June 26, 2025

Choosing a career that aligns with your passions and the local job market is crucial. If you live in Alberta and find joy in working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and young children, early childhood education (ECE) is worth considering.  
 
In this blog, we explore Alberta’s demand for ECE professionals, career progression, and how training—such as the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Certificate (Level 2 & 3) from CDI College—can set you on the path to success. 

 
Is Early Childhood Education in Demand in Alberta? 

Alberta's ECE Demand: The Data 
 

• To help shape children’s lives, Alberta needs an estimated 7,000 to 9,500 more Early Childhood Educators (ECE) over the coming years to fill existing vacancies and new positions.
  
   
• To give tomorrow's generation a great start, Alberta need to recruit, train and certify new ECEs to staff up to 68,700 new licensed child care spaces that are expected to open by 2026. This is part of the $3.8 billion provincial-federal child care agreement. 
   
• Alberta’s 2024–2026 outlook for Early Childhood Educators and assistants is classified as “Very Good” (jobbank.gov.2024). 
   
• Nationally, Canada faces a “strong risk of shortage” in this profession through 2033.(jobbank.gov.2024), indicating that demand will outpace supply in the years ahead. 

With provincial strong demand and funding aligned, Alberta presents a robust and attractive landscape for individuals entering the ECE profession. 
 

Career Pathways & Progression 

 
Government Support 
 

Except for the wages, there is a wage top-up funding for certified ECEs provided by the Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program:     

Career Trajectory 

• Entry: Level 1/2 roles in daycares/preschools 
• Growth: Special needs educator, program coordinator 
• Leadership: Centre director or licensed home operator 

 
Bonus Read: What is Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Certification? 

 
Training Pathways: CDI College & Beyond 

 
1. Early Learning and Child Care Certificate  (Level 2)
 

Duration: 40 weeks  

Certification: Qualifies for Level 2 ECE certification 
 

Curriculum Highlights: 
 

• Child Development: Growth theories, language acquisition, infant/toddler milestones  
• Program Planning: Interest-based learning, play philosophies, creative expression  
• Health & Safety: Nutrition, abuse prevention, licensing standards 
• Practicum: 380 hours at employment site with certified supervision 
   

Career Roles: Early Childhood Educator, Out-of-School Care Staff, Educational Assistant. 

Bonus Read: What Is ECE Level 2 in Alberta? 

2. Early Learning and Child Care Diploma (Level 3) 
 

Duration: 77 weeks  

Certification: Qualifies for Level 3 ECE certification 
 

Advanced Training: 
 

• Inclusive Practices: Special needs support, family diversity  
• Leadership & Admin: Budgeting, policy design, center management  
• Curriculum Design: Emergent curriculum, STEM integration, outdoor play  
• Dual Practicum: 760 hours across two field placements  
   

Career Outcomes: Supervisor, Centre Director, Licensed Home Operator 

Bonus Read: What Is a Level 3 Early Childhood Educator? 

What Skills You Need to Thrive in Alberta's ECE Field 

 
Success in early childhood education demands a specialized blend of interpersonal, technical, and emotional competencies. Here's what employers seek based on Alberta's certification standards: 
 

Core Competencies 
 

Developmental Observation & Documentation 
 

• Why essential: Tracking milestones (0-12 years) informs personalized learning 
• Training Focus: Child growth principles, language acquisition strategies 
• Real Application: Adjusting activities based on observational records 
   

Inclusive Program Design 
 

• Why essential: Alberta’s education system is built on a values-based approach to accepting responsibility for all children and students.
• Training Focus: Special needs support, cultural responsiveness 
• Real Application: Creating sensory-friendly spaces for neurodivergent children 
   

Trauma-Informed Guidance 
 

• Why essential:  Some children may at risk for developmental delays (premature birth, prenatal exposure to drugs etc.)
• Training Focus: Behaviour management, emotional co-regulation 
• Real Application: De-escalating emotional outbursts through connection 
   

Advanced Skills for Career Growth 
 

 
Resilience Builders 
 

✅ Emotional Intelligence 

Manage stress through self-awareness and peer support systems 
 

✅ Regulatory Navigation 

Master Alberta's Child Care Licensing Act and safety protocols 
 

✅ Multicultural Fluency 

Bridge language/cultural barriers using family engagement frameworks 
 

Final Thoughts 
 

Early childhood education in Alberta offers a timely and practical career choice. Strong provincial funding and wage top-ups mean Level 2 graduates can begin working with enhanced pay, while hands-on training positions you for steady demand. Success hinges on selecting a program aligned with certification standards and an employer committed to fair compensation and support.  

Many educators then advance to Level 3 roles, gaining leadership opportunities and higher earnings. If you’re driven to nurture young learners and build community, now is an excellent time to embark on this rewarding path. CDI College provides both Level 2 and Level 3 to grow with you!