Indigenous Early Childhood Education (INECE) Level 1

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Program Description

The Indigenous Early Childhood Education (ECE) Level 1 Online program is a three-course program that delivers the basics of Early Childhood Professional Education in alignment with the Ministry of Education provincial Early Childhood Education standards. The program includes three core Level 1 ECE courses rooted in Indigenous worldviews, perspectives, history, literature, engagement with Elders, and land-based education practices. This program will give you the foundational beginnings to begin a career as a childcare provider. Applicants who apply to the INECE Level 1 Online program are expected to have basic proficiency in using a laptop and Microsoft applications, as well as the ability to navigate online learning platforms. These skills are necessary to access course materials, complete assignments, and participate fully in virtual classes.

This program will give students the foundational beginnings to begin a career as a childcare provider.

Program Delivery

There are two ways to obtain credit for each of the three courses as part of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Level 1 program:

1. Online Study: This program is suited for those who are currently working in or are interested in working either full-time or part-time in a childcare facility. This online program includes 3 courses – 45 hours of study time for each course, over 4 months.
2. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR): If you have one or more years of experience working in a childcare facility within the last five years, you may be eligible to obtain credits for one or more of these courses through the PLAR process. Please see below for more information about the PLAR process.

Admission Requirements

Acceptance Policy

SIIT provides preferential admission to applicants who are of First Nation’s ancestry; however, SIIT programs are open to everyone, and all application will be considered. SIIT relies on section 56 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 to provide preference to applicants who are of First Nations’ ancestry.

Permanent Resident Applicant Information

SIIT is not currently legislated to accept International Students. You must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply.
For Permanent Resident applications we will request the following documentation:

• Copy of Permanent Resident Card
• International Qualifications Assessment (IQAS) International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) | Alberta.ca Your high school/secondary education credentials must be assessed through this service.
• Canadian Language Benchmark – English Assessment of CLB 7. We will accept either International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic or Canadian English Language Proficiency Program (CELPIP) – General.

Courses

Tuition & Fees

This program is supported by the Government of Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Advanced Education through a grant and is tuition-free for all accepted applicants.

What to Expect

Day to Day

Length of Program

• Part time
• 3 evening classes a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) from 5 – 9pm
• 35 Days
• 135 hours total of evening online instruction

Delivery Method

• Online

Program Delivery Dates

• Fall Term –August 31, 2026 to December 18, 2026.
• Winter Term – January 11, 2027 to May 7, 2027.
• Note: Students will register in either the Fall or Winter Term. Not both.

Academic Policy

Students attending must adhere to SIIT Academic & Student policies, which are available on the mySIIT dashboard on the SIIT website.

Attendance Policy

• Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Each program has specific attendance requirements that must be adhered to in order to graduate. In order to graduate from this program, an attendance rate of 90% or better is required.
• If you have been approved for funding, you must maintain the attendance required by your sponsoring agency to remain eligible to receive payment.

Evaluation

The passing grade is 50% for each of the courses: INECE 105, 110, & 115.
To graduate from the program, you are required to have an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 60%.

Credential

Upon successful completion INECE Level 1, you will receive a SIIT Certificate of Achievement and can apply for your ECE Level 1 certification with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education.

Career Opportunities

Completing the Indigenous Early Childhood Education Level 1 program at SIIT will prepare you to enter careers in Early Childhood Education or pursue post-secondary programs in the related field. Applicants will be eligible to apply for their Saskatchewan certification in Early Childhood Education Level 1 (ECE Level 1). Those who receive their ECE Level 1 certification can work over 65 hours or more per month in a childcare centre.

Transfer Credit

For more information, please contact the INECE coordinator on your acceptance letter, once admitted to the INECE program.

If you have gained credit for one or more level 1 ECE courses through an alternate post-secondary institution, you may transfer that credit. Transfer credit policy and guidelines apply. For more information, please reach out to the Admissions Team at admissions@siit.ca or 306-477-9325.