A young dark haired ethnic early childhood educator smiles at the camera as a young african canadian female toddler points to something on the floor inside an early childhood education setting

Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Program FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions about MaKami College’s one-year early childhood education diploma program in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta.

Get Pre-approved now Let's Chat
Home » Programs » Early Childhood Education » Early Learning and Child Care Diploma » Early Childhood Education Diploma FAQ

Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Program Overview

The ELCC diploma program is designed to be completed in one year, or 42 weeks, including 400 hours of practicum experience.

This full-time program is for those who have graduated from MaKami’s Early Learning and Child Care certificate program, or an equivalent from another approved institution in Alberta.

Tuition cost for domestic students is $10,475

Tuition cost for international students is $16,670

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

This 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 public, not-for-profit post-secondary college 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 diploma program unique, including:

  • It is offered in a flexible format with interactive online and in-person childhood education classes, workshops and practicums, so students can study and work at the same time.
  • It has a holistic approach to learning, including cultural awareness, Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and strategies for young children with different abilities, preparing students for their careers as educators with an increasingly diverse population in Alberta.
  • It is focused on education program design and daycare management, giving you the critical skills to create, lead and manage a truly inclusive early childcare learning environment.
  • Students develop and implement a comprehensive child care program plan that can be added to their portfolio, helping enhance their resume upon graduation.
  • First Aid, WHMIS and Food Safety training included.

MaKami College offers its advanced diploma program in early childhood education 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 and there are a variety of jobs you can get with an early childhood education diploma. It is estimated Alberta needs 7,000 to 9,500 more early childhood educators over the next 4 years to fill existing vacancies and new positions.

MaKami’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) diploma 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. At the end of the early childhood education diploma program, you will have a completed comprehensive child care program that can be added to your portfolio, helping enhance your resume upon graduation.

According to the Government of Alberta, early childhood educators and assistants earn an average salary of $20 per hour.

However, upon graduation educators with Level 3 certifications may qualify for a Wage Enhancement Grant from the Government of Alberta of an additional $8.62 per hour on top of an employer’s wage.

Availability and Accessibility

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

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

This early childhood education diploma 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.

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 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.

Early Learning Child Care Diploma Program Curriculum

With a focus on cultural awareness, supportive technology, program design and daycare management. MaKami’s advanced diploma program in early childhood education will give you the critical skills to create, lead and manage a truly inclusive early learning environment.

View our full Early Learning and Child Care diploma program curriculum for more details.

Early Learning Child Care Diploma Curriculum
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 program

Now that you’ve read through the answers to common questions, is our ELCC diploma program right for you? 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.

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
Jennifer – Pursuing a Career with a Healthy Work-Life Balance 

After working as a nurse for 20 years, Jennifer Miller decided to become a massage therapist so she could have more of a work-life balance.

Read More
See more stories