Location
Start Dates

  • September 05, 2023
Duration

4Terms

Program Delivery

  • Blended
  • Off-Campus
Tuition & Fees

Domestic: CAD $9,605
International: CAD $27,609
Estimated Book Costs: CAD $1,400

Applicants to the Regional Campuses must live outside Calgary in the Bow Valley College regional service area.

Start Dates

  • September 05, 2023
  • January 10, 2024
Duration

4Terms

Program Delivery

  • In Class
  • Blended
  • Real-time Online
  • Off-Campus
Tuition & Fees

Domestic: CAD $9,605
International: CAD $27,609
Estimated Book Costs: CAD $1,400

We are no longer accepting applications for International learners for the September 2023 and January 2024 intake.

 

Program Description

You can make a difference in the lives of children, families, and communities. The full-time 16-month (four terms) Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) Diploma program (formerly referred to as the Early Learning and Child Care Diploma) prepares you to provide quality child care in a wide variety of settings and plan emergent play experiences for the children in your care. You will gain knowledge in child development, family dynamics, play, and program planning that will equip you to support the healthy development of children through child-centered learning experiences.

This program combines theory and practice and graduates are eligible for Level 3 Early Childhood Educator (formerly Child Development Supervisor) certification from the Alberta Government.

Flexible delivery options

The ECED diploma program is offered full-time or part-time with a variety of delivery options including traditional classroom and online learning. There are daytime and evening classes scheduled throughout the week. The practicum, however, must be completed physically onsite at a licensed childcare program in Alberta.

Regional learners

Learners living in the area surrounding Calgary can take the program starting in Fall (September) through Regional campuses. Contact Regional or view our locations to contact your nearest campus. Program delivery is blended which includes a combination of online and in-person learning. Practicum courses include on-site activity at a licensed childcare program in the region. A full course load is 5 courses per term - students may choose to take fewer courses each term and extend the length of their program. 

Innovative learning lab and practicum project

The ECED learning lab combines classroom space with interactive children’s learning centres that include an artist studio, a reading centre, a dramatic play centre, and a sensory motor centre. This innovative and engaging environment supports the transition of theory to practice as students have an opportunity to engage with children in the lab space.

Outdoor practicum project

The ECED program is a proud member of the outdoor research project sponsored by the Lawson Foundation. Our ECED instructor, Linda O’Donoghue, is currently working with a team of researchers, including the project lead Dr. Beverlie Dietze from Okanagan College and faculty members from New Brunswick Community College and Saskatchewan Polytechnic College, to conduct research on outdoor pedagogy in early childhood education. Our ELCC2998 is the first outdoor practicum in the province, and learners will have the opportunity to participate in the outdoor project research alongside with their instructors.

For more information, please visit https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/learning-and-applied-research/lawson-foundation-project

International practicum

You can put your knowledge into practice in an overseas community working with community schools and agencies. In the past, learners have gone to rural Uganda, Jamaica, and Guyana.

Award-winning curriculum
  • Program Excellence Award – Association of Canadian Community Colleges, 2010
  • Innovation of the Year – League for Innovation in the Community College, 2009
Scholarship for high school students

The Alberta Government provides scholarships to high school students for post-secondary learning.

Course Listings Request More Information Applying FAQ
Domestic Applicants

Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402


International Learner Applicants

International Education
South Campus – Main Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476


Regional Applicants

Airdrie Campus
bvcairdrie@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-355-1910

Cochrane Campus
bvccochrane@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-851-0463

Okotoks Campus
bvcokotoks@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-476-2233

Strathmore Region
bvcstrathmore@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-983-1221


Admission Requirements

Academic requirements
  • Credit in either English 30-1 or 65% in English 30-2 or equivalent

Or

  • Successful completion of the General Educational Development test (GED) test, that consists of five tests, with a minimum score in the following sections:
    • Writing Skills: 520 minimum standard score
    • Interpreting Literature and Art: 520 minimum standard score

Or

  • Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admissions Test
Pre-practicum requirement

A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) must be submitted prior to practicum placements. The existence of a criminal record may postpone or prevent clinical, practicum, or field work placements and, subsequently, successful completion of the program.

