College GalleryEarly Learning and Child Care
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are open! Apply now!
Early Learning and Child Care Certificate
Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
Early Learning and Child Care Certificate
The Early Learning and Child Care certificate program prepares you for a rewarding career working with children up to 12 years of age. Graduates will develop the skills to work with children who have exceptionalities.
At NLC, we understand our students need the flexibility to balance work and home. Our Early Learning and Child Care Certificate program is flexible enough to fit into your lifestyle:
- Take classes from home, work, or on-campus
- Delivered online, through Supported Distance Learning
- Apply as a part-time or full-time student
- One-year certificate program for those in the full-time program
- There are two intakes per year into the full-time program; students may start the program in September and January. There are three intakes per year into the part-time program; students may start the program in September, January, and May.
Applications should be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the term start date. Applications received with less than 4 weeks from the term start date may be processed for the next available start date.
This program is available to high school students. Talk to your high school counsellor for more information.
Learn more about Dual Credit.
Program Dates
+Full-time September – June
- Term 1 September – December
- Term 2 January – April
- Term 3 May – June
Areas of Study
+The Early Learning and Child Care certificate program at Northern Lakes College will give you the training you need to work in this rewarding career. Courses include:
Career Potential
+Graduates will qualify for Child Development Worker Certification under the Alberta Child Care Licensing Regulation. Individuals are trained to work with children in settings such as daycares, preschools, after-school programs, and private day homes.
Further Educational Opportunities
+Graduates may be able to transfer into the ELCC diploma program or apply 12 credits towards the Educational Assistant Certificate program, both offered at NLC. Graduates have 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts, Human Services Major.
Program Requirements, Fees, and Additional Information »
Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
Would you like to take your Early Learning and Child Care certificate to the next level? With the diploma program, you will build upon your skills and prepare for administrative and supervisory positions within the field.
At NLC, we understand our students need the flexibility to balance work and home. Our Early Learning and Child Care diploma program is flexible enough to fit into your lifestyle:
- Take classes from home, work, or on-campus
- Delivered online, through Supported Distance Learning
- Apply as a part-time or full-time student
- This is a one-year program, following the completion of a recognized Early Learning and Child Care post-secondary certificate.
- There are two intakes per year into the full-time program; students may start the program in September and January. There are three intakes per year into the part-time program; students may start the program in September, January, and May.
Applications should be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the term start date. Applications received with less than 4 weeks from the term start date may be processed for the next available start date.
Program Dates
+Full-time September – June
- Term 1 September – December
- Term 2 January – April
- Term 3 May – June
Areas of Study
+The Early Learning and Child Care diploma program at Northern Lakes College will give you the training you need to work in this rewarding career. Courses include:
Career Potential
+Graduates will qualify for Child Development Supervisor Certification under the Alberta Child Care Licensing Regulation. Individuals are trained to work with children in settings such as daycares, preschools, after-school programs, and private day homes.
Further Educational Opportunities
+Graduates of the program have five University Studies courses transferable into the NLC and University of Calgary's, Bachelor of Education – Community-Based pathways degree program.
Program Requirements, Fees, and Additional Information »
Northern Lakes College is accessible to rural students: it’s everywhere in the north. I’m always promoting it because I really do think all people should have the opportunity to build a career in an area that brings them joy.”
– Alumni, Lucille Labrecque
