Early Childhood Education Certificate

Want to be working alongside young children within a year? Lakeland College’s Early Childhood Education certificate covers the first year of Lakeland’s early learning training on the Vermilion campus, delivered face to face, and completing it meets the requirement for Level 2 early childhood educator certification in Alberta. Face-to-face students enrol in the diploma and can exit with the certificate after year one.

The certificate year focuses on how children from birth to five grow and learn. Lifespan Studies I traces physical, social, emotional and intellectual development, while Observation & Play and Infant & Toddler Care show how to watch children closely and plan around what you see. Art, Music & Movement Experiences and Literacy, Math & Science Experiences teach play-oriented curriculum planning, and Positive Behaviour Supports, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Family Studies, Early Childhood Professionalism and Communication Skills cover guidance, wellbeing, families, ethics and professional writing.

Two field placements anchor the year. ECE Field Placement I, open once you have finished four certificate courses including Art, Music & Movement Experiences, stresses observation and practical experience with children; ECE Field Placement II, after eight courses, asks you to plan activities from children’s needs and interests. Placements require a 2.0 GPA and a clear criminal record check with vulnerable sector check. With the certificate you can continue into Lakeland’s second diploma year or transfer into year two of early learning diplomas at Keyano College, Lethbridge Polytechnic, Medicine Hat College and Northwestern Polytechnic.

Graduates of this first year typically start as certified early childhood educators in day care centres, pre-school assistants, family day home educators, out of school care staff, early intervention program aides or educational assistants. The certificate suits caring, energetic people who want a shorter, practical start in early learning, with the option to complete the full diploma later.