Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Program FAQs

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 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 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.

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.

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.