Early Learning and Child Care Certificate is a certificate in Early Childhood Education programme taught at Red Deer Polytechnic in Red Deer, Canada. The programme runs for 1 year, delivered in a hybrid format. Tuition for international students is CAD 18,620 per year (CAD 5,320 per year for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Certificate
Field:Early Childhood Education
Duration: 1 year
Delivery: Hybrid
Local tuition: CAD 5,320 / year
International tuition: CAD 18,620 / year
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
The Early Learning and Child Care Certificate at Red Deer Polytechnic is a one-year program, available full-time or part-time, combining child development theory with experiential learning in real early learning settings. Coursework addresses play-based learning, behaviour guidance, special needs support, inclusive practices, and family-centred approaches for children from infancy through age twelve. Courses are offered online, on-campus, or in a blended format. The program includes two practicums in licensed early learning settings, running full days on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and requires a Police Information Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check, along with a minimum 2.0 GPA for the final practicum. It suits students who want a flexible-delivery, practicum-based entry point into early childhood work rather than a longer diploma program. Graduates may apply for Alberta Level 2 Early Childhood Educator certification and find employment in child care centres, preschools or playschools, out-of-school care, day homes, pre-kindergarten or kindergarten programs, parenting centres, recreational facilities, and programs for children with diverse needs.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Direct entry requires 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 65% in ELA 30-2, met alternatively through the ACCUPLACER placement test (minimum 250 Reading, 250 Writing and 5 on the WritePlacer essay, valid within two years) or nine completed post-secondary credits. Applicants whose first language is not English must show three years of full-time English-medium schooling, 60% in ELA 30-1/30-2, an approved pathway (ILAC University Pathway Level 3.2/3.3 or ILAC@RDP Academic Preparation at 70%, or Robertson College IAE5 at 70%), or one of: IELTS Academic 6.5 (6.0 per band), Duolingo 120-125, or Oxford ELLT 7 overall. Before their final practicum, students need a Police Information Check including the Vulnerable Sector Check and a minimum 2.0 GPA; Study Permit holders must complete medical authorization one month before classes, and students should budget at least $50 a year for practicum documentation plus travel and clothing costs.
Application Details
Start Date:Winter and Spring
Application Deadline:Fall 2026 (on-campus and online) is closed; Winter 2027 entry (on-campus and online) is open now, domestic 1 Mar - 15 Dec 2026; the Winter 2027 international window is waitlisted.
