Early Learning and Child Care Certificate Program

Applicants may be considered for standard admission if they meet all of the following criteria:

1. Minimum 18 years of age at the time of program start
2. Admission interview with the institution
3. Completion of one of the following:
   • Alberta High School Diploma
   • A recognized equivalent

Applicants may be considered for admission and/or advanced standing through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

PLAR recognizes knowledge and skills gained outside of formal education, including but not limited to:

• Work experience
• Professional certifications or licenses
• Military training
• Volunteer experience
• Non-credit training or workshops

PLAR assessment methods may include:

• Portfolio review
• Skills demonstration
• Challenge exams
• Interviews or competency validation

PLAR decisions are made in accordance with institutional policy and may result in:

• Admission eligibility
• Course exemptions
• Advanced standing

If the credentials are from outside Canada, the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) may be accepted to determine equivalencies. 

Applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements, including homeschool applicants, may be considered through a mature admission pathway.

Eligibility:

• Minimum 18 years of age, and
• Demonstrated readiness for post-secondary study through meeting one or more of the following:
  • Admission interview with the institution
  • Relevant work or volunteer experience 
  • Successful completion of a MaKami College approved entrance equivalency exam
  • Completion of post-secondary studies or continuing education, including certificates, diplomas, or degrees.

If the credentials are from outside Canada, the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) may be accepted to determine equivalencies. 

Additional Considerations:

• Each application is reviewed holistically, recognizing formal education, experiential learning, and demonstrated competencies.

• Mature Admission decisions are based on academic readiness, professional experience, and learner potential, not solely on traditional credentials.

Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Acceptable evidence includes one of the following (subject to institutional approval):

• Completion of previous education with either a High School or Post-Secondary Diploma in an institution where English is the primary language of instruction and communication. 
• Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Literacy Placement Test with a score of 7 in each of the four competencies: reading/writing/listening/speaking, or equivalent: 
• CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) with a minimum score of 7 in each of the four competencies: reading/writing/listening/speaking. 
• IELTS General (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four competencies: reading/writing/listening/speaking. 
• TOEFL iBT: 53 or 3.5+
• CAEL: 50 
• Cambridge: CAE-C, CAE-B, CPE-C 
• MELAB: 80 
• Can Test: 4.5 
• Completion of course in English 30-1 or equivalent with at least 60%, or English 30-2 or equivalent with at least 65% passing grade.  

Additional Considerations

• MaKami College supports multiple entry points and may recommend upgrading, preparatory studies, or conditional admission where appropriate.
• Official test results must be submitted directly to the institution.
• English language test results must be valid within two (2) years of the date of testing.

Applicants may be eligible for admission and/or advanced standing through a transfer pathway based on prior post-secondary education.

Transfer pathways may include:

1. a) Internal Program Transfers

• Graduates or students from MaKami College programs may transfer into another program or cohort subject to:
  • Program relevance
  • Academic standing
  • Credit transfer eligibility
  • Institutional approval

1. b) External Transfer Agreements

• Applicants who have completed coursework at recognized post-secondary institutions may be considered for admission and/or advanced standing through:
  • Formal articulation or transfer agreements, where applicable.

1. c) Transfer Alberta

• Where applicable, transfer credit may be granted in accordance with Transfer Alberta guidelines.
• Transfer decisions are subject to:
  • Transfer Alberta equivalency listings
  • Institutional policies
  • Program-specific learning outcomes

Transfer credit does not guarantee admission and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants still are required to meet the program admission standards.