Early Learning and Child Care

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Program Overview

In partnership with NorQuest College, ECSD Dual Credit Program offers courses for students interested in becoming an Early Learning and Child Care professional.

Early Learning and Child Care professionals play an important role in supporting families and promoting healthy growth. Research shows the early years are critical in shaping a child's overall development.

Registration

Registration for Semester I evening offerings for the 2026/2027 school year opens on July 7, 2026.

Course Details - Semester I

ELCC 1002 Introduction to Early Learning and Child Care

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This course focuses on understanding the goals and essential components of developing successful early childhood programs. By studying the role of early childhood professionals, students will gain insight into their own philosophy of early childhood education.

September 9, 2026 to January 13, 2027

Admission Requirements: Completed Grade 10 English (10-1 or 10-2) and Grade 10 Social (10-1 or 10-2) 

Location: Cardinal Collins Catholic Academic Centre - Clareview Campus, 3802 - 139 Ave NW 

Day/Time: Wednesdays 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Fees:

$39.00 Technology User Fee (Non-Refundable)
$71.00 Alternative Program Fee (Non-Refundable)
$90.00 Caution Fee (Refundable upon the return of textbooks/materials in good condition)

ELCC 1006 Learning Through Play

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This course will provide students with an understanding of play and why it is critical to the growth and development of young children. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the inter-relationship between environments, interactions, and play in supporting children. Children develop individually and are interested in different things at different times. Students will learn to observe and plan play-based activities through a variety of mediums to engage individual children and groups of children. Reflecting upon children’s interests, their engagement in activities, and the educator’s planning will be a key focus of this course. Students will consider cultural considerations and multicultural perspectives in planning rich play environments.

September 9, 2026 to January 13, 2027

Admission Requirements: Completed Grade 11 English (20-1 or 20-2) and Grade 11 Social (20-1 or 20-2) or concurrently enrolled  

Location: Cardinal Collins Catholic Academic Centre, Clareview Campus, 3802 - 139 Ave NW

Delivery Method Day/Time: Online asynchronous, with pre-scheduled in person meetings on Wednesday evenings, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Monthly IN-PERSON Check In Dates (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.):

September 9, 2026 

November 4, 2026 

October 7, 2026 

January 6, 2027

Fees:

$39.00 Technology User Fee (Non-Refundable)
$71.00 Alternative Program Fee (Non-Refundable)

Course Details - Semester II

ELCC 1007 Literacy

This introductory course will provide students with an understanding of early literacy. Students will learn strategies that can be used to develop a child's interest and skills related to listening, speaking, reading, and writing that form the foundation of a language arts curriculum. Students will also explore the effective use of children's literature, storytelling, puppetry, and dramatic play and the importance of cultural considerations and individual differences.


Admission Requirements: Completed Grade 10 English (10-1 or 10-2) and Grade 10 Social (10-1 or 10-2) 

Location: Cardinal Collins Catholic Academic Centre - Clareview Campus, 3802 - 139 Ave NW

Day/Time: Wednesdays 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Fees:

$39.00 Technology User Fee (Non-Refundable)
$71.00 Alternative Program Fee (Non-Refundable)

 ELCC 100 Human Development

This course will enable students to understand the development of children. By understanding development of children, educators can respond to children in appropriate ways and support them in their development. As understanding of how children grow and learn has evolved through new research, including brain development research, the role of the ECE has evolved to support children meet their developmental potential. Students will be introduced to the importance of interaction and environment in the development of young children.


Admission Requirements: Completed Grade 11 English (20-1 or 20-2) and Grade 11 Social (20-1 or 20-2) or concurrently enrolled 

Location: Cardinal Collins Catholic Academic Centre - Clareview Campus, 3802 - 139 Ave NW

Delivery Method Day/Time: Online asynchronous, with pre-scheduled in person meetings on Wednesday evenings, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m

Fees:

$39.00 Technology User Fee (Non-Refundable)
$71.00 Alternative Program Fee (Non-Refundable)

*ECSD reserves the right to cancel courses that do not meet minimum enrolment requirements.

Benefits

  • For each course students earn 5 Career and Technology (CTS) credits towards a high school diploma and 3 post-secondary credits
  • Experience a post-secondary course within the comfort of an ECSD high school
  • Learn about potential careers @ https://alis.alberta.ca/

Contact Information

For further information, please contact DualCredit@ecsd.net 

Transfer Information

This course may be transferable to other institutions; please refer to the Alberta Government Transfer Alberta website:

https://transferalberta.alberta.ca/transfer-alberta-search/#/searchTypeStep