English language proficiency requirements

See English language proficiency requirements for details.


Transferability

Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions. Transfer credits are reviewed and accepted on an individual basis by the institution to which you apply. See our most current transfer agreements here


Domestic Applicants

Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402


International Learner Applicants

International Education
South Campus – Main Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476


Regional Applicants

Airdrie Campus
bvcairdrie@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-355-1910

Cochrane Campus
bvccochrane@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-851-0463

Okotoks Campus
bvcokotoks@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-476-2233

Strathmore Region
bvcstrathmore@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-983-1221


Employment Rate

93%


Training Related Employment Rate

89%


Based on 2019-2020 domestic and international students who self-reported finding employment or training-related employment within 6-12 months after graduating.


Course Listing


Full course outlines are available here.

Curriculum subject to change.

Term 1

Required CoursesCredit

This survey course focuses on understanding the goals and essential components for the development of successful early childhood programs. Through the study of the role of early childhood professionals, students will gain insight into their own philosophy of early childhood education.

This introductory course addresses the cognitive and physical development of the child from conception to twelve years of age. Learners evaluate theories and principles informing child development from a world view, including multicultural and indigenous perspectives. Learners also address the application of evidence-based practice in the area of outdoor play as it relates to child development.

This introductory practicum provides learners with the opportunity to develop a foundation in play-based skills and knowledge. Seminar topics can include health and safety, intercultural awareness, emergent curriculum, and prevention of child maltreatment. From interviews with current educators to touring childcare programs, learners establish understanding of their image of the child and of the educator in practice. This practicum is a combination of professional observation, practical experience in the lab classroom at the College, and integrated class seminars.

This first-year composition course introduces learners to academic writing and critical thinking. They read and analyze sociopolitical, cultural, and gender issues in texts with an emphasis on experiences of people whose voices were historically silenced, particularly those of Indigenous communities in Canada. Learners develop strategies to communicate their own ideas and integrate them with those of others by quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing source material. Learners present their written assignments professionally according to APA formatting guidelines.

The course prepares learners to adopt holistic strategies to respond to emerging issues in the early childhood education field. Recognizing the importance of a nurturing environment, learners explore topics related to the wellbeing of children, families, and educators, which may include promoting healthy lifestyles, developing trauma awareness, and following licensing, health and safety guidelines. Upon successfully completing this course, learners will develop approaches to supporting children by maintaining a healthy and meaningful relationship with families and communities.

Term 2

Required CoursesCredit

Through practice and reflection, learners nuture personal and professional relationships using interpersonal communication skills. With a focus on other-oriented communication, learners demonstrate how inequities and power dynamics influence relationships.

This introductory course explores the role of play in children's development and how play is integral to a child's developmental needs. Students explore the relationship of play to the different developmental stages, as well as the role of the environment and the early childhood educator in enhancing children's play. This course focuses on the planning of inclusive and appropriate play environments including indoor and outdoor play experiences. Learners explore a variety of play situations and materials used in
childcare settings.

Through the lens of cultural context, this course provides an understanding of Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory and its relationship to social-emotional wellbeing. Learners inform and modify curriculum experiences through observation, documentation, and reflection to model learning environments that support the social-emotional development of children. Support strategies to foster social-emotional development and respectful cooperative relationships with children, family and community are developed.

This second semester practicum course prepares learners to apply play-based skills and early childhood development theories to their practice under the guidance of a practicum instructor and a designated mentor. Adhering to early childhood research and the guidelines from Alberta's Early Learning Framework, learners critically consider aspects of their role as an early childhood educator, a co-learner, a co-researcher, and a co-imaginer, including observing, documenting, planning learning experiences, working with families, building relationships, maintaining health, safety, and nutrition standards.

