Early Childhood Education and Development

Make a difference in the lives of children, families, and communities by providing, and leading, quality early learning and child care in many settings. Become eligible for Level 3 Early Childhood Educator Certification from the Alberta Government.

Credential:

Diploma

Program length

4 Terms

Area:

Community Studies

School:

School of Community Studies

Post-Graduation Work Permit:

Yes

No

About

You can make a difference in the quality of early learning and child care that children, families, and communities access. This four-term Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) Diploma program prepares you to support children and families with high quality practices founded on knowledge of current research and theories that are responsive to the development and uniqueness of the children you work with. Each term, you will engage in experiential learning opportunities in your community through a practicum placement. You will grow your knowledge of child development, family dynamics, play, and program planning, through the lens of Flight: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework. As a developing leader, you will gain knowledge of reflective practice, pedagogical leadership, and the role of early learning and child care in society, in addition to knowledge of child development, family dynamics, play, and program planning.

Graduates are eligible for Level 3 Early Childhood Educator certification from the Alberta Government.

Admission requirements

  • Credit in English Language Arts 30-1, or minimum 65% in English Language Arts 30-2, or equivalent

or

  • Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test with a minimum standard score of 520 in Language Arts: Reading and Writing

or

You need one of the following options:

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English Language Proficiency Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.

Academic upgrading

Enhance your previous education to meet the missing admissions requirements for one of the BVC programs.

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Available intakes

Starts in
Domestic
International

September 2, 2025

January 7, 2026

Tuition and fees

Term
Tuitions fees
Additional fees*
Total  fees*
Term 1
$2,199
$356
$2,555
Term 2
$2,589
$356
$2,945
Term 3
$2,457
$356
$2,813
Term 4
$2,322
$356
$2,678
Term
Additional fees*
Tuitions fees
Total fees
Term 1
$356
$6,396
$6,752
Term 2
$356
$7,059
$7,415
Term 3
$356
$6,498
$6,854
Term 4
$356
$6,498
$6,854
*Per term: Student Service Fee
To register in a course in Open Studies:

Courses

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Zero Textbook Cost

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Course is eligible for PLAR
CodeCourseCreditPDF
ELCC1101Introduction To Early Learning And Child Care 3

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ELCC1301Child Development: An Introduction 3

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ELCC1998Introduction to Emerging Practices in Early Learning and Child Care 6

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ENGL1201English: Composition 3

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ELCC1401Holistic Wellbeing in Early Childhood Education and Development

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3

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CodeCourseCreditPDF
COMM1101Interpersonal Relationships And Communication Skills

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3

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ELCC1305Developing Through Play

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3

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ELCC1313Child Development II: Social-Emotional Development and Well-Being

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3

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ELCC1999Observation in Early Learning and Child Care 7

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INDG1101Indigenous History, Identity and Culture

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3

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CodeCourseCreditPDF
ELCC2201Creative Expressions: Theory And Practice 3

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ELCC2213Language, Literacy, and Communication in the Early Years 3

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ELCC2998Documentation in Early Learning and Child Care 7

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SOCI1201Sociology of the Family

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3

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ELCC2205School Age Care 3

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CodeCourseCreditPDF
ELCC2209Caring For Infants And Toddlers 3

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ELCC2305Inclusive Care And Education Of Young Children 3

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ELCC2507Issues, Research, and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education 3

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ELCC2506Leadership and Partnerships in Early Childhood Education 3

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Earn at least 3 credits from the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditPDF
ELCC2999Early Learning and Child Care Settings: Enhanced Perspectives 7

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