Our early learning and child care program is designed so you earn a certificate in your first year and a diploma by taking a second year of training. While the certificate is a fast track to the workforce, your diploma opens up more job opportunities and a higher salary.
During your first year at Lakeland, you'll get a solid background by implementing what you have learned in our on site Child Development Centers.
You'll branch out in your second year, with courses on infant/toddler care, sensory development and an introduction to animal assisted therapy.
Each semester includes 10 weeks of classes and a 5-week practicum, working with children.
Only at Lakeland College, for your third practicum, will you get the opportunity to create your own play program with your classmates. You'll decorate and set the layout for the program activity rooms (preschoolers and infant/toddler). You'll interact with parents and other staff, and plan and prepare snacks and activities. And, most importantly, you'll be working hands-on with children, from infants to age 5.
As our graduates are in such high demand, your second practicum can be a working practicum or an international practicum. We have been to Australia and the Dominican Republic. Come help us to decide where to go next.
Our certificate qualifies you as a Child Development Worker by the Day Care Staff Qualifications from Alberta or ECE II from Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment’s Child Care Branch. Our diploma gives you Child Development Supervisor of the Day Care Staff Qualifications from Alberta or ECE level III from Saskatchewan.
Lakeland is now also offering early learning and child care courses online.
