Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
Gain the high-quality skills to become a frontline leader in early childhood settings with MaKami’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) diploma program in Calgary or Edmonton.
1 Year
Full-time program offered online and in-person so you can study and work at the same time
$20 – $28
Avg. hourly wage of an Early Childhood Educator in Alberta
Laptop
Included, along with technology components integrated throughout the program.
Why MaKami’s Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Program?
Make a difference in the lives of children, families and communities with MaKami College’s early childhood education diploma program.
The ELCC diploma program is a one-year, full-time program for those who have graduated from MaKami’s Early Learning and Child Care Certificate or an equivalent from another approved institution in Alberta.
Designed for people with a passion for providing and leading quality early learning and child care in a variety of settings, this early childhood education diploma program will equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a frontline leader in early learning and childcare.
With an emphasis on cultural awareness, supportive technology, program design and daycare management, MaKami’s ELCC diploma program will give you the critical skills to create, lead and manage a truly inclusive early learning environment.
This early childhood education blended online and in-person 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.
About the ELCC Diploma Program
MaKami’s unique early childhood education diploma program emphasizes a holistic approach to learning, including cultural awareness, Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and assistive technology for children with diverse physical and learning needs.
In this program you will learn how to:
- Encourage developmentally appropriate behaviour in children
- Practice cultural awareness and appreciation
- Integrate supportive early learning technology
- Navigate relationships with families
- Implement strategies for young children with different abilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive child care program
- Explore leadership and management roles
- Manage a daycare and more!
Each Early Learning and Child Care diploma student will also receive:
- 400 hours of Practicum placement
- First Aid, WHMIS and Food Safety training
- A new laptop fully loaded with their curriculum to keep
- Microsoft Office 365
- Books and course materials
- Interactive and engaging online learning material and two on-campus classes per week
Upon graduation, students are eligible for Level 3 Early Childhood Educator Certification from the Alberta Government.
Learn More About Our ELCC Diploma
Learn more about MaKami’s early childhood education diploma program offered in Calgary and Edmonton and how you can get the education you need to advance your career in just one year.
Eligibility and Admissions
Admission Requirements
Early Learning and Child Care certificate from MaKami College, or equivalent from another approved institution in Alberta.
Students with credentials from outside Alberta can undergo a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process to enter into the ELCC diploma program.
English Proficiency
Additionally, should the applicant’s primary language not be English, then one of the following criteria must be met:
- 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
- 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.
- If the credentials are from outside Canada, the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) will be used to assess the equivalencies of the courses submitted.
Additional Early Childhood Education Diploma Program Information
Where is this Program Offered?
MaKami College offers our Early Learning and Child Care diploma program at the following campuses in Calgary and Edmonton.
MaKami College Calgary NE
MaKami’s newest campus is located on the city’s northeast inside Marlborough Mall
It’s the culture of MaKami that sold me, you don’t just leave with the excellent education – you leave with relationships that are going to help support you throughout your career.
Doesn’t matter what campus you’re on, it’s the community that we make here at MaKami – with the staff and with the students – that makes it what it is. You’re a part of the community and so if you’re here at MaKami, you’re going to be well taken care of.
Get Pre-Approved for MaKami’s Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
Interested in advancing your career with an early childhood education diploma? Get pre-approved today!
Student Success Stories
Our students go on to do amazing things! Here’s what some MaKami Alumni are doing with their education.
Shaun – A passion for health led him to teaching
Shaun was a mechanic before deciding to come to MaKami College and join their massage therapy program.
Read More
Allison – Gaining Confidence and a Path to a New Career
Allison Taylor worked as a health care aide before deciding to enroll in MaKami College's Business Administration certificate program.
Read More
The Jones Family – Finding the Support They Needed to Thrive
Richard Jones and his children discovered renewed purpose in their lives and careers after graduating from MaKami College’s Business Administration program.
Read More