Certificate Program

Early Learning and Child Care Certificate

Certificate

40 weeks

Qualified Instructors

This program can be offered at the campus(es) below. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability and delivery methods.

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Employment Rate

95%

*Jan-Dec 2025, CDI College AB

CDI College

Study Online

Alberta

Programs and Courses

Early Learning and Child Care Certificate

Do What You Like and Become an Early Childhood Educator

The Early Learning and Child Care Certificate program will teach you how to work with children who need a little extra support to reach their full potential.

In less than a year, you'll have the job-ready career training to create inclusive classrooms and learning experiences, assist teachers in early childhood education settings, elementary schools, and secondary schools, or help children and youth in your community.

Assisting Student Skills
Observation Skills
PERSONAL CARE AND LIFE SKILLS
Teaching Life Skills
Effective Learning Skills
Planning Skills
Creating Inclusivity
Intrapersonal Skills
Social Skills

Licensed Program

CDI College Alberta programs are licensed under the Private Vocational Training Act in the province of Alberta.

Program Courses

Child Growth and Development [ELCC 105]

In this in-depth study of all aspects of child development from infancy to late childhood, students will take a detailed look at theories related to human development and how these theories are related to childhood growth and development. During this intensive study of all aspects of child development, students will gain the knowledge needed to identify typical growth patterns in children. There is also an open and supportive forum to discuss potential fears and concerns students may have as they anticipate field placement.

Language Development [ELCC 200]

This course will explore various strategies as it relates to language development in early childhood. The four major areas of language development will be studied as they relate to listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will develop an understanding of the six-step consequence of language development and will learn how to apply this learning to the planning, and implementation of listening games and activities, stimulating imagination, curriculum planning, and age-appropriate materials. The critical importance and purpose of literacy and language development at an early age will be discussed.

Health, Safety, Nutrition, and Well-Being [ELCC 240]

This course focuses on acquiring specific information and practices that will assist the Early Childhood Educator in creating a safe and healthy environment for young children. Students will be presented varying policies and procedures for addressing illness prevention, disease transmission, abuse, safety in child care environments, and healthy nutrition according to the Canada Food Guide.

Theories of Child Development [ELCC 230]

Theories and views related to child development will be covered in depth. The student will be introduced to key theorists in child development with a focus on both the ages and stages approach and the cultural context approach. Practical applications for using the theories in supporting child development will be covered.

Infants and Toddlers [ELCC 241]

This course will further expand the student’s knowledge of child growth and development by building on previous learning with an emphasis on the developmental milestones for children between ages of 0-36 months. Current research on neuroscience and how healthy relationships supports brain development will be explored. The importance of prenatal care and family health will also be covered. Students will discuss and explore the role of the early childhood educator in supporting infant and toddlers and their families in creating a healthy and supportive environment. Routines and transitions that support very young children will be covered as students discuss the unique programming considerations for this age group.

Introduction to Program Planning [ELCC 210]

The focus of this course is on the development and implementation of developmentally appropriate activities. Students will learn how to set learning objectives and design and evaluate activities and lessons.

Philosophies of Play [ELCC 215]

This course focuses on the development of strategies, based on theories of play, to enhance the value of constructive and positive play in the childcare environment. The module also explores the different developmental play experience stages.

Early Literacy [ELCC 220]

Diverse lifestyles, multi-cultural experiences, and varied social settings are explored through the construct of imaginative play environments. Assignments include the development of play prop boxes that can be used to encourage creative and dramatic play with children.

Creative Expression in Early Learning [ELCC 225]

Students will be introduced to the value of music, dance, drama and visual art activities which help develop the child’s ability to express himself or herself in a nonverbal way. Aesthetic growth is accomplished by having the child participate directly in a wide variety of quality experiences through sounds, instruments, and art and body movement. Students will explore ways of enhancing these forms of expression in children.

Guiding Child Behaviour [ELCC 205]

This course will develop practitioner skills necessary to provide a positive, safe, and nurturing environment. Strategies for guidance, discipline, and conflict will be examined through inclass work and observation assignments. Problem-solving strategies and child-centered approach to classroom management will be explored.

Communication and Stress Management [ELCC 245]

This course will introduce students to positive communication skills, verbal and non-verbal, in an ever-changing diverse and multicultural environment. Communication, conflict resolution, and issue understanding are key elements explored in this module.

English [ELCC 100]

The overall objective of this course is to strengthen reading, writing, and speaking skills at the post-secondary level in order to further enhance adult student performance at school and in the work place. Students will write essays, build on their strengths in public speaking, and report on assigned readings.

