Frequently Asked Questions

Go to the Registration page.. Complete an online registration and upload the documents required. There is a one-time non-refundable fee of $150 for Domestic students and $250 for International students. Before registering, carefully read the CCBC Student Handbook.

• All applicants to the College must demonstrate proficiency in English by providing proof of one of the following:
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: overall band of 5.5 or higher, with a minimum 5.0 in each band.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): iBT 88 or higher, with no sub-score less than 20.
• Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Score of 70 or higher with no sub-score less than 60
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Score of 61 or higher
• Language Proficiency Index (LPI): Level 5 with an essay score of 30 or higher
• Coastal College of British Columbia Language Proficiency Assessment score of 40
• Canadian Language Benchmarks-

• Listening-6
• Speaking-6
• Reading-6
• Writing-6

• English 12 with a C
• Post-secondary English- 6 credits

Applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English Language skills to enroll in programming at Coastal College of British Columbia.

Coastal College offers an in-house English Language Assessment. The cost of this assessment is $50

Click here to LEARN MORE

Yes. Neither the institution nor the student can waive the requirements.

When registering, use a desktop or laptop. If you are still having problems with the online format, contact the college and you will be sent a paper copy that can be submitted by email with all required documentation.

As you may know, you can purchase or rent textbooks from a variety of sites and locations. We encourage students to rent textbooks or buy second-hand textbooks from a vendor of their choice. Here is a list of sites some students have found useful.

• vitalsource.com
• Gettextbooks.ca
• Textbooks.com
• Cheggbooks.com

Coastal College of British Columbia is a fully accredited, designated college. Please check the Private Trainging Institutions Branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training website. The certification number for Coastal College of British Columbia is 04288. Coastal College of British Columbia is also a Designated Learning Institution certified through the Government of Canada. The DLI number is #042195159782.

The Education Assistant Program is administered through Google Classroom. Please watch the Google Classroom Tutorial to familiarize yourself with this learning management system.
Click here to view the Google Classroom Tutorial Video

In the courses there are no examinations. The research is quite clear that exams do not provide long term retention or deep understanding of course content. In this program, the instructors use the formative assessment model. Many colleges and universities are moving away from the “test”. Many educators and experts believe that formative assessment is an integral part of effective teaching and learning. In contrast with most summative assessments (exams and tests), which are deliberately set apart from instruction, formative assessments are integrated into the learning process. For example, a formative-assessment technique could be as simple as an instructor posing a reflection question to a student and then using a rubric to provide feedback.

Don’t be afraid. Many students who never had any experience with online training have been successful with us. Do you have self-discipline, motivation, and basic computer skills? If you answered ‘Yes’ to these questions, you should be fine.

A Prior Learning Assessment is completed on a case by case basis. The process is applied consistently to all students.

1. The student submits all necessary documentation.
2. The Senior Educational Administrator completes a thorough analysis to see if Advanced Credit should be granted.
3. The student is notified of the result.
4. The student has the option of accepting the advanced credit or taking the course.

Click here to learn more about Prior Learning and Advanced Credit at CCBC.

Once you complete the ECEA course, your graduation package will be mailed to you. You should complete the ECEA application form and mail it to the ECE Registry. You can find the form at www.gov.bc.ca/earlychildhoodeducators.
The following documents and information are included in your package:

• 2 official transcripts in sealed envelopes
• 2 unofficial transcripts
• Certificate of Course Completion
• Course Outline
• Application to the director of the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Registry
• Cover letter
  1. Start date/End date
  2. Student Number

Practicums are organized by Coastal College of British Columbia (CCBC). In consultation with the student, CCBC would tentatively schedule a practicum in a high school or elementary school in the students’ preferred area. The student may also make inquires. CCBC would negotiate placements through discussions with a host organization. If a host organization is not available in the student’s preferred area of residence, the student may be required to accept a practicum elsewhere. Through negotiations, the practicum is set out based on the learning outcomes. Care is taken to ensure that the practicum does not demand knowledge that the student does not yet possess. All coursework must be complete before the beginning of the practicum. As well, a criminal record search and a basic first aid course must be completed before the start of the practicum. Most school districts do not allow practicums in September or June. Our goal would be to have you start the practicum in other months. Not to worry, we would work with you to ensure all these pieces are in place.

Education Assistant practicums are scheduled for 180 hours which is approximately six weeks. During the Practicum, students are expected to work five days a week for about six hours a day. There are no part time practicum.All practicums are unpaid.

You can provide the college with your top three preferences of schools. These schools cannot be places where you have family or a history with the staff.

Most districts want the college to contact them up to 4-6 weeks prior to the start of the practicum. By the time they confirm the placement, it can be a few weeks prior to the tentative dates that you will be notified.

There are three intakes for practicum. Fall (Sept-Oct/Oct-Nov and Nov-Dec) Winter (Jan-February/February-March) Spring (April-May/May-Jun) Please make the necessary adjustments to be prepared for your 6-week full-time practicum (work, childcare, etc.)

The practicum coordinator does their best to place you in your preference, but it is based on the availability of the schools/admin/district. If the district cannot accommodate, you will be placed in an alternative district or independent school setting.

All students must complete a successful criminal record check and basic first aid course. Both must be complete prior to beginning your practicum.

The practicum coordinator will send you the EA Practicum Handbook and other resources and documents you will need prior to the start of your practicum.

You can complete the work experience Prior Learning Assessment to gain advanced standing for the practicum portion of the course. Ensure you inform the college of this to complete the necessary documents and gain approval.
Important Notes:

• September is a busy month for many schools and districts and as they are unavailable in the summer, most placements do not get confirmed until mid-September. Practicums usually begin in October. All schools and districts have different policies and procedures; therefore, it is important to be patient and understanding based on their needs regarding education assistant practicum placements.
• Do not contact schools and districts on your own as most districts communicate with the program coordinators.

Click here to learn more about Prior Learning and Advanced Credit at CCBC.