This practicum provides a combination of practical experience in an early childhood setting and weekly integrated seminars. Learners must complete 200 practicum hours and 45 hours of seminar in addition to practicum experiential learning activities to meet the requirement for Provincial certification purposes.

This course is an introduction to Indigenous cultural experience and perspectives. Learners analyze the foundations for stereotypes, bias and false narratives that impact Indigenous ways of being in Canada. Learners consider how legal and social policy impacts Indigenous identity. Euro-Canadian perspectives and beliefs toward Indigenous people are discussed. Learners explore the experience and Indigenous worldview in the Canadian context.

Term 3

Required CoursesCredit

This course focuses on the development of creative activities and engaging program for children in child care. In this course, learners examine ideas for the development of two- and three-dimensional activities, creative language experiences, science and mathematics, music and movement, indoor and outdoor play, dramatic play, and media. In addition, learners also explore the impact of creativity on the development of the child and how caregiver interactions with the child contribute to the child's overall sense of self.

Prerequisite: ELCC1999

This course focuses on language, literacy, and communication in the early years. Learners design literacy-rich environments following an emergent curriculum approach. Learners use quality literature and scaffolding strategies to stimulate interest and enhance literacy development. The course includes the connection between language and culture. In addition, the course explores the importance of engaging children, family, and community partnerships in support of literacy development.

Prerequisite: ELCC1999

Learners apply outdoor pedagogical theories to practice, under the supervision of the college practicum supervisor and a designated workplace mentor. The theories include land-based learning through the lens of Indigenous perspectives. This practicum focuses on observation and documentation, reflective practice, and emergent curriculum within the context of outdoor pedagogy. In addition, learners reflect on their observation and create documentation, which makes learning visible for children, educators, families, and communities. The practicum is a combination of practical experience at a community work site and integrated class seminars.

In this course, learners explore how families are integrated within larger social systems; how patterns of social power and inequality shape Canadian families; as well as how and why the family is critical to the socialization process. The course culminates in the critical assessment of issues affecting families in Canada.

This course addresses the goals and essential components of programs for school aged children. In addition, the course also explores the historical and social influences of such programs in Canada. Learners examine the role of school age caregivers while evaluating their own personal qualities and philosophy for working in early learning and child care.

Term 4

Required CoursesCredit

This course addresses the development of appropriate strategies and skills to provide quality care for infants and toddlers. The course examines the central role of the caregiver, daily routines, and the importance of effective communication. Focus falls on infant and toddler development and emerging practice.
Pre-requisite: ELCC1999
Current Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Search (PIC/VSS)

This advanced course focuses on the needs of children whose development is atypical. Learners explore a range of exceptionalities and evaluate strategies to support children with exceptionalities. In addition, learners examine the values and philosophy of inclusion in early childhood education and development; the strategies that promote, enhance, and evaluate inclusive child care settings; and strategies to accommodate children within those settings.

Prerequisite: ELCC1999

Learners examine the impact of current issues in early childhood education practice. They analyze evidence-based research related to those issues, evaluate the influence of early childhood legislation and regulatory bodies, and design strategies to advocate for the rights of children, families, and quality care.

This course focuses on leadership and collaborative skills for frontline early childhood professionals. Learners identify personal leadership strengths, distinguish between different leadership styles, and integrate teamwork skills into their practices. Additionally, they examine the challenges and benefits of working with families and utilize various strategies to promote effective partnerships within a community. They will develop a critical awareness of diverse family structures and engage positively with colleagues, families, and community.

Earn at least 7 credits from the following courses:Credit

In the final practicum placement, learners have the opportunity to further develop their reflective teaching practices. This practicum focuses on reflective learning and topics include the mighty learner and connecting with the child, family and community. Learners have the opportunity to research a topic of their choice pertaining to keeping their passion alive for early childhood education. This capstone course demonstrates their understanding of the program objectives.

