You can make a difference in the quality of early learning and child care that children and families access. This Early Childhood Education and Development (ECE) certificate program prepares you to support children and families with high quality practices founded on knowledge of current research and theories that are responsive to the development and uniqueness of the children you work with.
During the program, you will engage in experiential learning opportunities in your community through two practicum placements. You will grow your knowledge of child development, play, and program planning, through the lens of Flight: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework (2014).
Graduates are eligible for Level 2 Early Childhood Educator certification from the Alberta Government.
The Early Childhood Education and Development certificate is open to Alberta residents only and is full-time or part-time through online delivery. Most courses are delivered fully online with no real-time participation required, with the exception being a weekly practicum seminar that is delivered live online.
Practicum placement hours must be completed physically onsite at a licensed childcare program in Alberta. Students can take the program from anywhere in Alberta.
A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) must be submitted prior to practicum placements. The existence of a criminal record may postpone or prevent clinical, practicum, or field work placements and, subsequently, successful completion of the program.
To enhance your educational experience and streamline document tracking and management, you will be required to purchase and use a software tool for data tracking and communication called CompTracker. This tool is designed to meet the specific needs of your practicum course, ensuring everything runs efficiently, and it keeps all your practicum documents easily accessible on either your personal mobile device (Apple or Android) or on the secure website. No more lost forms! With this software you will be able to receive real-time feedback, and it promotes consistency and transparency in communication.
CompTracker software is a required resource for your program and access must be purchased at the start of each term to receive course credit. The purchase price is $50 plus GST per practicum course and is payable when you login to download the software. Full details and training on this app will be provided to you in your course. The device and browser specifications are available at www.studentlogbook.com/requirements.
Program availability and start dates are subject to change. Admission is based on first applied, first qualified.
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If English is not your first language, please review the English language proficiency requirements.
Missing a required admission criteria? Complete academic upgrading before applying.
Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions. See where this program can transfer to.
If you studied outside of Alberta, you can see which of your courses is equivalent to an admission requirement.
If you live in the service area surrounding Calgary and want to take a course, visit our Regional Stewardship page.
Estimated total tuition:
Estimated total tuition:
Not all delivery modes are available for all courses or programs, and not all courses are available each term. Students should follow up on their individual program areas or their MyBVC for information for courses delivery types and availability.
Delivery modes, descriptions, and availability of courses each term are subject to change.
Bow Valley College
345 - 6 Avenue SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 4V1
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday
+1 403-410-1400
1-866-428-2669 (toll free)
