Early Childhood Education

Become an essential part of a child’s early years, where learning through play is vital to development, in our Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs.

Offering a one-year certificate, a two-year diploma, and a one-year internship certificate for those already working in the field, our ECE programs are approved for licensing in most provinces and territories and have been designed for flexibility.

The one-year certificate is offered on our main campus as well as fully online.  Year 2 of the Diploma is offered through online learning.  

Through a blend of theory and practical application, we’ll prepare you with the knowledge, experience and perspective you need to work with young children at any stage of development. When it comes to hands-on experience, your practicum can be arranged near you. Develop a career fit for your nurturing personality and love of children in our ECE programs. 

Career Opportunities

When you graduate from either ECE program, your in-demand skills will open up opportunities in:

• Before and After School Programs
• Child Care Centres
• Day Homes
• Early Learning Programs
• Family Group Care Programs
• Kindergartens
• Out-of-school Care Programs
• Parenting Centres
• Preschool Programs
• Recreational Facilities

Admissions

This program is available for International Students.New applicants are accepted in the Early Childhood Education certificate program for on-campus delivery for the Fall (September) term.

Students wishing to enroll for the on-campus delivery in the Winter (January) term will take courses in a revised curriculum based on course availability.

This admission will result in a three term curriculum for the on-campus completion of the certificate. Courses are also open on an individual basis for part-time study. 

Upon successful completion of your Early Childhood Education certificate program, you will be eligible for admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma. 

In order to be considered for the diploma program, we recommend that you submit a Change of Program to the Admissions Office in your last term of study of the certificate program.  If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Admissions Office.

Students completing the certificate or diploma program through online study are accepted for terms beginning Fall (September), Winter (January) or Spring (May). Students choosing this route must contact the ECE program to plan their program.

General Admissions Requirements

All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.

Applicants are required to have successfully completed a one-year Early Childhood Education certificate or equivalent from a recognized college, in order to enter the Early Childhood Education diploma program. 

Transfer students with related credentials will be accepted into the program after being assessed on an individual basis to determine whether they are required to take bridging courses to meet diploma outcomes.

Delivery Formats

The Early Childhood Education programs are available through on-campus delivery, which may include some blended delivery components, as well as a fully online delivery.

Blended

This program includes both face-to-face/on-campus and online delivery in both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) formats.

Hyflex - Internship

This program is offered both on-campus and online; lectures and hands-on training opportunities are delivered through video conference, allowing students the option to attend classes in-person or remotely.

On Campus

This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge College campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.

Online

This program is fully delivered online with both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) components.