How it Works
Pacific Rim is a distance education institution which offers all its courses entirely online. Students regularly communicate with instructors via email and phone regarding course work and assignments. At the end of the course, students must write an examination under the supervision of an exam proctor in their community.
Course enrollment is continuous. Students may take as many courses as they like at one time, as long as they are able to complete them before their end date. It is encouraged that students only enroll in one course at a time. If students complete a course early they are welcome to either take a break, or begin another course right away.
1. Register
The first step is to register online as a student. During the registration process you will be required to submit an entrance essay, two reference letters, and a current criminal record check. There is a registration fee of $250 for domestic students and $500 for international students. When registration is approved, students receive a student ID and password which they can use to login to their student account. From this account students can enroll in courses, update their contact information, access helpful links and access their T2202A tax receipt.
2. Enroll
Before you enroll, purchase required textbooks from our Amazon bookstore or the UVic bookstore. When you are ready to begin a course, simply login to your student account and apply for as many courses as you wish to complete at one time. Most students may choose to complete their program part-time, one course at a time or complete their program full time 2 or 3 courses at a time.
3. Complete Online Coursework
Courses are offered entirely online. Once you sign up for a course you will have up to 10 weeks to complete it. Most courses are made up of 10 units and a final exam. You will regularly communicate with your instructor via email regarding course work and assignments. Students that complete courses early are welcome to begin another course right away, or take a break and continue their studies later. Practicums may be taken in licensed child care centres under the supervision of a qualified Early Childhood Educator. You can search licensed centres in your area by using the government search tool for licensed centres.
4. Start a Career in ECE
Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute provides training that is recognized across Canada which can be tailored to individual needs. Whether you are just starting out in the field or upgrading your creditials to become an ITE or SNE, there is a program or course for you. Licensed graduates work in a wide variety of child care environments, or open their own centres.
The Child Care Human Resources Sector Council has developed a series of video profiles that provide an overview of what it's like to work in Canada's early childhood education and care sector. They travelled across Canada interviewing individuals in the sector to find out more about their careers: their roles and responsibilities, educational requirements, challenges and benefits, and what they love about their jobs. Students wishing to learn more about the variety of careers in early childhood education are encouraged to view these profiles.
For more program information please view our program brochure and student handbook.