Childhood Studies

Preparing for your future career working with children and youth? One of Keyano College's Childhood Studies programs may be right for you.

Applied Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC)

Keyano College's Applied ELCC Certificate program incorporates this philosophy, providing students with the skills and credentials needed to work in the childcare field. Delivered in an apprenticeship style, students will benefit from both theoretical learning in the classroom and periods of on-the-job education in childcare centers. 

Child and youth Care Diploma 

The Child and Youth Care Diploma Program will equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and practical experience to engage with children, youth and families utilizing a strength based and relational approach to support development and positive change. It is recognized that many of the children, youth and families receiving assistance have experienced various types of abuse, grief and loss, trauma, as well as difficulty navigating the numerous systems that offer care and support.

Childhood Studies Micro Credentials

Childhood Studies at Keyano College is now offering Micro Credentials for graduates of Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Certificate.  This program allows students to progress at their own pace completing one or more course per year.

Early Learning and Child Care Certificate

Keyano College's Early Learning and Child Care certificate program gives you the skills and credentials needed to work in the child care field.  Learn how to create child-centred play programs, give guidance through problem solving, and inspire learning. You’ll gain practical experience with children and learn the best practices for child care at each stage of a child’s development.

• Support exploration through play
• Observe and properly document a child's learning and behaviour
• Foster creativity by actively engaging children in meaningful exploration
• Create vibrant environments for children in a variety of child care settings

Applications are accepted for the Fall semester only. Please submit your application as soon as possible as many programs fill up quickly.

Early Learning and Child Care Diploma

The Early Learning and Child Care Diploma program is an upward step from our ELCC Certificate program and provides students with the knowledge, skills and competencies to pursue professional, supervisory positions in childcare. Study involves an ongoing forum of networking with other experienced early childhood professionals and projects tailored to students’ specific interests and requirements.

• Year one of the Diploma program is the same as the ELCC Certificate program. Applications are accepted for Fall semester only. Please submit your application as soon as possible as many programs fill up quickly. After successful completion of year one of studies, diploma students will be eligible for an ELCC Certificate to apply for Alberta Child Care Staff Certification as a Child Development Worker. To continue onto year two, Diploma students will complete registration requirements.
• Year two offers continuous intake every seven weeks and is available on a full-time or part-time basis, with programming delivery offered in an alternative format ( online and/or face-to-face with the possibility of web conferencing.) To accommodate working students, face-to-face classes are scheduled in the evenings on weekdays and/or on Saturdays. Applications are accepted for Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters. Please submit your application as soon as possible as many programs fill up quickly.

Early Learning and Child Care Dual Credit Program

The Early Learning and Childcare Dual Credit Program provides interested high school students in grades eleven and twelve the opportunity to opt into a career in Early Learning and Childcare with children from birth to eight years old. Students can start conceptualizing theory-based courses, while experiencing Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) at selected childcare centre in the Fort McMurray community.

Educational Assistant Certificate

Learn how you can play a key role in breaking down the barriers of learning through Keyano College’s  Educational Assistant Certificate program. 

Attending school can be a great adventure for many  students, but for some it can be a difficult experience. This hands-on program will prepare you to  support all students including students with learning challenges and special needs in school environments and community settings.

Our graduates are able to:

• Learn and develop strategies for guiding behaviour
• Apply and understand strategic adaptation and accountability
• Understand specific disabilities and how they impact children's learning and development
• Support curriculum in language learning, literacy, reading, and numeracy
• Observe and analyze social, cognitive, and moral development

Applications are accepted for Fall semester only. Please submit your application as soon as possible as many programs fill up quickly.