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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Early Childhood Education and Development
About
You can make a difference in the quality of early learning and child care that children, families, and communities access. This Early Childhood Education and Development (ECE) certificate 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.
Graduates are eligible for Level 2 Early Childhood Educator certification from the Alberta Government.
Flexible Delivery Options
The ECE certificate 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. The practicum, however, must be completed physically onsite at a licensed childcare program in Alberta.
Innovative Learning Lab
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.
Outdoor Pedagogy
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.
Admission Requirements
- Credit in English Language Arts 30-1, or minimum 65% in English Language Arts 30-2, or equivalent
- Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test with a minimum standard score of 520 in Language Arts: Reading and Writing
- Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admission and Placement Test
Pre-Practicum Requirement
A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) must be submitted prior to practicum placements. The existence of a criminal record may postpone or prevent clinical, practicum, or field work placements and, subsequently, successful completion of the program.
Required Resources in Practicum Courses
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
Transferability
Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions. Transfer credits are reviewed and accepted on an individual basis by the institution to which you apply.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.
Academic Upgrading
Enhance your previous education to meet the missing admissions requirements for one of the BVC programs.
Available Intakes
- September 2025: Domestic - Open, International - Not Offered
- January 2026: Domestic - Open, International - Not Offered
Tuition and Fees
Domestic Students
| Term | Tuition Fees | Additional Fees | Total Fees* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | $2,227 | $605 | $2,832 |
| Term 2 | $2,628 | $605 | $3,233 |
International Students
| Term | Tuition Fees | Additional Fees | Total Fees* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | $6,477 | $605 | $7,082 |
| Term 2 | $7,310 | $605 | $7,915 |
*All tuition and fees are subject to change. Program tuitions are estimates only. Your actual tuition and fees are calculated on actual course registrations and can be viewed under "Statement of Account" in MyBVC or by requesting a Statement of Account from Registrar Services.
Courses
Term 1
| Code | Course | Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELCC1101 | Introduction To Early Childhood Education and Development | 3 | picturepdf |
| ELCC1301 | Child Development: An Introduction | 3 | picturepdf |
| ELCC1998 | Early Childhood Education and Development Practicum I | 6 | picturepdf |
| ENGL1201 | English Composition | 3 | picturepdf |
| ELCC1401 | Holistic Wellbeing in Early Childhood Education and Development | 3 | picturepdf |
Term 2
| Code | Course | Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM1101 | Interpersonal Relationships And Communication Skills | 3 | picturepdf |
| ELCC1305 | Developing Through Play | 3 | picturepdf |
| ELCC1313 | Supporting Children's Social and Emotional Development | 3 | picturepdf |
| INDG1101 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | 3 | picturepdf |
Electives
Earn at least 7 credits from the following courses:
| Code | Course | Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELCC1999 | Observation in Early Childhood Education and Development | 7 | picturepdf |
