Yes. The Diploma builds on the ELCC Certificate. You can enter Year 2 if you’ve completed the Certificate or have equivalent Level 2 Child Development Worker certification and relevant coursework/practicum experience.
If you're ready to deepen your impact in the early childhood education field, the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Diploma Program at Keyano College offers the advanced skills and leadership preparation to help you succeed. Built on the philosophy of child-centered, play-based learning, this program equips graduates to take on supervisory roles and champion inclusive, high-quality early learning environments.
What You’ll Learn
Expand your knowledge of early childhood development and strengthen your leadership capacity with advanced coursework and practicum placements. Graduates of this program will be equipped to:
Gain advanced skills in:
- Inclusive and anti-bias education
- Early learning program planning and assessment
- Child care leadership and administration
- Family and community engagement strategies
- Indigenous perspectives in early childhood development
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Program, you'll be well-prepared for leadership and specialized roles in early childhood education. This credential opens doors to supervisory positions and provides the qualifications needed to take your career to the next level in Alberta’s growing child care sector.
You’ll be prepared to:
- Lead early learning programs as a Child Care Program Supervisor
- Manage day homes, preschools, or Out-of-School Care (OSC) programs
- Take on team lead or mentor roles within licensed child care settings
- Apply for Level 3 Child Development Supervisor certification through the Alberta Child Care Staff Certification Office
Admission Requirements
Year 1
- High school diploma (or equivalent) with:
- Minimum 50% in English 30-1, OR
- Minimum 65% in English 30-2
- Mature students (21+) may be admitted based on interview and College Entrance Assessment
Year 2
- Completion of the ELCC Certificate, or
- Alberta Level 2 Child Development Worker certification plus documented equivalency in:
- CHSD 104
- CHSD 105
- ELCC 106
- ELCC 206
- Practicum experience
English Language Proficiency
See Credit Calendar for accepted test scores (e.g., IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79, Duolingo 95, etc.)
Pre-Practicum Requirements
(due first day of term)
- Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (apply no earlier than second week of July)
- Child Care First Aid certification (can be completed in first week of class)
Tuition & Fees Please refer to the Keyano College Credit Calendar for current tuition and fees. Fees are subject to change pending Government of Alberta approval.
Tuition and Fees
Subject to change. See Credit Calendar for full breakdown.
Year 1: $12,632.84
Year 2: $12,815.00
Tuition is due 10 business days before the start of each semester.
Lab fees and optional costs not included.
Sample Program Structure
Category Requirements
Year 1
Term I
- CHSD 101: Child Development I
- CHSD 104: Guiding Children’s Behaviour
- CHSD 105: Personal Development & Interaction
- ELCC 106: Learning Through Play
- ELCC 110: Practicum I
- ELCC 123: Creative Experiences for Young Children
- ELCC 125: Practicum Seminar I
- ENGL 100: Written Composition
Year 1
Term II
- CHSD 201: Child Development II
- ELCC 102: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood
- ELCC 116: Nutrition, Health & Safety
- ELCC 206: Planning for Play
- ELCC 210: Practicum II
- ELCC 225: Practicum Seminar II
Year 2
Term I
- ELCC 330: Ecology of the Family
- ELCC 331: Understanding Children’s Behaviour
- ELCC 332: Inclusion in Child Care Settings
- ELCC 334: Practicum III
- ELCC 335: Practicum Seminar III
Year 2
Term II
- ELCC 333: Environments & Programming
- ELCC 340: Anti-Bias Education in Child Care
- ELCC 341: Child Care Organization & Administration
- ELCC 342: Supporting Children & Families in Indigenous Contexts
- ELCC 344: Practicum IV
- ELCC 345: Practicum Seminar IV
Year 2
Term III
- ELCC 343: Interpersonal Relationships, Ethics & Team Dynamics
- One elective:
- ELCC 350: Infants & Toddlers
- OR ELCC 351: School-Aged Care
Optional Spring Electives
(for currently employed ELCC or EA students)
With proof of employment (letter from employer confirming work with children ages 0–12), eligible students may also register in micro-credential electives such as:
- CHSD 212–226 (Exceptionalities, EAL, Mental Health, Autism, etc.)
- EA 217: Adolescents in the Classroom
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete the ELCC Certificate before entering the Diploma program?
What’s the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 certification in Alberta?
Level 2 (Child Development Worker) is typically granted after completing a certificate program. Level 3 (Child Development Supervisor) requires a diploma and qualifies you to take on leadership or administrative roles in licensed child care programs.
Can I work while taking this program?
Many students balance part-time work with their studies. Some courses may be available in the evening or online, and practicum placements offer flexible learning opportunities. Spring electives are also available for students already employed in child care settings.
What happens if I already have work experience in child care?
You may be eligible for direct entry into Year 2 if you hold a Level 2 certification and can demonstrate competency in specific courses (e.g., CHSD 104, ELCC 106) and practicum experience. Email Human.Services@keyano.ca to discuss your eligibility.
Is this program offered online or in-person?
The ELCC Diploma is primarily delivered in person at Keyano College, though some components (such as Spring electives or seminars) may be offered online. Practicums are always conducted in approved early childhood settings.
When will applications reopen for the program?
The program is not accepting applications for the 2024–2025 academic year. However, updates about future intakes will be posted on the Keyano College website. You can also email Human.Services@keyano.ca to express interest and receive updates.
The departments are eager to welcome you to the College, read the Welcome Letter and the Handbook for your program below:
How to Apply
Although this program is not currently accepting applications for the 2024–2025 academic year, you can:
Explore the ELCC Certificate Program
Email Registrar@keyano.ca to express interest in future intakes
Prepare documentation in advance for future admission cycles