Early Childhood Education Diploma

General Admission Requirements: All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs, as indicated in the Admissions section of the academic calendar.

Academic Requirements: Applicants are required to have successfully completed a one-year Early Childhood Education certificate or equivalent from a recognized college, in order to enter the Early Childhood Education diploma program. Transfer students with related credentials will be accepted into the program after being assessed on an individual basis to determine whether they are required to take bridging courses to meet diploma outcomes. 

Note: Applicants who lack the required academic admission requirements can apply to the College and University Preparatory Program to upgrade for your program.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): If you have experience working in this field of study, you may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.

PRACTICUM

Students in the online diploma program are strongly encouraged to contact the Early Childhood Education Practicum Coordinator upon their admission to the program to inquire about the process for setting up practicum placements. This process can take 2-3 months and there are deadlines that must be adhered to. All students are held to the same deadlines and requirements and failure to meet those deadlines and/or requirements may result in a delay in being able to complete a practicum placement.

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements: 

This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The Polytechnic dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL. 

Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/ or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g., immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g., police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g., CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.). 

Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student. Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed employees of the Province of Alberta and provided WCB coverage. In certain instances, for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g., non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta). These students are advised to contact the program prior to application. 

Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services promptly may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting. 

To participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge Polytechnic and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g., health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge Polytechnic's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns. 

WIL sites may include Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, and may extend beyond these boundaries depending on WIL site availability and approvals. WIL’s may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.