How It Works
Pacific Rim is a distance education institution that offers all its courses entirely online with a required on-site practicum component for each program. Students regularly communicate with instructors and support staff via email and phone regarding course work and assignments. At the end of the course, students must write an examination online (for eligible students that meet the technical requirements) or on-site under the supervision of a proctor in their community.
Course registration and enrollment intake begins on the 1st of each month and is continuous until the registration limits have been reached. 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 submit an online registration application. During the registration process you will be required to submit proof of completion of Grade 12 English or equivalent, two Character Reference Letters, Photo Identification, a Criminal Record Check indicating clearance to work with children, a Declaration of Health, and an Admission Interview. There is a registration fee of $250 for domestic students and $500 for international students. If the registration application is accepted and 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 resources, access a job posting board and access their T2202 tax receipt.
2. Enroll
Before you enroll, purchase the required textbook(s) for the course you wish to enroll in. You may purchase textbooks from the links provided on our website, or purchase them from the UVic Bookstore, a local bookstore or directly from the publisher. When you are ready to begin a course, simply login to your student account and apply for the course. Courses must be taken in order. Most students choose to complete their program part-time, one course at a time. Some students apply to become full-time students and complete their program on a full-time schedule of two or three courses at a time. Please note that when taking the program part-time, courses should be taken one at a time and all prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrolling in the next course.
3. Complete Online Coursework
Courses are offered entirely online. After you enroll, you will have 10 weeks to complete each course. All course assignments must be completed in the first 9 weeks of the course and the exam must be completed before the course end date. Most courses are composed of 10 unit assignments 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.
4. Complete On-Site Practicums in British Columbia
Each program has a mandatory on-site practicum component (although no practicum is required for Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) Certification). Once you enroll, you will have between 3 and 5 weeks to complete a practicum (depending on the practicum). All practicum assignments and submissions must be completed before the practicum end date. Practicums must be taken in British Columbian group licensed child care centres under the supervision of a certified Early Childhood Educator in accordance with the PRECI Practicum Policy (found in the Student Handbook). You can search licensed centres in your area by using the government search tool for licensed centres.
5. Start a Career in ECE
Pacific Rim ECI is a recognized early childhood education training institution in British Columbia (BC) and program completion leads to eligibility for BC Early Childhood Education (ECE) credentials. Additionally, these credentials may be accepted or are transferrable to another province or country, but you will need to ensure that BC certifications are accepted where you intend to practice.
Training at Pacific Rim ECI can be tailored to individual needs. Whether you are just starting out in the field or upgrading your credentials to become an ITE or SNE, there is a program or course for you. Certified graduates work in a wide variety of childcare 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 read our student handbook.