Program Overview

Early Childhood Education and Development

Overview

Make a difference in the lives of children, families, and communities by providing and leading quality early learning and child care in many settings. Become eligible for Level 3 Early Childhood Educator Certification from the Alberta Government.

Credential and Program Details

• Credential: Diploma
• Program length: 4 Terms
• Area: Community Studies
• School: School of Community Studies
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: Yes

About the Program

You can make a difference in the quality of early learning and child care that children, families, and communities access. This four-term Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) Diploma 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 3 Early Childhood Educator certification from the Alberta Government.

Admission Requirements

• English Language Arts: Credit in English Language Arts 30-1, or minimum 65% in English Language Arts 30-2, or equivalent
• GED Test: Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test with a minimum standard score of 520 in Language Arts: Reading and Writing
• Bow Valley College Admission and Placement Test: Satisfactory results

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 - Waitlist
• January 2026: Domestic - Open, International - Open
• March 2026: Domestic - Open, International - Not Offered

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Students

International Students

*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

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Elective Courses

Earn at least 7 credits from the following courses: