Next start: Oct 27, 2026Edmonton · Red Deer · Spruce Grove+1 (587) 521-4800Consumer information

Childcare and early learning

Early Learning and Child Care

A one-year certificate designed to meet the requirements for Alberta ECE Level 2 certification. You enter holding Level 1 and leave qualified for Level 2.

Certificate

Length
46 weeks
Hours
938 hrs
Credential
Certificate
Next start
Oct 27, 2026

Overview

About this program

Early childhood educators plan and run the activities that help children develop intellectually, physically and emotionally, from infants through school age, working closely with parents and other professionals.

The certificate covers child development and learning theories, play as curriculum practice, early language and literacy, guiding children's behaviour, health, nutrition and safety, and inclusive practice. It includes Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid and CPR, and a mandatory 400-hour practicum.

By the end you will be able to

  • Apply the knowledge and skills required to become a Child Development Worker.
  • Create curriculum and programming that are appropriate and focused on the child as the main actor of the curriculum.
  • Identify and develop professional attributes expected in early learning contexts.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to develop and maintain strong and positive relationships with families and the community.

Courses 18

Open any course to see what it covers.

  1. 1Skills for Success20 hrs

    This course is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills for academic, personal and professional success. During this highly interactive and practical course, students will be introduced to tools and strategies to set goals, adopt a growth mindset and stay motivated will pursuing their studies. This course will empower students to become active participants and owners of their learning.

  2. 2Career Strategies20 hrs

    This course is designed to help students prepare and be successful in their job search once they have completed the program, as well as assist with practicum placement. How to prepare for and conduct an effective job search will be discussed, as well as, tapping into the hidden job market and using social media in the job search successfully will be explored.

  3. 3Computer Applications40 hrs

    This course introduces students to technology resources that are employed in ELCC settings including: word processor, presentation software, email, texting, calendar and diary. It will also discuss strategies for Internet navigation to search for ELLC resources.

  4. 4Foundations to Early Learning and Childcare40 hrs

    This course will introduce students to understanding the main features of Early Learning and Childhood as a profession. This course will cover the main areas of responsibilities for ELCC providers.

  5. 5Professionalism and Professional Attributes40 hrs

    This course introduces students to legislation, regulations, documents, and areas of study in relation to the scope of practice for early childhood professionals in Alberta. This includes provincial early childhood framework, professional expectations and professional development.

  6. 6Communication Skills for Childcare Providers20 hrs

    This course examines methods of strengthening two-way communication so that as a speaker or listener, one is contributing to clarity and comfort in the ongoing conversation. Communication includes what is said in words, and in gestures, tone of voice, facial expression and body language. Feedback from peers allows students to improve their clarity and comfort as communicators.

  7. 7The Growing Child20 hrs

    This course describes the three stages of prenatal development and the developmental principles of growth of the infant and young child. The course also addresses how the fetus can be harmed by teratogens and what the mother can do to reduce risk.

  8. 8Guiding Children’s Behaviour40 hrs

    This course discusses guidance strategies to affect children’s behaviour. It also explores problem-solving, time out, discipline and punishment.

  9. 9Early Language and Literacy20 hrs

    This course discusses language, literacy, and literature for young children; and suggests ways of creating learning environments to support emergent literacy.

  10. 10Play as Curriculum Practice40 hrs

    This course introduces students to the importance of play in learning and early learning. It addresses the characteristics and value of play, and the theories of play and a holistic play-based curriculum.

  11. 11Professional Writing for Childcare Providers20 hrs

    This course provides students with skills and knowledge to write in the ELCC profession: letters, emails, proof reading, response to parent’s question, and journaling.

  12. 12Creating the Curriculum20 hrs

    This course introduces students to the basic principles of creating the curriculum for learning in the early years. The course will teach students to make decisions about what is to be taught (content) and how it will be taught (method).

  13. 13Health, Nutrition and Safety40 hrs

    This course explores the principles and practices of health and safety in caring for young children, Alberta Child and Youth Nutrition Guidelines, food safety protocols, hygiene practices and risk-taking in ELCC. The course also discusses professional responsibility in instances of suspected child abuse and neglect.

