Early Learning and Childcare

This program is licensed under Alberta’s Private Vocational Training Act (PVTA) .In 2020, just over 52% of Canadian households with children between 0 and 5 years of age used some form of early learning, amounting to just over 1.2 million children.

It’s undeniable that early childhood educators are needed and highly valued in Canada.We understand you’ll want to hit the ground running in your career as soon as possible, which is why our diploma program is only 16 months long.

We offer a condensed learning format, giving you the relevant information you need, delivered efficiently so you’ll be work-ready, faster.

The Early Learning and Childcare program is designed to give you the skills to help young children from all cultures and backgrounds grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:

• Create safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environments
• Facilitate sensory, intellectual, social, spiritual, and emotional development
• Promote positive relationships and conflict resolution
• Establish positive connections with children’s families and communities
• Create equitable, culturally relevant teaching environments
• Use effective program development and leadership skills to facilitate early childhood programming
• Demonstrate professional behaviour and work effectively as a member of a team

Respectful and fair treatment of children, colleagues, and families is at the heart of good childhood education.

As an educator in this field, you’ll work to eliminate unfair biases, stereotypes, and barriers so children from all backgrounds and cultures feel valued and included.

Part of the Early Learning and Childcare diploma program focuses on teaching you how to create equitable, culturally relevant learning environments that encourage meaningful conversation and play.

You’ll learn how to address the needs of Indigenous children and families and incorporate cultural touchpoints into learning activities.

Not only that, you’ll have the privilege of helping children foster caring relationships and healthy, inclusive social interactions.

Program Delivery

Hybrid Learning

• A mix of online and on-campus learning.
• Enjoy the flexibility of remote learning without sacrificing valuable in-person training under the guidance of your instructors.
• You only come to the campus for scheduled in-person labs! The theory portion of the program is delivered online through Brightspace, our online learning platform.
• On campus classes are typically scheduled during the evenings and on Saturdays.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Early Learning and Childcare program have the foundational knowledge and skills needed to qualify for positions as Early Childhood Educators in the early childhood sector. There are a variety of career opportunities available for graduates, including:

• Child Care Professionals
• Child and Youth Workers
• Home Care Providers
• Child Care Teachers
• Preschool Teachers 
• Nursery Workers
• Daycare Workers
• Childcare Center Assistant Directors
• Child Development Assistants

• Graduates can expect to find jobs in a variety of institutions, including:

• Child Day Care Services
• Individual and Family Services
• Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Child and Youth Services
• Civic and Social Organizations

Lifetime Career Services

Even though you’ll leave Robertson once you graduate, we will support you throughout your career. Our team will help you with resume building, job hunting and interview preparation and will continue to guide you as you advance in your role.

Before you graduate, you’ll be paired with a career specialist in your field who will help you find a meaningful place to start your career. As a graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to student services that are committed to your success and helping you thrive.

Who Should Enroll?

It takes a special type of person to work in the childhood education sector. This program would be a good fit for students who have these characteristics.

You enjoy working with children. This is a must in this career path. You should be enthusiastic and passionate about working with children and want to make a difference in their lives.

You’re a patient person. Patience is key when working with youngsters. They have short attention spans and can be energetic for long periods of time, so it’s important to exercise patience and take every day in stride.

You’re ready to be active. Early childhood education is a physically-demanding career. You must be able to lift children and learning materials as well as move quickly to keep them safe.

You’re creative. The more creative you are, the easier a time you’ll have at crafting learning activities that interest children and keep their attention. It’s important to be a good observer and an analytical thinker.

You have strong interpersonal skills. All children are different and you may work with some that are more difficult than others. Showing compassion and empathy will help you work with those children and support them when they’re struggling.

You have strong communication skills. You must be able to communicate with children and their families, as well as actively listen.

You enjoy challenges. Every day will be different and not every day will be easy. You must be able to adapt and think quickly to resolve any issues as they come up.