Graduates of the Certificate program in Early Learning and Child Care may find employment in a variety of positions:

• 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

As well as the above, other opportunities for employment for Diploma graduates include:

• day care directors and administrators
• family support workers/visitors
• family support workers/visitors
• child care program coordinators (in a women's shelter, for instance)
• family support workers
• instructional assistants to children with special needs in preschool or school programs

RDC offers a one-year certificate and a two-year diploma program in Early Learning and Child Care. 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.

The ELCC department operates in partnership with college and community programs serving children from birth to twelve years of age. Students work in practicum placements in these programs as a method of integrating theory and practice. There are two practicum courses in each of the ELCC programs. By the end of the Diploma Program, students assume many of the responsibilities related to preschool care and education in their practicums.

The Outreach Program in Early Learning and Child Care offers the opportunity to study at the college level, to continue working, and to remain in your community for most of the experience. There are several methods of Outreach Delivery: The certificate program is available by Blended Delivery based at RDC and the diploma program is available online.

Certificate Distance (Blended) Delivery courses are based in Red Deer and combine the strengths of print-based independent study materials, with computer-facilitated support, as well as on-site classroom delivery two Saturdays per course.

A complete cycle of ELCC courses can be completed through part-time study over a four-year period or less. This multi-delivery approach is highly effective in meeting the diverse needs of adult students.

Students with an ELCC Diploma may transfer to related fields in some university programs. Students wishing to transfer to these universities should seek information on additional admission requirements from the institution.

Students can enter the program in September, January or May and can register as part-time or full-time students.

See Distance Learning for more information.

Certificate Program:

1. High School Diploma with a minimum mark of 50% in ELA 30-1 OR a minimum mark of 65% in ELA 30-2

OR

2. Mature Student: You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school at least one full year before the program starts, and have a minimum mark of 50% in ELA 30-1

OR

a minimum mark of 65% in ELA 30-2

OR

a minimum score of 80 on the Reading component, 86 on the Sentence component and 5 on the written essay component of the College Board Placement Test.

Note: In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency. Refer to the Admission section of the Academic Calendar for further information. https://rdc.ab.ca/future-students/admissions/admission/application-information

*Note: Government requires people who work directly with young children to have a current immunization record and a criminal record check. While not an admission requirement for the program, some practicum agencies and field placements may require Criminal Record Checks of students working in their organizations. Information about obtaining Criminal Record checks will be provided to students after they have been admitted to the program. Some programs may require medical examinations, as well.

Part Time and Outreach Students

1. You may meet the requirements above

OR

2. Mature Students may be admitted as conditional students to two ELCC courses in the certificate program. Upon the successful completion of these courses, and the recommendation of the Chairperson, they may be admitted to the Early Childhood Development Program.

Diploma Program:

1. Early Childhood Development Certificate with a minimum G.P.A. of 1.7, or consent of the Chair
2. Transferring students from another post-secondary institution will be required to present an equivalent academic program.

A certificate will not be granted if a diploma has been awarded. You must pass all first year courses to receive a certificate and pass all second year courses to receive a diploma.

ELCC students will be required to take a College Placement Test before registering in a written communications course (COMM 150 or COMM 254). The achieved test score will be used as an indicator of placement in COMM 150 or COMM 254. Students with 60% or greater in ELA 30-1 will be exempted from this test and qualify to register in COMM 254.

You should budget about $500.00 per year for books and supplies. Practicum courses are usually in the Red Deer area, but you should expect some extra costs for travel, clothes, etc.