Addressing Needs of Out of School Care Children [ELCC 235]

Students will learn the role of out-of-school workers and how they can assist in creating safe and stimulating learning environments.

Introduction to Computers [ELCC 260]

This course is a broad-based introduction to using a personal computer. It teaches the fundamentals of an operating system and the most popular application software. Students will also learn about the Internet, Web browsers, electronic mail, and antivirus software.

Introductory Field Placement Seminar [ELCC 250]

Students will be introduced to expectations, policies, and procedures of field placement.

Field Placement I [ELCC 255]

Students will undergo field work experience in which they plan and deliver childcare. Students will have numerous opportunities to complete prepared activity plans, observe children at play, observe and evaluate typical and challenging behaviours. There will be supervision by a certified Early Childhood Educator. During this competency based practicum, students will also be observed and evaluated by an ELCC Faculty member from the College.

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Admission

Benefits of this program

Employment Opportunities

All applicants must meet with an admissions representative in addition to ONE of the following criteria:

Standard Admission
- Successful completion of English 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent verified by transcript;
OR
- Successful completion of the General Equivalency Development test (GED) with a standard score of 520 in Language Arts: Reading and Writing verified by transcript
OR
- Successful completion of ONE of the following academic achievement/aptitude tests and must have achieved the minimum required score:
  
  ✓           CAAT Level D: Minimum score of 24 in Mathematics and 25 in Science
  
  ✓           TABE 11 & 12 Level A, 576 in Reading, 596 in Mathematics, 584 in Language
  
  ✓           Wonderlic BST: Minimum Score of 300 out of 500
  
  ✓           Wonderlic SLE: Minimum score of 23 out of 50
  
  ✓           CAST: Minimum score of Level 3 overall
- Proof of English Language Proficiency

Students who have received their high school diploma outside of Canada must have their transcripts evaluated through International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or World Education Services (WES) to be eligible for admission to the program.

Please note: Course credit for work experience or training completed at other institutions is not permitted for the CDI College Early Learning and Childcare Certificate program.

Mature and Out of Province Requirement
- Be at least 19 years of age prior to admission
- Proof of English Language Proficiency

Practicum Requirements
- Clear Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS)

International or out-of-province students arriving in Canada less than 6 months prior to the program start date should obtain PICs in their home country or province.

Early Learning and Child Care Certificate course costs:

Tuition $10,035.00

Practicum placement included
Receive knowledge and skills to open your own daycare
Learn in an inclusive environment
Get real-world, hands-on training during field placements
Jobs in education are in demand

Early Learning and Child Care Educator
Educational Assistant
Ratio Enhancement Staff

Admission

All applicants must meet with an admissions representative in addition to ONE of the following criteria:

Standard Admission
- Successful completion of English 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent verified by transcript;
OR
- Successful completion of the General Equivalency Development test (GED) with a standard score of 520 in Language Arts: Reading and Writing verified by transcript
OR
- Successful completion of ONE of the following academic achievement/aptitude tests and must have achieved the minimum required score:
  
  ✓           CAAT Level D: Minimum score of 24 in Mathematics and 25 in Science
  
  ✓           TABE 11 & 12 Level A, 576 in Reading, 596 in Mathematics, 584 in Language
  
  ✓           Wonderlic BST: Minimum Score of 300 out of 500
  
  ✓           Wonderlic SLE: Minimum score of 23 out of 50
  
  ✓           CAST: Minimum score of Level 3 overall
- Proof of English Language Proficiency

Please note: Course credit for work experience or training completed at other institutions is not permitted for the CDI College Early Learning and Childcare Certificate program.

Mature and Out of Province Requirement
- Be at least 19 years of age prior to admission
- Proof of English Language Proficiency

Practicum Requirements
- Clear Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS)

International or out-of-province students arriving in Canada less than 6 months prior to the program start date should obtain PICs in their home country or province.

Early Learning and Child Care Certificate course costs:

Tuition $10,035.00

Benefits of this program

Practicum placement included
Receive knowledge and skills to open your own daycare
Learn in an inclusive environment
Get real-world, hands-on training during field placements
Jobs in education are in demand

Employment Opportunities

Early Learning and Child Care Educator
Educational Assistant
Ratio Enhancement Staff

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Hear From Our Graduates

The Early Learning and Child Care program, the instructors, and my classmates have helped me grow emotionally and psychologically. I have learned to know myself and to push myself beyond my limits.

Jessica G.

Education Program Graduate

I am truly impressed with CDI College's Early Learning and Child Care program. My instructors have a positive attitude in the classroom and are very kind and helpful. One of the best things about the education programs is that I am learning something new every day.

Gresa Q.

Education Program Graduate

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