Early Learning and Child Care Certificate
About the Early Learning and Child Care Certificate
The importance of the early years in a child's development is well established, and you can make a lasting impact for children as an early learning and child care professional. You will learn to work with children from birth to eight years and learn foundational skills that will prepare you to work with children up to twelve years of age. Throughout the program, you’ll learn about developing caring relationships with children and families.
This program can be taken in several different ways. Attend full- or part-time on Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus or enrol in one of our outreach delivery options. These options allow you to stay in your community for most or all of your program. Two options are available for this Certificate:
Online Delivery: Complete your courses online and your practicum in your community.
Flexible Learning: Attend classes in Red Deer on Saturdays (two per course). Through this method, the program is completed over two years.
Work-integrated Learning
Experiential learning is important in this field. Over the course of your program, you’ll complete two practicums in early learning and child care settings that will help you connect the program theory to real-world situations.
Further Study
This program provides credit toward the two-year Early Learning and Child Care Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic. Graduates may also be able to transfer to related fields in some university programs. Students who wish to transfer to a university should look for more information from those institutions.
Related Careers
Early Childhood Caregivers in child care programs
Instructional Assistants in kindergarten programs and primary grades
Teachers in a nursery school
Caregivers in school-age care programs
Family Day Home Providers
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Intakes
Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Spring (Domestic) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Winter (Domestic) - Start Date: Jan 07, 2025
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Winter (International) - Start Date: Jan 07, 2025
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Spring (International) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
NOTES:
- International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Eligibility for admission to the Early Learning and Child Care Certificate program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Early Learning and Child Care must have a minimum of 50% in:
ELA 30-1, or equivalent
OR
A minimum of 65% in:
ELA 30-2, or equivalent
OR
A minimum score of 250 on the Reading component, 250 on the Writing component and 5 on the WritePlacer Test.
OR
Previous completion of three College-level courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Additional Requirements
English Language Proficiency
Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Study Permits
Students with Study Permits that are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching or health service field occupations must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month prior to the start of classes.
Practicum Requirements
Government requires people who work directly with young children to have a current immunization record and a Police Information Check. While not an admission requirement for the program, some practicum agencies and field placements may require Police Information Checks of students working in their organizations. Information about obtaining Police Information Checks will be provided to students after they have been admitted to the program. Some programs may require medical examinations, as well. Students should be prepared for approximately $50 to $75 in extra expense to acquire these documents.
Practicum courses are usually in the Red Deer area but you should plan for some extra costs associated with completing your practicum, including travel, clothing and other expenses.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Early Learning and Child Care Certificate, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.
These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.
NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
Each course you take focuses on a different topic important to those who work with young children - everything from child development, to guiding behavior, to planning snacks and bulletin boards, to planning and participating in play experiences, to interacting with children who have special needs.
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
Students must pass all courses.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.