Opportunities are plentiful with Early Learning and Child Care diploma

Finding top quality child care and other early learning opportunities is often a priority for parents of young children.

Meeting demand for these services means child care is a growth field in Alberta. This growth, in turn, is helping fuel strong enrolment in the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Outreach Diploma offered by Red Deer College (RDC).

This program, which is delivered entirely online through eCampusAlberta, has attracted students from across the country, many of whom already hold a related certificate, says Jane Proudlove, RDC Chair of Early Learning and Child Care.

Students can enter the program in September, January or May and can enrol in more than one course at a time.

“In a typical term, we offer two online courses and a practicum,” Proudlove says. “Registering in three courses qualifies a student as full time for financial aid purposes.”

Three unique courses – School-Age Care, Family Support and Aboriginal Children and Families – distinguish RDC’s program. Students choose one of these options to acquire skills for a broader range of work settings.

The program also allows students to “earn while they learn” as paid staff members in some practicum placements.

International practicum opportunities
Students can even opt for a practicum placement in Mexico – a 10-day study tour involving visits to several child care and family support programs in a different cultural context.

Diploma graduates are eligible to apply for the Child Care Supervisor designation from the Alberta government, which brings with it more earning power. “The annual earnings difference in an accredited setting between a certificate graduate and one with a diploma would be approximately $6,000 to $7,000,” Proudlove estimates.

Further post-secondary study is another option for ELCC diploma graduates. Transfer to the University of Alberta Education program, the University of Victoria Child and Youth Care program, and Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Professional Arts program in the Human Services major are just a few possibilities.

As well, the recent creation of the Alberta Association for the Accreditation of Early Learning and Care Services (AELCS) has Proudlove optimistic about career futures for graduates. AELCS is a not-for-profit organization funded and contracted by Alberta Children and Youth Services to assess child care and out-of-school care programs against quality standards of care.

“The main benefits are the increased standards and accountability that child care settings must demonstrate. As a result, more emphasis is being placed on quality care and ongoing professional development,” Proudlove says.

“In addition, the government has committed more dollars to pay certificate and diploma graduates who work in accredited centres. This has led many people already working in the field to return to college and upgrade.”

The program has consistently been rated highly in student satisfaction surveys, Proudlove notes, and one of the reasons for this is the flexibility it offers students.

“Students appreciate the flexibility to plan their study time around their own schedules and the needs of their families or work settings,” she says.

Learn more about the Early Learning and Child Care Outreach Diploma at Red Deer College.