A middle aged caucasian childcare educator with short blond hair and glasses smiles at the camera as young children play at an early childhood education classroom

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.

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Home » Programs » Early Childhood Education » Early Learning and Child Care Diploma

$20 – $28

 

Avg. hourly wage of an Early Childhood Educator in Alberta

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 laptop fully loaded with required curriculum (available for an additional fee)
  • 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.

Advertisement for Makami College's Early Childhood Education program. A woman holds a baby in a colorful room with marine life wall stickers. Text on the left promotes Alberta Government bursary programs offering up to $10,000 in funding, with the Makami College logo at the bottom.

Tuition Bursary of up to $10,000 Available for ELCC Students

The new Early Childhood Educator Bursary program was created to grow Alberta’s childhood educator workforce and is offered to students who will start their Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) program between September 1, 2025 and January 15, 2028.

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Eligibility and Admissions

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

  • Early Learning and Child Care Certificate from MaKami College, or
  • Level 2 Early Childhood Education Certification in Alberta

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
  • Students that completed the MaKami College Certificate program can be admitted into year 2 of the Diploma program.
  • 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.

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

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. 

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 Edmonton campus in Bonnie Doon Mall

MaKami College Edmonton

Located in Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre

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MaKami College Calgary NE campus in Marlborough Mall

MaKami College Calgary NE

MaKami’s newest campus is located on the city’s northeast inside Marlborough Mall

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Reide, MaKami College Massage Therapy program graduate

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.

Reide / Massage Therapy Graduate
Freddy, MaKami College Massage Therapy program graduate

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.

Freddy / Massage Therapy Graduate

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!

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