The Early Learning & Childcare Diploma is delivered fully online and builds upon the certificate program, preparing you to work in early learning programs in a supervisory capacity. There are five start dates during the academic year. Please note that each start date contains a different unit within the academic year.
The Diploma program emphasizes the development of knowledgeable and skilled practitioners who can model and lead best practices in early learning and childcare environments. The program course content provides the student with advanced knowledge and skills in the areas of development, health, family, and more.
Online Program
The online offering is open to domestic students only.
Our online program students receive live instruction with instructor-led classes. There are five start dates and open enrolment so you can start at any time. The program is delivered two nights a week from 6:30 – 9:00 P.M. (Wednesdays and Thursdays).
Practicum can be arranged at a licensed childcare setting of your choice.
This program has high enrollment, and response times can take up to a week.
Ready to get started? Apply online today.
Career Potential
Graduates of the Early Learning and Childcare Diploma Program qualify for Level 3 Early Childhood Educator through Child Care Staff Certification, Government of Alberta, Children 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
Diploma
Admission Requirements
- Successful completion of the Early Learning and Childcare Certificate from Portage College or another provincial college
Other
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Practicum students must have completed ECDE100 Human Development to be eligible for practicum placement.
- Please refer to the following link for the minimum technical requirements on our Moodle page
Transferability
Some courses are transferable to the Portage College Educational Assistant program. Transferability to other provincial colleges is available. 60 block credit transfer to Athabasca University BPA program.
Additional info
- Levels 1, 2, and 3 can not be used for admission into the program.
- Portage College Early Learning programs do not accept Private Post-Secondary transcripts for transferability into this program.
Program Start/End Dates
The 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
First Start Date: August 19, 2026 (Children with Exceptionalities, Development and Inclusive Studies II). – Application Deadline: June 24, 2026.
Second Start Date: October 21, 2026 (Early Learning and Childcare Curriculum, Early Childhood Foundations). –Application Deadline: September 09, 2026.
Third Start Date: January 06, 2027 (Sociology of the Family, Practicum Integration Seminar, Developmentally Appropriate Guidance). – Application Deadline: November 25, 2026.
Fourth Start Date: March 10, 2027 (Child Health, Language Growth). – Application Deadline: January 27, 2027.
Fifth Start Date: May 05, 2027 (Introduction to Daycare Administration). – Application Deadline: March 24, 2027.
Delivery
Online Learning
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
2026-2027 yearly tuition and mandatory fees, if you complete all the credits required in the academic year, is:
| Tuition | $4,620.00 |
| Student Association | $302.35 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $248.13 |
| Recreation Fee | $132.68 |
| Document Fee | $150.00 |
| Total | $5,504.01 |
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit,” one credit is $140.00. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $140.00.
Other mandatory fees are listed below by semester.
Other mandatory fees Fall semester
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | 163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | 163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $640.48 |
Other mandatory fees Winter semester
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $313.98 |
Other mandatory fees Spring semester
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $235.20 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable)
Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options. Textbook Rentals Rentals can be arranged through the Portage College Bookstore: By Phone: Toll free 1.866.623.5551 ext. 5647 or 780.623.5647 Visit Portage Bookstore for other supplies.
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.
Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Document Fee
The Document Fee will include official transcripts, unofficial transcripts, certificates, diplomas, Confirmation of Enrollments, ID cards, all documents/letters from the Registrar’s office, etc.
International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00
Tuition Deposit $1,300.00 (non-refundable)
If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $1,300 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.
Year 1
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026
| Tuition | $7,803.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| First Aid | $210.00 |
| Total | $8,443.48 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026
| Tuition | $7,803.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $8,116.98 |
Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $16,560.46
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options. Textbook Rentals Rentals can be arranged through the Portage College Bookstore: By Phone: Toll free 1.866.623.5551 ext. 5647 or 780.623.5647 Visit Portage Bookstore for other supplies.
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.
Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Document Fee
The Document Fee will include official transcripts, unofficial transcripts, certificates, diplomas, Confirmation of Enrollments, ID cards, all documents/letters from the Registrar’s office, etc.
Please click the link to view all of our international programs.