Early Learning and Child Care – certificate

What to expect from the program

Recognized by Colleges and Institutes Canada as a program of excellence, the Early Learning and Child Care certificate program prepares you to provide quality child care in a wide variety of settings and to plan appropriate activities for the children in your care. Your new knowledge of child development, family dynamics, play, and program planning will equip you to support the healthy development of children through child-centred learning experiences. 

This program is designed as a one-year certification to get you a job-ready quickly. It also provides seamless transfer into year two of the Early Learning and Child Care - diploma program if you choose to advance your skills and qualifications to the next level.  

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to for Early Childhood Educator II certification through the Government of Alberta. 

Graduate with experience

NorQuest College believes in the importance of on-the-job experience that provides an enriched learning opportunity. 

You’ll graduate from this program with 400 hours of work experience from two practicums.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this program have diverse opportunities to provide child-care services in daycares, preschools, early learning programs, out-of-school care program. or private home-based care.  

The child-care field is considered to be an above-average growth profession with increasing annual demand for employees. 

For more information on related careers see: 

• ALIS OCC info occupational profiles 
• ALIS WAGE info salary info 

This program prepares you to step confidently into your field while providing the flexibility to continue your education. Credits you earn may be transferable toward additional diplomas, degrees, or certifications—helping you advance your career and increase your earning potential. 

Explore transfer pathways

What to expect as a child care worker

In a typical day, you might:

• Lead activities that encourage creativity, movement, and learning
• Guide children through routines like meals, nap time, and outdoor play
• Communicate with families and work collaboratively with a team
• Maintain a safe, clean, and inclusive environment
• Follow licensing, health, and safety regulations

The work is active and hands-on. You may need to:

• Lift and carry young children
• Move quickly to respond to situations
• Spend long periods standing, kneeling, or sitting on the floor

To thrive in this role, you’ll need to be:

• Patient, calm, and caring
• Physically active and safety-focused
• Communicative, observant, and organized
• Responsive to children’s needs and emotions