Overview
Develop the essential skills for entry-level roles in Early Childhood Education through our comprehensive program. This program combines foundational knowledge in child development with hands-on training, including creative activity planning and health and safety practices.
With starting salaries averaging $18.59 per hour, which includes a $2.64/hour wage top-up from the Alberta government, and the growing demand for early childhood professionals, you’ll be well-prepared for success in today’s workforce.
Why Choose Columbia?
At Columbia College, we prioritize your success and understand the challenges of balancing education, work, and family life. Our flexible learning models allow you to balance your studies with other commitments, making it easier to manage your time and stay on track for success.
Our instructors are experienced educators who bring industry insights and teaching expertise to the classroom. With small class sizes, hands-on training, and a 5-week work experience in child care, you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and skills needed to thrive in your career. From financial aid to career coaching, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Program Highlights
- Cost: Grant-funded program (for eligible students)
- Delivery: Hybrid (classroom and online instruction) or fully online
- Duration: 32 weeks
- Instruction Hours: Monday - Friday (25 hours/week)
- Intake: January, May, September
- Work Experience: 5-weeks
- Program Type: Certificate, 5 Credits
Did you know?
The occupations of Early Childhood Educators and Assistants are in high demand. With a projected labour shortage of over 1,000 workers by 2028, now is the perfect time to start your career.
Program Design
- Duration: 32 weeks.
- Age Focus: Children from birth to 8 years of age.
- Goal: You’ll receive education that prepares you for becoming a skilled and valued Early Childhood Educator in Alberta.
Highlights & Skill Development
n this interactive program, you will participate in group discussions and hands-on training to develop the essential skills for a career in early childhood education. Learn how to design creative, developmentally appropriate activities, foster children’s emotional and social growth, and implement strategies to create safe, inclusive environments.
The program includes a 5-week work experience, providing valuable real-world experience to apply your skills and build confidence in your abilities. With no prior experience required, it’s perfect for individuals eager to take their first steps toward a rewarding career in this field.
To support your transition into the workforce, you’ll also receive career development assistance, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and access to job placement services. Start building the skills and connections you need to make a difference in the lives of children.
This course is structured as a blended delivery model, combining both face-to-face and online learning . The curriculum is designed to engage students through both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (self-paced) learning experiences.
For an optimal online learning experience, it is strongly recommended that students have the following:
- Reliable Computer Access: daily access to a dependable computer (a Windows PC is recommended) throughout the course duration.
- High-Speed Internet: Ensure a stable internet connection, preferably with a cable connection for consistent high-speed access.
- Workspace: Set up a comfortable chair and a workspace that is free from distractions.
- Tools: Have a functioning microphone and video camera to participate actively in live sessions.
- Accessories: Consider using earphones or earbuds for better audio during online sessions.
- Childcare Arrangements: If applicable, please make necessary childcare arrangements during class times.
Upon completing our program, you’ll receive:
- Level 1 Early Childhood Educator Certificate Eligibility: After completing our program, you’ll be eligible and prepared to apply for Level 1 Early Childhood Educator Certificate through the Alberta Child Care Staff Certification Office.
- Certificate of Completion: You’ll be invited to participate in our Convocation Ceremony and receive your Certificate of Completion.
- Credits: You may be eligible to receive 5 Alberta Education Credits.
Additional Certifications (if applicable)
- Standard Childcare First Aid and CPR
- Alberta Health & Safety for Child Care Certificate
- Environmental Public Health: AHS Classroom Course in Child Care
- Nourishing Beginnings
- Module 1: Supporting Young Eaters and
- Module 2: Learning Together with Food
Throughout the program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of early childhood education. Key courses include:
| Courses |
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| Additional Certificates Available |
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| Alberta Education Post Secondary Credits* | Learners may be awarded 5 one credit courses:
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*High school transcripts are not connected to Columbia College but can be requested through the Government of Alberta with a myPass account: public.education.alberta.ca/PASI/mypass/home. Fees may apply.