Learners work 14-16 hours each week for 15 weeks for their practicum hours and attend the 3 hour integration seminar each week.

Prerequisite: ELCC2998
Current Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Search (PIC/VSS)
Be in good academic standing with a minimum 2.0 GPA

Program FAQs

The Child Development Worker/Child Development Supervisor certification from Ministry of Children’s Services Child Care Staff Certification office, and the First Aid certificate for child care professionals. 
 

If you have prior work experience or have taken courses comparable to those required under this program at another institution, you may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or transfer credit. For more information, please contact our Registrar's Office at (403) 410-1400.

All requests must be submitted prior to the start of the program.  

 

The transferability options are listed on the Early Childhood Education and Development Certificate and Diploma pages from the School of Community Studies programs and courses pages.

 

The certificate learners get a maximum of three years to complete the program and the diploma learners get five years. The most courses that a learner can take per semester are five—four theory courses and one practicum course. If a learner takes five courses per semester, the learner can complete the certificate program in two semesters and the diploma in four. To ensure your success in the program, please adjust the course load to maintain a good balance between your school and personal life.

Yes. A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) must be submitted prior to practicum placements and ELCC course work. The existence of a criminal record may postpone or prevent practicum or field work placements and subsequently, successful completion of the program.
 
You can work as a Child Development Worker or Child Development Supervisor in day care, pre-school, out of school care programs. 

Planning your course schedule according to availability and prerequisites requires some consideration.

Plan the sequence of your courses with this 2018/19 schedule.  

Once you are a registered student in a program one of the Academic Advisors in the Office of the Registrar can also assist you with planning. 

 

If you are taking an online course, you should make sure your computer has the following applications: 

  • Reliable internet access – DSL or cable connections are highly recommended.
  • We recommend Windows 7 or 10 (preferred) or Mac OS software; Microsoft Office 2013 (minimum); Adobe Acrobat Reader; and a media player such as Adobe Flash Player, QuickTime, or Windows Media Player.
  • Some courses might require additional software or applications packages. You will be given this information before starting the course.
  • We recommend Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari as browsers. D2L does not work well with Internet Explorer.
The certificate program textbooks cost is approximately $655 and for the diploma is $1490. 
Yes, the practicum is a course in itself and all learners have to complete it in order to graduate. There are mandatory workshops and seminar in the practicum which are integral part of the practicum. 
Yes, you can. You have to get an approval from your director and the ECED program.
You can do practicum at your day home, if it is registered with a day home agency. You have to get an approval from the agency and the ECED program.
The PIC should be dated no earlier than 90 days from the start of the program. If your PIC/VSS is older, then you have to apply for new PIC/VSS. It will be good for two years.

No, unfortunately we cannot allow learners to do practicum outside of Alberta or outside of Canada. Although you may be able to sign up for our online practicum seminars, the onsite practicum must be done in a licensed childcare program in Alberta.

Yes, we recommend that learners should take courses according to the order laid out in the semester course schedule. Completing courses according to the recommended order will eliminate potential course scheduling conflicts. For example, you may run into scheduling conflict if you intend to take ELCC1301 (Semester 1) and ELCC2998 (Semester 3) at the same time. The scheduling conflict can be a serious problem especially if you plan to finish the program in your last semester.

No. The ECED program contains theory courses and practicum courses. The theory courses can be completed fully online. In contrast, a practicum course consists of practicum work and weekly practicum seminars. While the practicum seminars can be taken either in person or real time online, the practicum work must be completed onsite physically at a licensed childcare program in Alberta. There are no virtual or online options for the practicum work.

Yes. An “online” course does not mean that learners can submit an assignment anytime they would like. When a learner signs up an online course, whether it is anytime online or real time online, a course schedule is available in the course offering information in D2L. Please follow the course schedule carefully because it contains information about assignment due dates and scheduled activities.

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