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

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

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

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

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)