BC has a childcare crisis
Provincial waitlists for infant spaces are years long. Trained infant caregivers are among the most-requested workers in the BC labour market.
About the Program
What is the Caregiver Infant Diploma?
This diploma equips students to support infants and toddlers in licensed daycares, family child-care homes, and private caregiver arrangements. The program covers early-childhood theory, developmental milestones, safety and nutrition, and the communication skills needed to work alongside families and licensed educators.
A supervised practicum at a partner Vancouver childcare centre gives students real classroom hours and a credible reference for employment.
Why It Matters
Why infant care, why now?
Work that lasts a lifetime
The first 1,000 days shape a child's emotional and cognitive foundation. Skilled caregivers are part of that foundation.
Pathway to licensure
The diploma stacks toward the BC Early Childhood Educator (ECE) credential and additional Infant/Toddler certification.
Pathways
Where graduates go
Direct to Industry
- Infant Care Aide
- Daycare Assistant
- Family Child Care Provider
- Private Nanny
- Preschool Support Worker
Specialized Settings
- Infant-toddler programs
- Pediatric support roles
- Inclusion support for special needs
- Multicultural family services
Further Study
- Bridge into BC ECE certification
- Infant/Toddler post-basic
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
- Specialize in inclusive education
Earning Potential
What graduates earn in Canada
Salary ranges reflect typical Canadian market rates as of 2026.
Entry Level
$40K – $50K
First role within 6 months. Daycare assistant, infant aide, family caregiver.
Experienced
$52K – $65K
With ECE credential. Lead infant educator, room lead, private nanny.
Specialist & Advanced
$68K – $90K+
With Infant/Toddler post-basic and supervisory roles. Centre supervisor, ECE consultant.
Curriculum
What you'll study
Module 1 · Foundations of Early Care
- Theories of early childhood development
- Attachment, bonding, and trust
- Professional ethics and boundaries
- Child rights and BC licensing standards
Module 2 · Infant Development
- 0–36 month developmental milestones
- Brain development and stimulation
- Language emergence
- Recognizing developmental delays
Module 3 · Health, Safety & Nutrition
- Infant feeding and formula handling
- Safe sleep and SIDS prevention
- Pediatric first aid and CPR
- Sanitation and infection control
Module 4 · Play-Based Learning
- Sensory and motor development
- Designing safe, age-appropriate play
- Observing and documenting growth
- Outdoor and emergent curriculum
Module 5 · Working with Families
- Family-centred caregiving
- Cultural awareness in BC
- Daily reporting and communication
- Difficult conversations and concerns
Practicum · 200 Supervised Hours
- Placement at licensed BC daycare
- Supervised by certified ECE
- Real classroom participation
- Employment-ready evaluation
Admissions
Ready to apply?
Speak with an advisor or submit your application today.