Train Alberta

  • Early Learning and Childcare Diploma

    At Train Alberta, we are committed to providing comprehensive and high-quality training for future leaders in early childhood education. Our Early Learning and Childcare Diploma (ELCD) is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to create enriching learning environments for young minds.
    Eligible for Early Childhood Educator Level 3.
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Start Date

January 20th, 2027

March 17th, 2027

June 9th, 2027


Duration

44 - 46 weeks

Program Delivery

Instructor-led, delivered virtually in small classroom sizes

Program Cost

$8,810.00

Admission Requirements

We are excited that you are considering joining our Early Learning and Childcare Diploma (ELCD) program. To ensure a smooth admission process, 

please review the following requirements carefully.

Proof of Your ECE-2 Certification

Applicants must provide proof of their Early Childhood Educator Level 2 (ECE-2) certification. 


ECE-2 Certification Transcripts

In addition to the certification, we require official transcripts from the institution where you completed your ECE-2 program. These transcripts should detail the courses you completed and the grades you achieved.


Current Photo ID

  • A current, government-issued photo ID is necessary to verify your identity during the admission and instructional process. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, passport, or national identification card.
  • Ensure that the photo ID is not expired and contains a clear photograph of you.
If English is your first language - High School English 30-1 or 30-2 CAEC scores, Certificates or Diplomas achieved with back up transcripts. 

If English is NOT your first language - One of the following English proficiency test scores is required:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
    Minimum score: 60 (iBT)

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
    Minimum score: 6.5 (Academic Module)

  • CELPIP / LINC / CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark)
    Minimum score 7 or greater in reading, writing, speaking, and listening components

  • Other Recognized Proficiency Tests
    Provide scores from other recognized tests or credentials may be considered, including: IQAS, WES, or Certificates or Diplomas achieved with backup transcripts for a minimum one year program in a recognized English-speaking country



Tuition: $7,350.00
Material Fees: $175.00
Graduation Fees:  $85.00
Textbooks: $1,200.00

Program Cost: $8,810.00

Accessing financial aid can help you invest in your education and worry less about how you will pay for it.


Provincial and Canada Student Loans

As Train Alberta is a Designated Educational Institution, students in the Early Learning and Childcare Programs (Certificate and Diploma) are eligible to receive Provincial and Canada student loans. After registration, students are directed to apply for student loans directly with their provincial student loan service centre.


Alberta’s Early Childhood Educator Workforce Supports Program

Previously, students in the Early Learning and Child Care Program (Certificate and Diploma) could apply for Professional Development (PD) Funding through the Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Guide.

Under the updated guidelines, eligible students may now access support through Alberta’s Early Childhood Educator Workforce Supports Program, which includes wage top-ups, paid release time, and professional development opportunities.


Canada-Alberta Job Grant

Employers may be eligible to receive the Canada-Alberta Job Grant when they contribute to an employee's training costs with Train Alberta. To find out if you and your employer are eligible, visit the  Canada-Alberta Job Grant website.

Accreditation: Train Alberta's early learning and childcare programs are recognized for certification by the Alberta government.


Application Deadline: Ensure that all required documents are submitted by the application deadline specified on our website. Late submissions may result in delays or disqualification from the admission process.

Contact Us: If you have any questions about the admission requirements or need assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact our admissions office.


We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our ELCP Diploma Program. Your journey to becoming an advanced early childhood educator starts here!

​​Register Today

Complete the form below to have us to contact you and determine your eligibility

Where you referred by an existing student? Click here.

Upcoming Diploma Programs

  • January 20th, 2027 - November 22nd, 2027

  • March 17th 2027 - January 17th 2028

  • June 9th 2027 - April 21st 2028

ELCD 213: Child Development III

This course explores children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development from birth to age 12. Students examine current research and develop strategies for creating responsive, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support children’s individual strengths, interests, and development, with connections to FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.

ELCD 242: Program Planning 

This course explores responsive program planning through FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework. Students develop skills in observation, pedagogical documentation, reflective planning, and creating meaningful indoor and outdoor learning experiences that respond to children’s interests, strengths, relationships, and ways of learning.

ELCD 244: Inclusive Education 

This course explores quality, inclusive early learning environments and strategies for supporting children with diverse learning needs. Students develop skills in adapting activities, routines, materials, and environments while collaborating with families and multidisciplinary teams to promote participation, belonging, and well-being, with connections to FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.

ELCD 248: Social and Emotional Learning

This course explores children’s social and emotional development through responsive relationships, play, and supportive learning environments. Students develop positive, proactive strategies for supporting challenging behaviours, self-regulation, emotional competence, and positive peer relationships, with connections to FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.


ELCD 264: Family and Community Partnerships 

This course explores the diversity of Canadian families and its impact on early learning and child care practice. Students learn to recognize and respond to diverse family structures, cultures, strengths, and needs; build respectful partnerships with families; and apply Indigenous perspectives and principles of reconciliation to their practice, with connections to FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.


ELCD 266: Mentoring and Coaching Relationships

This course explores the role of mentorship and coaching in educator learning and professional growth. Students develop skills in reflective practice, purposeful coaching conversations, mentorship, and leadership to strengthen teaching practices, responsive relationships, and learning environments, with connections to FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.


ELCD 268: Interpersonal Relationships 

This course explores interpersonal communication and its influence on relationships, self-awareness, and interactions with others. Students develop effective communication skills for personal, social, and professional settings and apply strategies for building respectful, responsive relationships with children, families, and colleagues, with connections to FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.


ELCD 288: Program Administration

This course explores the roles, responsibilities, and leadership practices of administrators in early learning and child care programs. Students develop skills in leadership, regulatory compliance, program quality, staff development, team building, and stakeholder relationships while exploring reflective, relationship-based approaches to creating inclusive, responsive, and high-quality programs, with connections to FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.


ELCD 284: Indigenous Peoples

This course explores the histories, experiences, knowledge systems, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Students learn to recognize how historical and contemporary experiences influence Indigenous children, families, and communities; reflect on their responsibilities as educators; and apply Indigenous perspectives to build respectful, inclusive, and responsive relationships and practices, with connections to FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.


ELCD 291: Practicum Seminar III 

This practicum seminar supports students in reflecting on and connecting their Practicum III experiences to professional practice. Students develop intentional observation and reflective skills, learning to recognize children’s perspectives, experiences, and dispositions for learning, with connections to FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.


ELCD 293: Practicum Seminar IV 

This practicum seminar supports students in reflecting on and strengthening their professional practice during Practicum IV. Students develop skills in coaching, mentoring, communication, feedback, reflective practice, and leadership, with connections to FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.


ELCD 296: Practicum III 

This course provides students with practical experience developing responsive relationships, planning curriculum, documenting children’s learning, and reflecting on their professional practice. Students apply and evaluate their developing skills in an approved early learning setting, with connections to FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.


ELCD 298: Practicum IV 

This course provides students with advanced practical experience in responsive relationships, curriculum and program planning, evaluation, mentorship, coaching, and leadership. Students demonstrate and evaluate their professional competencies in an approved early learning setting, with connections to FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.

Why Train Alberta?

Instructor-Led Classes

Our Early Learning and Childcare program offers virtual and in-person instructor-led classes designed to engage your desire to learn and connect.

Virtual
Training

Online learning platforms to provide flexible and high-quality education so you can apply your training to your work.


Small Classroom Sizes

Small classroom sizes ensure each student receives individual attention and tailored support from instructors and administrative staff.


Contact Us


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info@trainalberta.com

1-800-934-5045

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