Early Learning and Child Care Diploma

Admission Requirements Tuition and Fees Program Structure

Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) courses are based on a philosophy that children thrive in developmentally appropriate, child-centered play programs that use a problem-solving approach to guidance. Practical experience with children is an integral part of the program.

The Early Learning and Child Care Diploma is an upward step from our ELCC Certificate program and provides students with the knowledge, skills and competencies to pursue professional, supervisory positions in childcare. Study involves an ongoing forum of networking with other experienced early childhood professionals and projects tailored to students’ specific interests and requirements.

 Year One
Year one of the Diploma program is the same as the ELCC Certificate program. After successful completion of year one of studies, diploma students will be eligible for an ELCC Certificate to apply for Alberta Child Care Staff Certification as a Child Development Worker. To continue onto year two, Diploma students will complete registration requirements. 
Year Two 
Year two offers continuous intake every seven weeks and is available on a Full-time or Part-time basis, with programming delivery offered in an alternative format ( online and/or face-to-face with the possibility of web conferencing.) To accommodate working students, face-to-face classes are scheduled in the evenings on weekdays and/or on Saturdays. 


Graduates are employed primarily in daycare centres, preschools, out-of-school care (OSC) and family day homes.

Admission requirements

Year 1

High School Diploma (or equivalent)
Alberta High School Diploma, or equivalent, with:
  • a minimum of 50% in English 30/30-1

OR

65% in English 33/30-2

Mature students (students who are 21 years or older) with less than a high school diploma are encouraged to apply.  Applicants will be considered after their overall strengths have been determined through a combination of an interview with ELCC staff and the College Entrance Test. 

Mature students may be admitted as special students to individual ELCC courses 

Year 2

 High school diploma (or equivalent)

Alberta High School Diploma, or equivalent, with

  • Minimum of 50% in English 30/30-1

 OR

  • Minimum of 65% in English 33/30-2. 

Mature students (students who are 21 years or older) with less than a high school diploma are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be considered after their overall strengths have been determined through a combination of an interview with ELCC staff and the College Entrance Assessment.

OR ELCC Certificate (or equivalent)

A Level 2 equivalency, as recognized by Alberta Child Care Staff Certification Office, may be eligible, if applicants provide proof of competency in the following early learning certificate courses:  CHSD 104, CHSD 105, ELCC 106, ELCC 206 and have equivalent practicum experience in an early learning setting.

  • Inquire at the Office of the Registrar about equivalencies and/or prior learning assessments. 

 Additional requirements

 English language proficiency
  • TOEFL: iBT with a minimum score of 79 with no score below 19
  • IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0
  • CAEL with a minimum score of 60
  • MELAB with a minimum score of 80
  • Duolingo with a minimum score of 95
  • PTE (academic) with a minimum score of 50

See our Credit Calendar for other ways that you can meet the English Language Proficiency requirements.

In addition to meeting English Language Proficiency students must also present the appropriate coursework to meet the admission requirements for their chosen program 

 Pre-Practicum Requirements
We will provide you with the forms for all requirements on Orientation Day for the academic year.

Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check

You must submit a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check on the first day of classes and apply no earlier than the second week of July

Child Care First Aid

You must complete Child Care First Aid before you begin your first practicum. You can often complete this during the first week of class. You are responsible for the cost associated with this training.

Have references available

We may ask you to provide three references, including their names, phone numbers and email addresses (no family members)

Tuition and Fees

Full Time Fees 2023-2024

 Please note the 2023-2024 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the tuition fee regulation.

 Full Time Fees  Fall Winter
Tuition $2,157.00 $2,157.00
Health & Dental Fee *$126.00 *$126.00
Campus Rec Fee  $70.00  $70.00
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00
Technology Fee $95.00 $95.00
Total Fees $420.92 $420.92
Total Tuition & Fees ***$2,577.92 ***$2,577.92
Total Cost Per Year   $5,155.84
Full Time Fees International Students 2023-2024

 Please note the 2023-2024 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the tuition fee regulation.

International Students Fees Fall Winter
Tuition  $6,471.00 $6,471.00
Campus Rec Fee  $70.00  $70.00
Heath & Dental Fee *$126.00 *$126.00
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92 
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00
Technology Fee $95.00 $95.00 
Total Fees $420.92 $420.92
Total Tuition & Fees

***$6,891.92

***$6,891.92
Total Cost Per Year   $13,783.84
Spring Fees 2023-2024

Please note the 2023-2024 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the tuition fee regulation.

Spring Session FeesDomestic StudentsInternational Students
Tuition  $1,008.00 $3,024.00
Campus Rec Fee  $70.00 $70.00
Student Association Building Fee $3.36 $3.36
Student Association Fee $21.00 $21.00
Technology Fee $95.00 $95.00
Total Full Time Fees $189.36 $189.36
Total Tuition & Fees

***$1,197.36

***$3,213.36

 Full Time Fees 2024-2025

Please note the 2024-2025 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the tuition fee regulation.

