About The Program

Early Learning and Child Care professionals work with the youngest and most vulnerable members of our communities. At Medicine Hat College, we will show you how to use art, music and play as key elements in early childhood education. The one-year certificate or two-year diploma in Early Learning and Child Care prepares graduates to work with pre-school and school-aged children in a variety of settings. The program will give you a comprehensive introduction to child development, as well as development through play, health, safety, and nutrition, combined with strong practicum experiences that will allow you to observe and interact directly with young children in a wide variety of supervised early childhood settings. The knowledge you gain and the skills you discover in the program will enable you to provide good quality care to young children in various settings, as well as enhancing their personal development. It's a wonderful opportunity.

Alberta Day Care regulation requires all early childhood professionals in licensed child care centres and family day home agencies to have complete training in Early Learning and Child Care. Upon successful completion of the certificate program, students will be eligible for Level II Certification and following completion of the diploma program, students will be eligible for Level III Certification through the Alberta Day Care Staff Qualifications Board.