Deciding where to begin, or continue, your early learning and child care (ELCC) education is a crucial step in your journey as an early childhood educator (ECE). With a variety of programs offered across Alberta, it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your career goals, values, and learning needs.
This toolkit is designed to help you make informed decisions when selecting a post-secondary ELCC program. Whether you’re looking to enter the field, upgrade your certification, or pursue a diploma or degree, the toolkit outlines what to look for in a quality program, key questions to ask, and what to watch for when reviewing your options.
Use this resource to reflect on your goals, compare program types, and ensure the institution you choose sets you up for success in Alberta’s early learning sector.
Information shared on this page is accurate as of August 2025. Please get in touch with a post-secondary institution directly to confirm accuracy or if you have questions.
General Information on the Alberta Post-Secondary Landscape
Types of Post-Secondary Institutions & Alberta Locations
Alberta’s ELCC programs are offered across several types of institutions. Understanding the differences can help you choose the best path for your career goals.
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Comprehensive Academic and Research Universities (CARUs) CARUs offer a range of academic and professional programs and have a strong research focus. These institutions:
Alberta CARUs that offer ELCC programs:
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Private career colleges offer specialized and licensed job training programs to Alberta students. Career training programs span a wide range of fields. Program options range from office administration, business management, massage therapy and health care. Training is designed to give students the skills they need to find a job after they graduate. Training programs are taught by private career colleges, which are also Alberta businesses. If the program does not maintain graduation and job placement rates above 70% for 4 consecutive reporting periods, the program's license could be canceled. Programs/courses at PCCs largely do not transfer to other institutions and may not be accepted by other provinces for certification. Alberta PCCs that offer ELCC programs:
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Comprehensive Community Colleges (CCCs) CCC programs prepare students for work or further learning. These institutions provide:
Alberta CCC institutions that offer ELCC programs:
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Independent Academic Institutions (IAIs) IAIs primarily provide liberal arts, science and education programs. IAIs operate under their own legislation but are partly governed by the Post-secondary Learning Act, and work towards the province's 7 adult learning system principles. IAIs have different governance and accountability requirements than other post-secondary institutions; their boards are not appointed by the minister and they are not required to have a government-approved mandate as part of their Investment Management Agreements. These institutions offer a blend of publicly and privately approved programming, including:
IAIs may also provide graduate-level programs in niche areas under particular conditions. Programs/courses at IAIs largely do not transfer to other institutions and may not be accepted by other provinces for certification. Alberta IAIs that offer ELCC programs:
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Polytechnic Institutions (PIs) Polytechnics provide industry and career training, including apprenticeships and continuing education. These institutions:
Alberta PIs that offer ELCC education:
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Undergraduate Universities (UUs) UUs focus on undergraduate level education. These institutions:
Alberta UUs that offer ELCC education:
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Alberta Post-Secondary Program Map
For programs that offer in-person classes, please see below for their locations.
The following institutions have their ELCC programs solely available online:
- MCG Careers Inc. O/A Train Alberta Inc.
- Northern Lakes College
Program Types & Qualifications
Available Program Types & Qualifications
- Certificate Programs: Typically one year or less. Ideal for entry-level roles.
- A 1-year ELCC certificate will qualify you for a Level 2 Early Childhood Educator certification.
- Diploma Programs: Typically two years. These can lead to higher-level roles or degree program entry.
- A 2-year ELCC diploma will qualify you for a Level 3 Early Childhood Educator certification.
- Degrees: Typically four years. These can lead to higher-level roles in management and director positions.
- A 4-year ELCC degree will qualify you for a Level 3 Early Childhood Educator certification.
Transferability
Courses from Private Career Colleges (PCCs) and Independent Academic Institutions (IAIs) usually do not transfer to other institutions and may not be recognized in other provinces. If you’re thinking about continuing your education after you finish your initial program, start with a public college or university. You can search for the transferability of post-secondary programs in Alberta by going here.
Tuition Cost for Domestic Students
Please note, the numbers listed below do not include non-instructional fees a post-secondary institution may charge, which include things like health and wellness, health and dental fees, students' union fees, or transit fees and are based on full-time enrolment. Some non-instructional fees vary from institution to institution and may change. Please confirm with the post-secondary institution what those fees would be for you. The amounts below also do not include the cost of textbooks or additional materials you may need for classes. All amounts are based on the 2025-2026 school year unless otherwise indicated and may be subject to change.
| Publicly Funded Institutions | Private Career Colleges |
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Certificate Programs
Average cost $5,921.28 |
Certificate Programs
Average cost $8,377.20 |
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Diploma Programs (Total Cost 2 Years)
Average cost $11,593.03 |
Diploma Programs (Total Cost 2 Years)
Average cost $16,016.25 |
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Degree Programs (Total Cost 4 Years)
Average cost $28,645.39 |
Tuition Cost for International Students
Please note, the numbers listed below do not include non-instructional fees a post-secondary institution may charge, which include things like health and dental fees, students' union fees, or transit fees and are based on full-time enrolment. Non-instructional fees vary from institution to institution and may change. Please confirm with the post-secondary institution what those fees would be for you. The amounts below also do not include the cost of textbooks or additional materials you may need for classes. All amounts are based on the 2025-2026 school year unless otherwise indicated and may be subject to change.
