International Student Apply
International students, once you have chosen your program and checked the admission requirements you are now ready to apply for admission.
Our Early Learning and Childcare Program is delivered in two separate formats. Our online format is available to domestic students, with open enrollment allowing for monthly intakes for students interested in starting the program each month. We will also be offering a face-to-face cohort available to both domestic and international students beginning in September 2024 at our Cold Lake campus, and in January 2025 for our Lac La Biche campus.
This program provides you with the credentials to work in institutions or children's programs at the childhood level from birth to age twelve. The program focuses on key areas of childhood growth and development, diverse abilities, program strategies, building and sustaining strong rapport between children and their families, professionalism in the workplace as well as incorporating practical learning experiences.
One essential aspect of our online program is that students receive live instruction with instructor-led classes. There is a new course each month and open enrollment so that you can start at any time. The Online Program is delivered two nights a week from 6:30 - 9:00 P.M. (Monday and Tuesday). For the condensed version that is open to international students, Classes are offered from 5:00 - 9:00 P.M.(From Monday to Thursday each week)
Practicums may be arranged at a licensed childcare setting of your choice.
This program has high enrollment, and response times can take up to a week.
International students, once you have chosen your program and checked the admission requirements you are now ready to apply for admission.
Your study permit is the document that allows you to stay in Canada and study. It is different from a student visa, which is the document that allows you to enter Canada.
Our international student representatives are happy to answer your questions about programs, services and any immigration related questions that you may have. Please use the form link provided.
Career Potential
Graduates of the Early Learning and Child Care Certificate Program qualify for Level 2 Early Childhood Educator Certification through Child Care Staff Certification, Government of Alberta, Children and Youth Services.
Students who obtain 45 hours in an Early Childhood course can apply for Level 1 Early Childhood Educator Certification from the Government of Alberta, Children and Youth Services.
Credentials
Certificate
Admission Requirements
Other
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
Transferability
Transferable to the 2nd year Portage College Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Program. Some courses are transferable to the Portage College Educational Assistant Program. Transferability to other provincial colleges is available. 30 credit block transfer to the Athabasca University BPA program.
Additional info
Program Start
Application is on a continuous basis. Registration is monthly; you can enroll at any point in the academic year if you have the program prerequisites. You must apply, pay the application fee and meet the entrance requirements by the application deadline for the course you are applying to start on. The start dates and the application/entrance requirement deadlines for each course are as follows.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION - Start Date: August 19, 2024. Application Deadline: July 5, 2024
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT - Start Date: September 16, 2024. Application Deadline: August 2, 2024
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY - Start Date: October 21, 2024. Application Deadline: September 7, 2024
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ELCC - Start Date: November 18, 2024. Application Deadline: October 4, 2024
INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCE - Start Date: January 6, 2025. Application Deadline: November 22, 2024
INFANTS AND TODDLERS - Start Date: February 3, 2025. Application Deadline: November 22, 2024
OBSERVING AND RECORDING SKILLS - Start Date: March 10, 2025. Application Deadline: January 27, 2025
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES - Start Date: April 7, 2025. Application Deadline: February 21, 2025
GUIDING BEHAVIOUR - Start Date: May 5, 2025. Application Deadline: March 22, 2025
SCHOOL AGED CARE - Start Date: June 2, 2025, Application Deadline: April 18, 2025
Location
Online Delivery
Written Communication - September 3 to September 13, 2024
Human Development - September 16 to September 27, 2024
Learning Through Play - September 30 to October 11, 2024
Roles and Responsibilities for ELCC - October 21 to November 1, 2024
Practicum 1 - November 4 to December 20, 2024
Interpersonal Competence - January 6 to January 21, 2025
Infants and Toddlers - January 20 to January 31, 2025
Observing and Recording Skills - February 3 to February 14, 2025
Development Disabilities - February 24 to March 7, 2025
Guiding Behaviour - March 10 to March 21, 2025
School Age Care - March 24 to April 4, 2025
Practicum 2 - Aril 7 to June 12, 2025
Written Communication - January 6 to January 17, 2025
Human Development - January 20 to January 31, 2025
Learning Through Play - February 3 to February 14, 2025
Roles and Responsibilities for ELCC - February 24 to March 7, 2025
Interpersonal Competence - March 10 to March 21, 2025
Infants and Toddlers - March 24 to April 4, 2025
Observing and Recording Skills - April 7 to May 9, 2025
Practicum 1 - May 12 to June 14, 2025
Developmental Disabilities - September 2 to September 12, 2025
Guiding Behaviour - September 15 to September 26, 2025
School Age Care - September 29 to October 10, 2025
Practicum 2 - October 20 to December 12, 2025
Cold Lake Cohort:
Lac La Biche Cohort:
Location:
Cold Lake and Lac La Biche campus
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
2023-2024 yearly tuition and mandatory fees, if you complete all the credits required in the academic year, is:
Tuition | $4,736.16 |
Student Association | $302.35 |
Technology Fee | $248.13 |
Recreation Fee | $132.68 |
Total | $5,419.32 |
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $131.56. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $131.56. Other mandatory fees are listed below by semester.
Other mandatory fees Fall semester
Student Association | $116.70 |
Technology Fee | $82.71 |
Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
Total | $253.98 |
Other mandatory fees Winter semester
Student Association | $116.70 |
Technology Fee | $82.71 |
Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
Total | $253.98 |
Other mandatory fees Spring semester
Student Association | $68.95 |
Technology Fee | $82.71 |
Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
Total | $175.20 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)
Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.
Internation Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00
Tuition Deposit $5000.00(non-refundable)
Tuition Costs: TBA
Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.
students will need regular access to a computer with a webcam and an internet connection. High speed broadband access is highly recommended for the optimal learning experience.
For technical requirements, visit our Moodle page.