 Full Time Fees  Fall Winter
Tuition $2,204.00 $2,204.00
Health & Dental Fee *$126.00 *$126.00
Campus Rec Fee  $75.00  $75.00
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00
Technology Fee $100.00 $100.00
Total Fees $430.92 $430.92
Total Tuition & Fees ***$2,634.92 ***$2,634.92
Total Cost Per Year   $5,269.84
 Full Time Fees International Students 2024-2025

Please note the 2024-2025 fees are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the tuition fee regulation.

International Students Fees Fall Winter
Tuition  $6,612.00 $6,612.00
Campus Rec Fee  $75.00  $75.00
Heath & Dental Fee *$126.00 *$126.00
Student Association Building Fee $17.92 $17.92 
Student Association Fee $112.00 $112.00
Technology Fee $100.00 $100.00 
Total Fees $430.92 $430.92
Total Tuition & Fees

***$7,042.92

***$7,042.92
Total Cost Per Year   $14,085.84
 Spring Fees 2023-2024

Please note the 2022-2023 fee are pending sign off from the Government of Alberta as per the tuition fee regulation.

Spring Session FeesDomestic StudentsInternational Students
Tuition  $1,032.00 $3,096.00
Campus Rec Fee  $75.00 $75.00
Student Association Building Fee $3.36 $3.36
Student Association Fee $21.00 $21.00
Technology Fee $100.00 $100.00
Total Full Time Fees $199.36 $199.36
Total Tuition & Fees

***$1,231.36

***$3,295.36

Please note, these estimates are based on 100% enrollment for all semesters.

* Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage - deadlines can be found at StudentCare website
** These programs have a mandatory Spring semester if students intend to graduate on time.
*** Tuition is due 10 business days before the start of each semester.

For more information view the Keyano College Credit Calendar

Program Structure

Current students, please use your Program Registration Guide when registering for courses.

Year 1
 

COURSE

COURSE TITLE

CREDITS

Year 1:Term I

22

CHSD 101

Child Development I

3

CHSD 104

Guiding Children’s Behaviour

3

CHSD 105

Personal Development & Interaction

2

ELCC 106

Learning Through Play

3

ELCC 110

Practicum I

4

ELCC 123

Creative Experiences for Young Children

3

ELCC 125

Practicum Seminar I

1

ENGL 100

Written Composition

3

Year 1: Term II

17

CHSD 201

Child Development II

3

ELCC 102

Language and Literacy in Early

Childhood

3

ELCC 116

Nutrition, Health & Safety

2

ELCC 206

Planning for Play

3

ELCC 210

Practicum II

5

ELCC 225

Practicum Seminar II

1

 Year 2
 
COURSE COURSE TITLE CREDITS

Year 2: Term I

17

ELCC 330

Ecology of the Family

3

ELCC 331

Understanding Children’s Behaviour

3

ELCC 332

Inclusion in Child Care Settings

 

3

ELCC 334

Practicum III

4

ELCC 335

Practicum Seminar III

1

Year 2:  Term II 

17

ELCC 333

Environments & Programming  3

ELCC 340

Anti-Bias Education in Child Care

3

ELCC 341

Child Care Organization & Administration

3

ELCC 342

Supporting Children & Families in Indigenous Contexts

3

ELCC 344

Practicum IV

4

ELCC 345

Practicum Seminar IV

1

Year 2: Term III

3

ELCC 343

Interpersonal Relationships, Ethics & Team Dynamics

3

One Elective – Choice of:

ELCC 350 (Infants & Toddlers) 

OR 

ELCC 351 (School Aged Care)

3

Please Note: ELCC and EA working in the Childcare field can now apply for spring courses.

 Requirements: A letter from your employer on a company letterhead indicating you work with children ages birth to 12 years.
 
COURSE COURSE TITLE CREDITS

CHSD 212

Exceptionality 1: Brain/Cognitive

1

CHSD 213

Exceptionality II: Physical/Medical

1

CHSD 214

Exceptionality III: Introduction to Communication Disorders

1

CHSD 215

Exceptionality IV: Behavioural Disorders

1

CHSD 218

Supporting Students with Severe Emotional/Behavioral Challenges           

1

CHSD 219

Supporting Students with Mental Health Concerns                                            

1

CHSD 220

School-Age Care

1

CHSD 223

Working with EAL Children

1

CHSD 224

Working with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

1

CHSD 225

Working with Communication Disorders

1

CHSD 226

Fostering Diverse Learning Environments*

1

EA 217

Adolescents in the Classroom

1

*Please note this course will not be offered this year.