Early Learning and Child Care Certificate Program FAQs

The Early Learning and Child Care certificate program is designed to be completed in 1 year, or 42 weeks, including 400 hours of practicum experience.

Tuition cost for domestic students is $13,475
Tuition cost for international students is $21,560

Yes it is. MaKami’s Early Learning and Child Care certificate program is recognized by the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education and the Ministry of Children and Family Services, which qualifies graduates to receive Level 2 Early Childhood Educator certification.

This ELCC certification is a requirement for all ECE’s working in licensed family day home agencies, daycares, out-of-school care and preschool programs.

MaKami College is a publicly funded, not-for-profit independent academic institution that is also listed on the Government of Canada’s list of Designated Learning Institutions, which approves us to accept international students.

There are many factors that make MaKami’s Early Learning and Child Care certificate program unique, including:

• A holistic, inclusive and interculturally responsive curriculum including multiple perspectives such as cultural awareness and indigenous ways of knowing and being, preparing graduates for the skills to meet all learners.
• 2 practicum placements, giving you more hands-on knowledge and skills in a variety of child care settings.
• First aid, WHMIS and food safety training included.

MaKami College offers its Early Learning and Child Care Certificate program all year round in our Edmonton and Calgary campuses. Contact us to learn more about our enrollment dates and deadlines.

Early childhood educators are currently in high demand. It is estimated Alberta needs 7,000 to 9,500 more early childhood educators over the next four years to fill existing vacancies and new positions.

MaKami’s Early Learning Child Care (ELCC) certificate program will prepare you to work in a variety of settings, such as child care and daycare centres, day homes, preschools, Kindergarten classrooms and more.

According to the Government of Alberta, early childhood educators and assistants earn an average of $18.59 per hour. However, upon graduation, educators with Level 2 certifications may qualify for a Wage Enhancement Grant from the Government of Alberta of an additional $5.05 per hour on top of their employer’s wage.

In addition, students who complete the one-year Certificate can go on to complete the 1-year Early Learning and Child Care diploma program, where their additional training will make them eligible to enter management positions and earn higher wages.

This flexible program is offered in a blended format, with online and in-person classes, workshops and practicums.

Interactive online components make learning fun and engaging, ensuring students stay motivated and involved.

Our early learning and child care certificate program was designed with the working child educator in mind. Our flexible program has both online and in-person classes.

In-person classes are held twice a week in the evenings to accommodate students who are working while upgrading their credentials.

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.