Early Childhood Education

Upon successful completion of Year 1 requirements, students are awarded an Early Childhood Education certificate.

Upon successful completion of Year 2 requirements, students are awarded an Early Childhood Education diploma.

Athabasca University

Graduates of Lethbridge College's Early Childhood Education diploma program may receive up to two years' credit towards Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human Services major.

Bow Valley College

Lethbridge College's Early Childhood Education certificate graduates with a minimum mark of 64% and completion of additional courses (INS 1155, SOC 2270, and COM 1159 or COM 1162) are eligible to block transfer up to 37 credits towards the Early Childhood Education and Development diploma at Bow Valley College.

Lakeland College

Graduates of Lethbridge College's Early Childhood Education certificate program (one year) with a GPA of 2.0 or higher are eligible for admission directly into the second year of Lakeland College’s Early Learning and Child Care diploma program.

Medicine Hat College

Graduates of Lethbridge College's Early Childhood Education certificate program (one year) are eligible for admission into the second year of Medicine Hat College’s Early Learning and Child Care diploma program.

University of Alberta

Lethbridge College's Early Childhood Education diploma graduates are eligible to block transfer up to 30 credits towards the Bachelor of Education (Elementary) program at the University of Alberta, provided all necessary diploma courses are completed.

Students in the online certificate or diploma program are strongly encouraged to contact the Early Childhood Education Practicum Coordinator upon their admission to the program to inquire about the process for setting up practicum placements. This process can take 2-3 months and there are deadlines that must be adhered to. All students are held to the same deadlines and requirements and failure to meet those deadlines and/or requirements may result in a delay in being able to complete a practicum placement.

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements

This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The College dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL.

Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g. immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g. police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g. CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.).

Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student.  Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed to be employees of the Province of Alberta and, as such, provided WCB coverage.  In certain instances for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g. non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta).  These students are advised to contact the program prior to application.

Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge College preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely fashion may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting.

In order to participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge College and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g. health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge College's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns.

WIL sites may include Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, and may extend beyond these boundaries depending on WIL site availability and approvals.   WIL’s may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.

Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.

Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.

Students are responsible for the cost of the field trips relating to this program.

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