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Bachelor of Child Studies — Early Learning and Child Care (BCST)
Why study early learning and child care?
Support children’s development and shape the early years through education, care and advocacy.
Build a solid foundation in early childhood education while learning how to support children from birth to age 12. At Mount Royal University, our Bachelor of Child Studies — Early Learning and Child Care in Calgary blends classroom learning with hands-on practicum experience, so you’re ready to create inclusive, responsive and play-based environments. You’ll dive into child development, curriculum planning, family partnerships, advocacy, inclusion and leadership — all rooted in social justice, equity and Indigenous perspectives. Graduates leave prepared to lead in early learning centres, schools, family supports and community organizations.
Program highlights
- Complete practicum placements in preschools, child care centres and inclusive early learning environments
- Design and lead play-based learning experiences for children from birth to age 12
- Learn to support children with differing abilities through inclusive, developmentally appropriate practices
- Graduate qualified to work as an early childhood educator
Career possibilities
What jobs can I get with an early learning and child care degree?
Graduates work closely with young children and their families across a variety of educational and care settings. Some career paths include:
Going forward from this degree, I have gained more experience working within a team and have learned so much about teamwork and communication. This will certainly benefit me as I move on from MRU to employment in the field.
— MRU alum, Laura Alwast
BCST — Early Learning and Child Care (2021)
Curriculum and courses
What courses will I take in early learning and child care?
Discover how children learn and grow — and gain the skills to support them with responsive, thoughtful care and education.
Explore full curriculum and coursesYear 1
|Years 2-4
Curriculum snapshot – Year 1
Experiential learning
In MRU’s Early Learning and Child Care program, you’ll gain hands-on experience in diverse, play-based settings, applying theory to practice while supporting children's growth and development.
- Complete your work placement in child care, preschool and inclusive learning environments
- Design and implement play-based learning experiences that foster growth from infancy to age 12
- Collaborate with families, professionals and interdisciplinary teams to support children’s development
- Broaden your perspective through immersive study abroad and field school experiences
Admission requirements
When you apply to MRU, you’ll need to meet both general admission requirements and any additional criteria specific to your chosen program. Requirements can vary, so it’s important to review what’s needed for your area of interest.
Select your admission category:
High school
Post-secondary transfer
Mature student
Admission category: High school
High school applicants must submit five Grade 12 courses for admission. These five courses must include the required subjects for the program you’re applying to. These required subjects are part of Group A.
To complete your five courses, additional subjects may be used from Group A, B, or C.
More admissions info for high school applicantsWhat are the requirements for the Bachelor of Child Studies — Early Learning and Child Care?
- English Language Arts 30-1 - 60%
Practicum requirements
All Bachelor of Child Studies students preparing for practicum must provide a current Police Information Check and Intervention Record Check, at their own expense.
Applying from another province or country?
If you're applying from outside Alberta, you'll need to know which of your courses match Alberta Grade 12 courses.
Check out our provincial equivalencies chart if you're from another Canadian province or the international credentials chart if you're applying from outside Canada.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to meet two separate English requirements to be admitted to Mount Royal:
- You’ll need to successfully complete an English course if it’s part of your program’s admission requirements
- Show that you meet Mount Royal’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements
Admission deadlines
Fall 2026 intake
Early admission
Oct. 1, 2025 - Feb. 1, 2026
Ongoing admission based on program space and availability
Feb. 2, 2026 - programs closed
What is early admission?
During the early admission period, all applications are treated as though they were received at the exact same time. This means all competitively qualified applicants will be accommodated. At MRU, we actually receive most of our applications and fill many of our programs from applications submitted during early admission. It is an ideal time to apply and helps expedite the process so you hear back earlier too.
Early admission deadlines
Fall Semester:
Early admission is open from Oct. 1 to Feb 1.
Winter Semester:
Early admission is open from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1.
Costs
We know your investment in post-secondary education is a big deal. Make sure you’re on the right financial track by reviewing the costs, scholarships and financial support available.
How much does the Bachelor of Child Studies — Early Learning and Child Care cost?
The cost of your studies depends on a few things, like the program you choose and whether you’ll live at home or in Residence.
To get a better idea of what you might spend, try using our first-year student budget estimator. It gives a detailed breakdown of estimated costs.
You can also visit our tuition and costs page for full details on tuition and fees for a full year.
Does MRU offer scholarships or financial aid?
At Mount Royal, we want you to focus on your education, not worry about how to pay for it. There are many ways to help cover the cost of your studies.
Scholarships and bursaries
Mount Royal gives out over $5 million each year in scholarships and bursaries! These awards look at things like your grades, financial need and your involvement in school or the community.
Financial aid
There are financial aid options from the provincial and federal governments for both full-time and part-time students. These include student loans, grants and bursaries.
Other resources
You can also explore other ways to pay, like using RESPs (Registered Education Savings Plans) or CPP (Canada Pension Plan) benefits.
How do I apply for scholarships and bursaries?
To be eligible for scholarships and bursaries, you must apply for Early Admission from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries from Nov. 1 to March 1.
Have questions?
Our info sessions are a great way to explore MRU programs, learn how to apply and connect with people who are here to help.
Book an info sessionConnect with the Admissions and Recruitment Office for more one-on-one support.
Contact us
Why MRU
At MRU, learning is about more than lectures and textbooks. It’s about evolving through experience. With small class sizes, supportive faculty and hands-on opportunities, students are encouraged to think critically, push boundaries and uncover what they’re capable of. MRU helps students build the skills, confidence and curiosity to shape meaningful futures in Calgary and beyond.
Discover why MRULearn about the additional supports and services we have available specifically for:
International students Indigenous studentsFaculty of Healthy, Community and Education
Mount Royal is pleased to offer the Bachelor of Education — Elementary, the Bachelor of Social Work, the Bachelor of Child Studies degree, including majors in Child and Youth Care Counsellor and Early Learning and Child Care, and a diploma in Social Work.
Virtual information sessions
Select a session that suits you. Choose from general information, specific by program, drop in Q&A, or attend an Indigenous or international student session.
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