  14. 14Building Professional Relationships20 hrs

    This course discusses the importance of maintaining strong positive relationships as well as strategies for building relationships with children’s families and staff. The course also addresses inclusion, conflict management and conflict resolution.

  15. 15Child Development and Learning Theories60 hrs

    This course provides a conceptual frame for understanding the young child and introduces students to relevant developmental and learning theories.

  16. 16Methods and Materials in Inclusive Early Learning and Childcare60 hrs

    This course introduces students to methods used in thematic planning for young children. Practices are selected based on appropriateness given the children’s interests and abilities, and the learning context.

  17. 17Canadian Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR20 hrs
  18. 18Practicum Placement400 hrs

    This hands-on practicum course will provide students with practical experiences to progress from an observation role to a contribution role as a care provider. The 400-hour practicum course is a supervised course that will guide students through a series of practical applications and reflection activities.

Admission requirements

Standard

An Alberta high school diploma verified by transcript, or a non-Alberta equivalent, or successful completion of the General Equivalency Diploma. You also need to complete the Alberta Child Care Orientation Course, which is itself the Level 1 credential.

Mature student

18 years or older, minimum one year out of school. Applicants without a Canadian high school diploma must complete the Canadian Adult Achievement Test.

English language

CELPIP General level 7 in all areas, or IELTS General band 6 in all areas.

All applicants

A program suitability interview.

Clearances you will need

  • Clear Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search

Cost & funding

Tuition and fees

  • Tuition$8,100
  • Books, supplies & fees$1,035
  • Total$9,135

Source: Alberta alis program listing · as of 2025-04-22.

Funding

Student aid. Aid is available for qualified candidates. You apply to Alberta Student Aid yourself, and it decides who qualifies, not the college.

  • Band funding. First Nations and Métis students may be sponsored through their band or settlement. Start early, because approval times vary.
  • Employer sponsorship. Some employers fund training for their staff. The college can invoice an employer directly.
  • Payment plans. Arranged with the college.

Talk to an advisor about funding

Where and how

Campuses

EdmontonRed DeerSpruce Grove

Green means this program runs there.

How you study

Combined (onsite and online)

Start dates

Next start

At Edmonton, Red Deer and Spruce Grove.

Applications are accepted up to the start date.

Dates after this one are to be announced.

Where this leads

Early Childhood Educator

NOC 42202

Early childhood educators plan, implement and reflect upon experiences that help children develop socially, creatively, intellectually, physically and emotionally. They work across age groups and settings, build relationships with families and other professionals, and document their observations of children.

Average, Alberta
$19.05/hr
Typical range
$15.50 to $24.51/hr
Starting out
$15.00 to $22.63/hr
Employed in Alberta
19,725

What employers look forMinimum one year post-secondary in early learning and child care, which is what this program delivers.

Read this alongsidealis records an average of 36.8 hours a week for this occupation, below full time. The annual figure reflects that.

Roles this program prepares you to apply for

  • Child-care Worker
  • Early Childhood Educator
  • Educational Assistant
  • Nanny
  • Child Development Educator
  • Early Childhood Educator Assistant
  • Special Needs Assistant
  • Assistant Centre Director
  • Program Support Assistant
  • Early Childhood Resource Consultant
  • Child Care Teacher
  • Child Development Facilitator
  • Child Caregiver
  • Educational Coordinator
  • Foster Care Support Worker
  • Child Development Worker
  • Recreation Program Leader
  • Family Support Worker

Source for the roles: Program Information Form filed with Alberta Advanced Education, as of 2026-09-28. This is the work the program prepares graduates for, not an offer of employment.

Wages describe the occupation across Alberta, not Robin College graduates. The college publishes no placement or graduate earnings data. Source: 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey and the 2024–2026 occupational outlook, published on alis.

Certification

Alberta's Early Learning and Child Care Regulation sets three certification levels. Level 2 requires a one-year early learning and child care certificate from an approved public college, private career college or university. Certification is issued by the Alberta Child Care Staff Certification Office, not by the college, and is required within six months of starting work in a licensed program.

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