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

The importance of the early years in a child's development is well established. There is a critical need for a variety of programs for children and families and for trained staff to ensure children's developmental needs are being met. The Early Learning and Child Care Program trains professionals to work with children from birth to eight years, with some related preparation for working with children from eight to twelve years of age. Throughout the program, there is an emphasis on developing caring relationships with children and families.

A one-year certificate can help prepare students for a rewarding career. This program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop competencies in such areas as child development, interpersonal relations, curriculum content, family studies, exceptional children, and program management.

Focus is placed on the integration of theory and practice. This is accomplished by an extended practicum in a variety of early learning and care program environments.

RDC offers a one-year certificate 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 the ELCC program.

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 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.

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.

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.

Note: 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.

You must pass all first year courses to receive a certificate.

ELCC Students are required to have at least 60% in ELA 30-1 to register in COMM 250. If they do not meet this requirement they will be registered in COMM 150. If a student does not have ELA 30-1 or an equivalent course they will be required to take the College Board Placement Test (CBPT) to determine placement in COMM 150 or COMM 250 based on the test score achieved. If the CBPT is failed the student is not eligible to register in COMM 150 or COMM 250 which is a requirement for the ELCC certificate program.

• COMM 150 Fundamentals of College and Workplace Writing or  
• COMM 250 Business and Workplace Writing  
• ELCC 201 Foundations of Early Childhood Development  
• ELCC 206 Child Development & Exceptionalities  
• ELCC 210 Practicum I  
• ELCC 211 Child Development  
• ELCC 212 Program Planning I  
• ELCC 213 Interpersonal Relations I  
• ELCC 215 Program Planning II  
• ELCC 217 Guiding Behavior  
• ELCC 218 Program Planning III  
• ELCC 220 Practicum II  

Note: Students are encouraged to take COMM 250 if they qualify.

You should budget about $975.00 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.