Early Learning and Child Care
The certificate and diploma programs in Early Learning and Child Care prepare students to work as early childhood educators alongside young children and families. The program combines theory and hands-on experiences in child development, play-based learning, and responsive care with a strong practical base in each semester of the program. Knowledge and skills learned in the program enable students to provide quality education and care to young children in various early learning settings. You will also enhance their personal development through reflective practice and increased professionalism.
We offer a:
- one-year certificate program (Level 2 Certified),
- and a two-year diploma (Level 3 Certified),
both providing certification under Alberta Family and Social Services. Our Early Learning and Child Care diploma is recognized throughout Alberta and across Canada as the qualification to work with young children.
High School Route
High school diploma with:
- ELA 30-1 (min. 50%) or ELA 30-2 (min. 65%)
Mature Route
You may be admitted following appropriate advising and testing. A high school diploma is not required although you must present:
- ELA 30-1 (min. 50%) or ELA 30-2 (min. 65%)
Students are selected for practicum on the basis of academic performance, professional suitability, fitness and conduct, volunteer community service, and availability of practicum sites. Students are required to provide a current Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search as well as a current First Aid Certificate to the Practicum Placement Supervisors prior to starting placements. Should the Program Coordinator judge, in consultation with faculty, there is evidence that students are professionally unsuitable or a risk to clients, the Coordinator may prohibit them from attending or completing a practicum.
First Year (Certificate)
Year One - Semester 1
- ELCC 102 -Learning through Play I
- ELCC 105 - Practicum I
- ELCC 120 - Child Development I
- ELCC 122 - Interpersonal Relations I
- ELCC 123 - Health, Safety and Nutrition
- ENGL 123 - Fundamentals of Writing and Speech
Year One - Semester 2
- ELCC 101 - Introduction to Early Learning and Child Care
- ELCC 112 - Learning through Play II
- ELCC 115 - Practicum II
- ELCC 121 - Child Development II
- ELCC 124 - Language and Literacy
- ELCC 125 - Child Guidance
Second Year (Diploma)
Year Two - Semester 3
- ELCC 201 - Fine Arts
- ELCC 204 - Ecology of the Family
- ELCC 205 - Practicum III
- ELCC 206 - Outdoor Pedagogy in Early Learning
- ELCC 207 - Practicum IV
Year Two - Semester 4
- ELCC 202 - STEM with Young Children
- ELCC 211 - Infant and Toddler Care
- ELCC 212 - Professional Practice
- ELCC 213 - Inclusive Care and Education
- ELCC 215 - Practicum IV
In the childcare industry, you see how satisfied your client is every day. Working with children can be very rewarding, not only because you are helping them develop, but because they thank you for it in countless ways. Our program can help you secure employment in preschools, at childcare centres and even in a Kindergarten classroom.
Students will be prepared to work as primary staff in settings that include:
- Child Care Centres
- Family Day Homes
- Preschools
- Out of School Care programs
Additional Program Information
Students should consult Transfer Alberta for information regarding transfer credit and pathways for programs and individual courses.
Athabasca University
Diploma graduates are eligible to transfer into the Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human Services. Students should contact an AU Academic Advisor for further information.
Northwestern Polytechnic*
Students who have successfully completed year one of the Early Learning and Child Care program are eligible for admission directly in year two of the Early Childhood Development diploma. Be sure to contact Northwestern Polytechnic with any questions regarding admission and any minimum grade requirements for individual courses.
Keyano College*
Students who have successfully completed year one of the Early Learning and Child Care program are eligible for admission directly in year two of the Early Childhood Development diploma. Be sure to contact Keyano College with any questions regarding admission and any minimum grade requirements for individual courses.
Lakeland College*
Students who have successfully completed year one of the
Early Learning and Child Care program are eligible for admission directly in year two of the Early Learning and Childcare
diploma. Be sure to contact Lakeland College with any questions regarding admission and any minimum grade requirements for individual courses.
MacEwan University
Students who have successfully completed year one of the Early Learning and Child Care program are eligible for admission into year two of the Early Learning and Child Care diploma. Be sure to contact MacEwan University with any questions regarding admission and any minimum grade requirements for individual courses.
Red Deer Polytechnic*
Students who have successfully completed year one of the Early Learning and Child Care program are eligible for admission directly in year two of the Early Childhood Education diploma. Be sure to contact Red Deer Polytechnic with any questions regarding admission and any minimum grade requirements for individual courses.
Royals Road University
Graduates of the Early Learning and Child Care diploma are eligible to enter the third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Students must present a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B grade) and meet all other admission criteria. Contact a Royal Roads University Academic Advisor for further information.
University of Calgary
Diploma graduates may be eligible to apply to the two-year post-diploma Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation (BCR). Please contact a U of C Academic Advisor for further information regarding admission into this program. This pathway is currently under review; please contact transfer@mhc.ab.ca for confirmation on status.
*The ELCC certificates from these institutions will transfer into Medicine Hat College’s ELCC diploma. Minimum grade requirements for individual courses and transfer credit are in place; be sure to review this information in the Medicine Hat College calendar.
International Transfer Opportunities
Griffith University, Australia
Diploma graduates are eligible to receive advanced standing toward the Bachelor of Child, Youth, and Family Practice. Students should contact a Medicine Hat College Academic Advisor for further information. This pathway is currently under review; please contact transfer@mhc.ab.ca for confirmation of status.
Meet the Faculty
Certificate and Diploma
Duration:1 or 2 years
Intake:Fall
Campus:Medicine Hat
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