You can make a difference in the quality of early learning and child care that children, families, and communities access. This four-term Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) Diploma 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. Each term, you will engage in experiential learning opportunities in your community through a practicum placement. You will grow your knowledge of child development, family dynamics, play, and program planning, through the lens of Flight: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework. As a developing leader, you will gain knowledge of reflective practice, pedagogical leadership, and the role of early learning and child care in society, in addition to knowledge of child development, family dynamics, play, and program planning.
The ECED learning lab is a dedicated space to explore possibilities and materials that support responsive environments for young children. This innovative and engaging space supports the translation of theory to practice.
We are pleased to work in partnership with the Lawson Foundation to promote and support outdoor pedagogy in early childhood education and development. Ongoing research is informing our curriculum and instructional practices.
Graduates are eligible for Level 3 Early Childhood Educator certification from the Alberta Government.
The program is offered full-time or part-time with a variety of delivery options including traditional classroom and online learning. There are daytime and evening classes scheduled throughout the week.
In the Early Childhood Education and Development program, practicum students are placed in vetted early learning and childcare settings by the Bow Valley College WIL team. Students may be required to travel significant distances to reach their practicum sites, including up to two hours each way when using public transit. It is each student’s responsibility to arrange transportation to and from their placement. Practicum locations may be anywhere within the City of Calgary or in the surrounding region.
Every effort is made to schedule students in placement within the planned timeframe of the program. However, in rare circumstances, there may be delays in program completion if additional time is required to secure an appropriate WIL placement.
Students working in licensed early learning and childcare settings may be able to complete their program practicums in their workplace.
A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) must be submitted by each student prior to practicum placements. The existence of a criminal record may postpone or prevent work-integrated learning practicum placement and, subsequently, successful completion of the program.
Students who have a criminal record are responsible for reviewing the Government of Alberta’s criteria regarding eligibility to work in licensed early learning settings. If a student has a criminal offence that appears on the government’s restriction list, they will not be permitted to attend practicum which will prevent program completion (see Appendix A in the Certification Guide for Early Childhood Educators Version 1.8).
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.
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.
Gain the skills to make a meaningful impact in social work, community development, the nonprofit sector, social enterprises, and social economy organizations, all while helping create stronger, more efficient communities.
Help to transform communities.
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)
