Early Learning and Child Care Certificate Program

The Early Learning and Childcare Certificate will prepare students for employment in Early Learning and Child Care.

Graduates of the program will fulfill the requirements to obtain the Child Development Worker Certification through Alberta Human Services, Early Childhood Development Branch.

Early childhood educators plan, organize and initiate activities to help children develop and learn intellectually, physically, and emotionally.

They work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children in a variety of settings. They also build relationships with parents and other professionals.

Become a Qualified Early Childhood Worker

Classes are led by dedicated instructors with years of experience working in the field. As a student, you will train on industry-current software and get up-to-date skills in areas employers look for, including:

• Canadian Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR
• Skills for Student Success
• Career Strategies
• Computer Applications
• Foundations to ELCC
• Professionalism and Professional Attributes
• Communication Skills for Childcare Providers
• The Growing Child
• Guiding Children’s Behavior
• Early Language and Literacy
• Play as Curriculum Practice
• Professional Writing for Childcare Providers
• Creating the Curriculum
• Health, Nutrition and Safety
• Building Professional Relationships
• Child Developmental and Learning Theories
• Methods and Materials in Inclusive ELCC
• Mandatory Practicum

Following are the Program Outcomes for the Early Learning and Child Care Certificate:

• Outcome 1: Apply the knowledge and skills required to become a Child Development Worker. Following are the program outcomes for the Early Learning and Child Care Certificate:
• Outcome 2: Create curriculum and programming that are appropriate and focused on the child as the main actor of the curriculum.
• Outcome 3: Identify and develop professional attributes expected in early learning contexts.
• Outcome 4: Apply knowledge and skills to develop and maintain strong and positive relationships with families and the community.

Entrance Requirements

• Complete Level 1 Early Childhood Educator Certification
• Clear Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS). International or out-of-province students arriving in Canada less than 6 months prior should obtain a PCI from their home country or province.
• CELPIP General level 7 in all areas (reading, writing, listening, speaking) or IELTS General Score 6 in all areas (reading, writing, listening, speaking) for students whose first language is not English.
• All applicants will be interviewed with respect to suitability to the program.
• Completion of Alberta Child Care Orientation Course

Standard Admission Alberta High School Diploma, verified by transcript, or Non-Alberta equivalent verified by transcript, or Successful completion of the General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.)

Mature Admission (must be 18 years or older)
Students must have been out of school for a minimum of one year.Students who do not hold a Canadian High School Diploma must successfully complete the CAAT (Canadian Adult Achievement Test).

Career Opportunities

Classes are led by dedicated instructors with years of experience working in the field. As a student, you will train on industry-current software and get up-to-date skills in areas employers look for, including:

• Skills for Student Success
• Career Strategies
• Canadian Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR
• Computer Applications
• Foundations to ELCC
• Professionalism and Professional Attributes
• Communication Skills for Childcare Providers
• The Growing Child
• Guiding Children’s Behavior
• Early Language and Literacy
• Play as Curriculum Practice
• Professional Writing for Childcare Providers
• Creating the Curriculum
• Health, Nutrition and Safety
• Building Professional Relationships
• Child Developmental and Learning Theories
• Methods and Materials in Inclusive ELCC
• Mandatory Practicum

Due to the career-oriented nature of the proposed program and the accelerated delivery format, we are not able to engage in transfer agreements with other Alberta Public Colleges.