Energetic group of diverse young children and their female teacher dancing and playing in a brightly lit preschool classroom with colorful mats. Energetic group of diverse young children and their female teacher dancing and playing in a brightly lit preschool classroom with colorful mats.

School of Business & Education

Lay a Strong Foundation for Future Learning

Provide a nurturing environment that sparks a love of learning. An Early Learning and Child Care certificate will prepare you for a rewarding career supporting infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children in a variety of engaging environments.

Early childhood educators help children grow intellectually, physically, and emotionally while building meaningful relationships with parents and other professionals. By choosing this fulfilling profession, you can make a lasting difference in the lives of young children, their families, and their communities.

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A smiling female teacher engages four diverse young children in a puppet show activity at a small round table in a bright classroom. A smiling female teacher engages four diverse young children in a puppet show activity at a small round table in a bright classroom.

School of Business & Education

Make Your Experience Count

Build your skills and your future while working toward a qualification. Through flexible distance learning, early childhood educators can continue working while completing the 3 courses that count toward NWP’s Early Learning & Child Care certificate.

Through workplace-connected assignments, you can take one course at a time and build practical skills you can use immediately.

Check out the Courses

Get the Green Light for Admission

To be considered for admission, you must meet specific criteria, including English language proficiency and one of the following courses or their equivalents:

  • English 30-1, 30-2
  • 3-credit post-secondary level English course
  • HS 1130 or equivalent

If applicants do not have these prerequisites, they should contact the Office of the Registrar.

Full Program Details    Admission Requirements

Crunch the Numbers

From tuition and books to housing and parking, the cost of post-secondary includes several components. Our Tuition and Fee Calculator makes it easy to see a breakdown based on your program and student type.

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Take a Peek at What's in Store

Get a taste for learning by reviewing a few of the required courses.

Full Program Details

This course offers a broad overview of the field of early learning and child care. Students will investigate historical factors that have shaped early childhood theory and practice and will examine a variety of program models and their goals. The roles and responsibilities of the early childhood educator and determinants of quality early childhood programs are also discussed. This course also introduces students to some of the agencies and resources that support the professional growth of early childhood educators.

Course Specifics

This course provides an introduction to the central role of play in early learning and child care settings, with an emphasis on developmentally appropriate, culturally-sensitive practices. This course focuses on a number of topics including the nature, value, and types of play, as well as important theories and issues regarding play. Students will also learn about the role of the practitioner in play, including the use of appropriate observation and documentation to understand and support children's development through play.

Course Specifics

A practical course which explores children's art, literature and music from a child-centred perspective.

Course Specifics

Kickstart a Career in Early Childhood Education

Graduates qualify as Level Two Educators through Alberta Children and Youth Services and develop rewarding careers in child care centres, family day homes, nursery schools, kindergartens, inclusive child care programs, and out of school programs.

Map out your career path. Our knowledgeable Academic Advising team can help you get started and bring your goals into focus.

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Programs That Work.

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Early Learning & Child Care

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An early childhood educator sitting with an infant reading a book in a preschool

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An happy early childhood educator in a classroom engaging with young children sitting around a crafting table playing a game.
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