| Publicly Funded Institutions | Private Career Colleges |
|---|---|
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Certificate Programs
Average cost $17,043.82 |
Certificate Programs
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Diploma Programs (Total Cost 2 Years)
Average cost $34,785.92 |
Diploma Programs (Total Cost 2 Years)
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Degree Programs (Total Cost 4 Years)
Average cost $110,554.00 |
Toolkit
Evaluating the Institution & Program
Consider these questions before registering for a program:
- Reputation & Credentials
- Is the institution recognized for offering high-quality ELCC education that produces well-prepared graduates?
- Are instructors experienced, with current, relevant post-secondary qualifications?
- Does the program lead to a recognized credential (certificate, diploma, or degree)?
- Alberta-Specific Evidence
- Is the curriculum designed for Alberta’s context (e.g., includes Flight curriculum framework, provincial standards, local practicum settings)?
- Does the program partner with Alberta ELCC employers or agencies?
- Teaching Approach & Quality
- Is it grounded in evidence-based, current early learning pedagogy?
- Does it accommodate diverse learning needs (blended/online/in‑person, interactive, reflective)?
- Is there administrative support (advisors, tutoring, career services)?
- Student Supports
- Are mental health and counselling services available to students?
- Are there child care options on or near campus?
- Is academic support provided (e.g., tutoring, learning accommodations, mentorship)?
- Student Life
- Is on-campus housing or housing support available?
- Are there recreation and wellness facilities (e.g., fitness centre, intramural sports)?
- Is there an active students’ union or student leadership opportunities?
- Are there clubs, events, or social spaces that promote student connection and belonging?
Applied Learning & Transferability
- Hands-On Experience
All ELCC programs will include field placement (FP) hours, but how the experience is structured and supported varies widely. Consider the following:- Who supervises the placement?
Is your FP supervised by a faculty member, an on-site early childhood educator (ECE), or both? Is supervision in person or virtual (e.g., video calls or check-ins)? - How is your placement assigned?
Will you be placed by the program based on your location and experience? Are you expected to find your own placement? Will you use your current workplace? - What are the learning expectations?
Does the FP involve more than logging hours—such as required assignments, learning outcomes, or demonstrations of practice? - Is the FP experience paid or unpaid?
Are you completing your placement within your paid work setting, or will this require unpaid time?
- Who supervises the placement?
- Pathway Planning
- Can you transfer credits to a diploma or degree later?
- Are articulation agreements available (e.g., diploma → degree at MacEwan or MRU)?
- Does the program support future learning goals if you plan to continue your education?
For private career colleges and Independent Academic Institution programs: note that credits typically do not transfer to other institutions.
Value & Cost Considerations
- Tuition & Fees
- What is the total cost (tuition, non-instructional fees, course materials, etc.)?
- How does cost compare across program types—public vs private? Diploma vs certificate?
- Time Investment
- How long until completion?
- Does the schedule fit your lifestyle: part-time, online, evening classes?
- Funding Support
- Are there grants or subsidies available (e.g., Alberta student aid, bursaries, scholarships, etc.)?
- If you are planning to work in a child care program while taking courses, is the program eligible for Child Care Staff Certification funding?
What to Watch for
Not all post-secondary programs are created equal. Here are a few things to consider before you commit.
- Programs with outdated content or disconnected from Alberta context.
- Minimal hands-on practice or observational placements only.
- Ambiguous tuition or unexpected extra fees.
- No clarity around credit transfer or post-completion pathways.
- Lack of student support services (advising, career help).
Reflective Self-Checklist
Use this yes/no checklist before applying:
| Question | Yes | No |
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| Does the credential match my career goals (e.g., certification level, future pathways)? | ||
| Does the program include a meaningful field placement with clear expectations and support? | ||
| Is it clear who will supervise my placement, and how (e.g., faculty, on-site educator, virtual check-ins)? | ||
| Are instructors qualified and engaged with current practice? | ||
| Are credits transferable if I want to continue my education after? | ||
| Is the total cost of the program reasonable, with access to financial supports (loans, bursaries, etc.)? | ||
| Do I understand the program’s delivery format (online, in-person, hybrid) and schedule flexibility? | ||
| Does the institution offer support services that will help me succeed (academic, mental health, child care)? | ||
| Will I feel a sense of belonging through student life opportunities (clubs, union, wellness, residence)? |
What to Do Next
After reviewing this toolkit, you can do the following before registering for your program:
- Connect with current students or graduates for feedback.
- Ask institutions for details: instructor credentials, practicum settings, transfer pathways.
- Review resources like Transfer Alberta for credit transferability.
- Attend open houses or info sessions (virtually or in person).
- Decide based on a holistic view: credential value, applied learning, cost, and fit.
Visit our ELCC Post-Secondary Options page to see institutions offering ELCC certificates, diplomas, and degrees across Alberta that AECEA recommends.