Practicum – Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
- In the final 5 weeks of the training program, learners will attend 5 weeks of Work Integrated Learning (also known as practicum) where they will be challenged to apply all areas of acquired classroom knowledge to practical real-life circumstances within their scope of practice.
- Work hours will be range from of 25-40 hours per week (depending on the employer’s needs) for the duration of the practicum placement.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in the Child Care Assistant program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Alberta.
- Be unemployed or underemployed (working less than 20 hours per week)
- Show a commitment to seeking employment after program completion.
- Fulfill citizenship or residency requirements, such as being a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Convention Refugee, and be legally authorized to work and train in Canada.
Courses at Columbia College are taught in Canadian English. To enroll applicants must meet the English language entry requirements below:
- CLB5 or English Grade 5+
- Math Gr. 5+
Additional Requirements
- Obtain satisfactory scores in Columbia College’s assessment of reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics
- Complete a computer skills evaluation (or its equivalent) at Columbia College, covering basic computing, internet, email usage, and an introduction to Microsoft Word.
- Successfully undergo an interview with the Career and Employment Coordinator to assess program suitability.
In their final semester, all students must request a Police Information Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search. The results must be submitted to the practicum host employer before the start of the practicum component.
This is a Grant Funded Program!
This program is funded by Government of Alberta, Foundational Learning Assistance. Students may be eligible to receive financial and childcare assistance – Contact us to see if you qualify!
Additional Information
This program is funded by the Government of Alberta, with financial and childcare support available for eligible students. Contact us at 403-235-9300 to learn more about the application process and financial assistance opportunities.
Tutoring is available to students who have fallen below the minimal pass rate.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to receive:
- Certificate of Completion from Columbia College (must achieve minimum course requirement of 70% or higher in each course)
- 5 Alberta Education Post Secondary Credits
- Invitation to Columbia’s Convocation Ceremony
Additional Certifications (if applicable)
- Standard Childcare First Aid and CPR Certificate
- Alberta Health & Safety for Child Care Certificate
- Environmental Public Health: AHS Classroom Course in Child Care
- Nourishing Beginnings
- Module 1: Supporting Young Eaters
- Module 2: Learning Together with Food
Level 1 Early Childhood Educator Certification Readiness
- The Level 1 Early Childhood Educator certificate awarded by the Alberta Government is not provided by Columbia College.
- Graduates must submit an online application after graduation and electronically submit their Alberta Education post-secondary education transcript along with the application for consideration https://applychildcarecertification.alberta.ca/
According to the ALIS Website, the average hourly wage for Early Childhood Educators and Assistants is $18.59 per hour, although “hourly wages vary widely throughout the province.”
You’ll be Our Child Care Assistant program will prepare you for a career in Early Childhood Education in a range of roles and environments, such as Bus Attendant, Child Development Assistant, Day Care Worker, and more! Experienced early childhood educators may advance to supervisory positions or start their own businesses (ALIS).
A Job In Demand
According to the Alberta government, a medium demand job is one in which a “fair number of job openings exist for this occupation. The job market for this occupation is stable, with steady hiring activity and consistent supply of skilled professionals.
- Click here for more information on Alberta’s Short-Term Employment Forecast Short-Term Employment Forecast (STEF)
- Government of Canada’s job outlooks for Early Childhood Educators and Assistants https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/outlookreport/occupation/5180
Employers of Columbia Graduates
BrightPath, Calgary Board of Education, Columbia Childcare Centre, NurtureCare Early Learning Centre, Southland Transportation, Willowbrae Academy, YMCA, and other licensed daycares in Calgary and surrounding communities.
Career Benefits
Graduates are well-prepared to enter Alberta’s growing early childhood education field, with over 1,000 job openings projected by 2028. This sector offers exciting career opportunities in daycares, preschools, and early learning centers.
Ready to start your career in Early Childhood Education? Apply now and take advantage of this high-demand field with strong job growth ahead!
Limited seats are available.
Course Features
- Lectures 0
- Quizzes 0
- Duration 50 hours
- Skill level All levels
- Language English
- Students 1
- Assessments Yes
