
Future Career Pathways
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Early childhood educator
- Early-years program facilitator
- StrongStart BC facilitator
- Child advocate
- Child development consultant
- Education consultant
Graduates may also apply to continue their education in CapU’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and Education Degree program.
👉More information, such as tuition and course list, view Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma page on CapU’s official school website.
🎓Education Assistant Certificate
Capilano University’s Education Assistant Certificate prepares students to support children and adolescents with diverse abilities in K–12 educational environments. The part-time program combines evening and weekend classes with practical training through a 120-hour practicum placement.
Program Highlights
- Credential: Certificate
- Length: 16 months
- Location: CapU Main Campus, North Vancouver
- Intake: Fall
- Study Format: Part-time, with evening and weekend classes
- PGWP Eligibility: No
What Will Students Learn?
Students will explore:
- Supporting students with diverse abilities and learning needs
- Special education principles and practices
- Strategies for responding to challenging behaviours
- Mental health considerations in school environments
- Supporting students with accommodations, individualized education plans or autism
- Practical education-assistant skills through a 120-hour practicum
Future Career Pathways
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Education assistant
- Child advocate
- Educator
- Educational consultant
👉More information, such as tuition and course list, view Education Assistant Certificate page on CapU’s official school website.
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Sources: https://www.capilanou.ca/
