Be ready to inspire young minds with this one-year certificate – available on campus or online to suit your needs.
Engaged and responsive instructors will prepare you to work with young children at any stage of development through a blend of theory and practical application. You’ll also get plenty of hands-on experience at a practicum placement near you. Graduates are certified to work as Level 2 Early Childhood Educators.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Early Childhood Education at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
Lethbridge Polytechnic has been providing Early Childhood Education programing for more than 30 years. With the Alberta Early Learning and Child Care curriculum embedded into the program, you can be confident that the courses are current, relevant and evidence based. Flexible programming, hands-on experience and instructors who offer relevant multidisciplinary perspectives will ensure you’re well prepared to step into a career nurturing the next generation. The program is also approved for licensing in most provinces and territories.
30+ years
of delivering Early Childhood Education
97 days
spent learning on the job in a practicum setting
1 outdoor play space
for students to gain hands-on experience
Career Opportunities
When you graduate, your in-demand skills will open up opportunities in:
- Before and After School Programs
- Child Care Centres
- Day Homes
- Early Learning Programs
- Family Group Care Programs
- Kindergartens
- Out-of-school Care Programs
- Parenting Centres
- Preschool Programs
- Recreational Facilities
91%
of ECE grads had a related job less than one year after completing the program
417
the number of early childhood educator positions forecasted to be created in Alberta each year
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September and January (on-campus or online) May (online only).
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
One year
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowNew applicants are accepted in the Early Childhood Education certificate program for on-campus delivery for the Fall (September) term. Students wishing to enroll for the on-campus delivery in the Winter (January) term will take courses in a revised curriculum based on course availability. This admission will result in a three term curriculum for the on-campus completion of the certificate. Courses are also open on an individual basis for part-time study.
Students completing the certificate through online study are accepted for terms beginning Fall (September), Winter (January) or Spring (May). Students choosing this route must contact the an advisor to plan their program.
Upon successful completion of your Early Childhood Education certificate program, you will be eligible for admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma. In order to be considered for the diploma program, we recommend that you submit a Program Advancement Request to the Admissions Office in your last term of study of the certificate program. If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Admissions Office.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Early Childhood Education certificate.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Valley College | Early Childhood Education and Development Diploma | Outgoing |
July 2023 - June 2028
Early Childhood Education and Development DiplomaGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Early Childhood Education Certificate, with a minimum grade of 64%, are eligible for 33 credits towards Bow Valley College's Early Childhood Education and Development Diploma. Students can be awarded 40 credits towards the diploma if they complete INS 1155, SOC 2270, and either COM 1159 or COM 1162, in addition to the certificate curriculum, prior to admission into the Bow Valley College program. If students have not completed the three additional courses at Lethbridge Polytechnic, they will be required to complete them during their first semester at Bow Valley College. Students should consult Academic Advising at Bow Valley College for more information. |
| Medicine Hat College | Early Learning and Child Care Diploma | Outgoing |
September 2019 - September 2025
Early Learning and Child Care DiplomaGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Early Childhood Education certificate are eligible for admission into the second year of the Early Learning and Child Care diploma at Medicine Hat College. Students should contact a Medicine Hat College Academic Advisor for further information. |
Students in the online certificate program are strongly encouraged to contact the Early Childhood Education Practicum Coordinator upon their admission to the program to inquire about the process for setting up practicum placements. This process can take 2-3 months and there are deadlines that must be adhered to. All students are held to the same deadlines and requirements and failure to meet those deadlines and/or requirements may result in a delay in being able to complete a practicum placement.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements
This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The Polytechnic dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL.
Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g. immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g. police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g. CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.).
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student. Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed to be employees of the Province of Alberta and, as such, provided WCB coverage. In certain instances for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g. non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta). These students are advised to contact the program prior to application.
Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic, preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely fashion may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting.
In order to participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge Polytechnic and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g. health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge Polytechnic's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns.
WIL sites may include Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, and may extend beyond these boundaries depending on WIL site availability and approvals. WIL’s may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| ECE-1155 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE-1156 | Development Through Play | 3 |
| ECE-1184 | Practicum I | 3 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| PSY-1171 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| ECE-1151 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 |
| ECE-1154 | Guiding Children's Behavior | 3 |
| ECE-1168 | Children's Outdoor Play | 3 |
| ECE-1186 | Practicum II | 6 |
| PSY-1191 | The Developing Brain | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Prior Learning Assessment
If you have a minimum of one-year of experience working in this field of study, you may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Please direct your inquiries to the ECE program.
View course timetablesTuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (Certificate)
|
$4,455.00
|
$1,497.00
|
$1,700.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (Certificate)
|
$16,830.00
|
$1,497.00
|
$1,700.00
|
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Students are responsible for the cost of the field trips relating to this program.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Early Childhood Education programs are available through on-campus delivery, which may include some blended delivery components, as well as a fully online delivery.
Blended
This program includes both face-to-face/on-campus and online delivery in both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) formats.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
Online
This program is fully delivered online with both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) components.
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.
Featured Graduates
Alyssa Collin (Parkin)
“I really enjoyed working with children my whole life and wanted to learn more about their development in order to support them. What I liked best about my college experience was getting hands-on experience while learning.”
Jenna Nelson
“Lethbridge College was appealing to me because of the small classes and community feel it has. The classes were small which made it easier to make friends and get to know your teachers. The college has so many great things to be involved with, and there are so many supports available with staff who are waiting to help.”
Taryn Fawcett-Berthelot
“I really enjoyed the classroom discussions and being able to ask questions to gain more information on the courses being taught, and the things that interest you. My instructors were great! They offered feedback and knowledge that was beneficial to my educational journey. There were times that if you were unsure, they were always there to lend a hand or listen to what you had to say.”