A child special works in a classroom full of kids.

Early Learning and Child Care

Bachelor of Child Studies (BCST)

4 years

Learn how to apply

Program highlights

Work placement opportunity


Gain practical experience — opportunities like fieldwork, practicums and capstone courses will allow you to put theory into practice and gain the valuable skills that will support you in your career.

Get certified ― gain foundational knowledge in preparation to meet professional certification requirements.

Participate in research — explore topics like community coalition development, sociocultural and child developmental perspectives, mapping family/community-based resources and more.

Get involved — join the Bachelor of Child Studies Society to gain support and establish a sense of community.

 

Discover how play can be a powerful force in a child’s development. Learn about the developmental needs of children from infancy to age 12 and gain the ability to design, co-construct and implement play experiences for children as well as how to communicate effectively with parents and professionals. With emphasis on real-world learning situations along with lab simulations, role playing and discussion groups, you'll graduate well prepared to provide care and learning for all children, including those who have special needs.

Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Post-diploma Entrance Option

Students possessing a completed ELCC diploma from an accredited post-secondary institution, may apply through a competitive process directly into the third year of the Bachelor of Child Studies. Students accepted with a post-secondary diploma will normally receive transfer credit for up to 60 credits (20 courses) towards the Bachelor of Child Studies.

Career possibilities

  • Early childhood educator
  • Licensing officer
  • Family dayhome consultant
  • Family support worker/parent educator

  • Educational assistant in primary grades
  • Child care preschool director/operator
  • Child development facilitator
  • Child care centre director/administrator

Admission requirements and costs

Curriculum and courses

Questions?

Explore the program FAQs for answers to common questions. For additional information about admission requirements and the application process, connect with an admissions and recruitment specialist.

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Second-year Bachelor of Child Studies student Em Pond holds up a mixed-media art piece. It has a colourful watercolour sky with DNA strands and a abstract plant depiction with a dried flower glued on.

A voice for every child

Project challenges students to tackle their own preconceptions

A view of the Child Development Lab showcasing the child tipi and a mural of Calgary's downtown.

Mount Royal’s living classroom

The Child Development Lab enhances student learning using real-life scenarios

Brye Robertson wearing her cap and gown on Convocation day.

Discovering the right fit for a meaningful career

MRU alumna returns to further her focus

Take the next steps to become a Mount Royal student

Application process Sign up for an info session
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Faculty of Healthy, Community and Education

Mount Royal is pleased to offer the Bachelor of Child Studies degree, including majors in Child and Youth Care Counsellor and Early Learning and Child Care.

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Virtual Information Sessions

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