Early Learning & Child Care Certificate

Career Potential

Graduates of the Early Learning and Child Care Certificate program are prepared to work effectively with children and their families in preschool programs, daycares, day homes, head start programs and other agencies providing services and support to children from birth to age twelve.

Credentials

Certificate

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent including;
• English 30-1 or 30-2 (30 or 33)
• A score of 12.9 on Nelson Denny Test (if less than 60% in English 30/33 or English 30-1 or 30-2)
• High school transcript
• Criminal Record Check, Child Youth Information System Document (formally CWIS) Alberta Child and Youth Services
• Please refer to the following link for minimum technical requirements on our Moodle page

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.

Program Start/End Dates 
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 and the course prerequisites.

Location
Online Delivery

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50

Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $116. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $116.

Other mandatory fees per semester

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00

Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $348. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $348.

Other mandatory fees per semester

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Need help funding your education? Check out our  funding options.

Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most Portage College programs will be delivered online. 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.

2020 - 2021

Audit Fee - 50% of Course Fee

Document re-issuance Fee - such as, student ID, meal card, certificates etc. (Non-refundable)
Fee is per document - $10

GED Exam Fee (refundable if writing is cancelled)
Writing Fee - $200
Re-write Fee - $190

Invigilation Fee (Non-refundable)
Administration Fee - $25
Invigilation Fee per hour - $25

Prior Learning Assessment Fee (Non refundable)
Cost recovery, minimum $250/course

Supplemental/Deferred Exams (Non-refundable) - $25

Transcript Evaluation Fee - not applicable to dual credit high schools (non-refundable)
External Advanced Credit  - $50

Transcript Fee - $10

Tuition Deposit (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs and international only)
Domestic Students - $100
International Students - $500
Paramedicine - $1500

• HUMAN DEVELOPMENT I

  Course ID: ECDE100

  Name: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT I

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  In this course the student will explore the major theories of human development and will focus specifically on birth to age 12-18. Areas of study will include physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.

• WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

  Course ID: ENGL100

  Name: WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  ENGL 100 concentrates on the development and improvement of academic writing skills that meet post-secondary college standards. The course reviews effective essay writing skills and considers the summary, report, and critique. The focus of ENGL 100 is the research paper and APA style. The course projects effective writing and avoidance of plagiarism as intrinsic professional competencies. Job search considerations include the cover letter, targeted electronic resume, and portfolio. Students develop computer skills to augment composition, formatting, and proofing of all scholastic papers.

• LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

  Course ID: ELCC114

  Name: LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course presents information on the goals and philosophy of developmentally appropriate programs for children. Students examine their role in the development of caring relationships within a diverse environment that is focused on child-centered curriculum and play.

• PRACTICUM I/INTEGRATION SEMINAR

  Course ID: ELCC103

  Name: PRACTICUM I/INTEGRATION SEMINAR

  Hours: 140

  Credits: 2

  This field practicum consists of full-time supervised placements for four-weeks in early childhood programs. Students are placed in daycares, kindergartens, Head Start Programs and other preschool environments. During the practicum, time is designated for an online Integration Seminar. Students integrate class theory with field placement experiences through discussion and group activities. Prerequisite: ECDE 100 – Human Development or approved credit.

• ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ELCC

  Course ID: ELCC122

  Name: ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ELCC

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course provides students with the knowledge required to work professionally and effectively in ELCC environments. Students become knowledgeable about professional ethics, program operational matters, codes of conduct, job descriptions, and role clarifications. Policies on early childhood from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Alberta Child and Youth Services are also covered.

• INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCE

  Course ID: RSER103

  Name: INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCE

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  In this course interpersonal communication skills are emphasized as a vital part of human services. This course provides students with an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the basic communication concepts and skills, to examine their everyday communication behaviours, and to apply their new knowledge and self-awareness to their own experience. The main goal of this experience is to help students expand their repertoire of skills for communicating more effectively.

• INFANTS & TODDLERS

  Course ID: ELCC107

  Name: INFANTS & TODDLERS

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course focuses on the developmentally and culturally appropriate high quality programming that is appropriate for infants and toddlers in home-based and group care environments.

• OBSERVING & RECORDING SKILLS & APPLICATIONS

  Course ID: ELCC132

  Name: OBSERVING & RECORDING SKILLS & APPLICATIONS

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course will focus on basic observation and recording skills used for observing children. Subsequent intervention strategies to work with children following the observation will be explored.

• DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

  Course ID: RSER101

  Name: DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This is an introductory course to disability studies and provides students with an opportunity to explore the lives of persons with disabilities including families, special needs, diverse characteristics, and life styles.

• PRACTICUM II/INTEGRATION SEMINAR

  Course ID: ELCC133

  Name: PRACTICUM II/INTEGRATION SEMINAR

  Hours: 280

  Credits: 4

  This practicum placement is eight-week placements (280 hours) in an assigned early childhood setting. Students assume duties and responsibilities, as assigned by the practicum on-site supervisor and are responsible for arrangements necessary to complete College expectations and assignments. There is time designated for an online Integration Seminar. Prerequisite: ELCC 103 or have approved advanced credit.

• GUIDING BEHAVIOUR

  Course ID: ECDE111

  Name: GUIDING BEHAVIOUR

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  Students learn skills and effective intervention techniques designed to positively and appropriately guide the behaviour of preschool and school-age children, and to nurture a safe and healthy environment for children and staff.

• SCHOOL AGED CARE

  Course ID: ELCC130

  Name: SCHOOL AGED CARE

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course provides the student with knowledge related to program development and implementation. Content covers: safety supervision, behavior management, developmentally and culturally appropriate programming, and the overall role of an effective worker in an out-of-school environment with school age children.