Early Learning and Child Care Diploma

*Newly accepted students: Be Advised*
Your Program Advising and Registration Information will be emailed out to you shortly. Once you receive the package, please review all of the documents.
Play is more than just fun. It’s an important building block in the development of young children. The two-year Early Learning and Child Care Diploma program gives you the skills to make a living by playing — and learning — in a variety of roles. You’ll learn how to create a safe and stimulating play environment for children from infancy to age 12.

Experience wanted

You will gain knowledge and practical experience in a variety of areas, including:

early childhood education
learning through play
nutrition and health
communicating with children and parents

More earning power

You can earn approximately $4 more per hour with an Early Learning and Child Care diploma at accredited child care centres. Graduates are qualified for Child Development Supervisor Certification through the Alberta Child Care Staff Certification Office.

Career choices

Graduates are in high demand, and you will find a variety of work in child care facilities, kindergarten programs, agencies and private practice. Your job title could be:

Early childhood educator (ECE) — with a solid understanding of how children learn, you can help children develop and build their self-esteem. You will primarily be working with children between the ages of two and five.
Special needs caregiver — assist families with children with special needs by providing assistance, resources and relieving some of the pressure they are under.

Further education

Graduates can transfer most of the two years of course work from this program to Mount Royal University’s Bachelor of Applied Child Studies. You may also use courses from this program toward programs at the universities of Alberta, Victoria and Manitoba.

Online and part-time options

You can choose to study part-time either online or in a blended format that combines online learning with in-person evening and weekend classes.
You may access part - time courses through eCampus Alberta or register through Mount Royal University. Perhaps you want to learn fully online - Visit out Early Learning and Child Care Certificate.

Gain international perspective

There are opportunities to study and work abroad through partnerships established with leading institutions. International study is a great way to gain greater understanding and perspective. For details on these opportunities please contact the Department of Child and Youth Studies.

Did you know?

Child Care Centre Accreditation Information

Accreditation of child care centres in Alberta is now underway. Accreditation builds on licensing to build on factors that determine quality. The emphasis is on staff practices and actual outcomes for children and families. It shifts the focus from meeting minimum standards to continuously striving towards higher levels of care.

After a year of conceptualizing, defining and pilot testing, the accreditation office is now operational. The Alberta Association for the Accreditation of Early Learning and Care Services (AELCS) is incorporated as a non-profit organization with a mandate to set quality standards of service, assess services against the standards, and accredit services that meet the standards. The first program introduced by AELCS is the Alberta Child Care Accreditation Program (ACCAP) for licensed child care centres and contracted family child care agencies.

Learn more about the Alberta Association for the Accreditation of Early Learning and Care Services (AELCS) www.aelcs.ca