June 24, 2025 | Alberta

As an Albertan exploring a career nurturing young minds, you've likely heard about Early Childhood Educator (ECE) certification. The Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Certification is your gateway to meaningful work in Alberta's vital childcare sector.  
 
Unlike generic childcare roles, this provincially recognized credential qualifies you for higher-responsibility positions and better compensation. Let's explore what this certificate means for your career journey. 
 

What Exactly Is the ELCC Certification? 

The Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Certification is Alberta's foundational credential for early childhood professionals. This certification validates your completion of specialized coursework and practical training required to nurture young learners in licensed childcare settings. It serves as your gateway to the province's tiered certification system (Levels 1, 2, and 3), where educational achievement determines your professional standing and responsibilities.    

Alberta's Certification Levels: Where the ELCC Certificate Fits 

 
Alberta's ECE certification has three distinct levels with progressive responsibilities: 

 
Level 1: Entry-Level Certification 
 

Requirements: 45-hour government-approved orientation course 

Role: Assist with daily routines under supervision of Level 2/3 ECEs 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Support child safety and well-being 
• Help implement activities planned by lead educators 
• Observe and document children's progress 

Career Value: Perfect for exploring the field before committing to further education 

 
Level 2: ELCC Certificate (Your Career Foundation) 
 

Requirements: 1-year certificate program from approved institution 

Role: Lead educator with independent planning responsibilities 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate activities 
• Guide children's behavior and social development 
• Adapt programming for diverse learners 
• Collaborate with families and colleagues 

Career Value: Qualifies for lead positions in childcare centers and preschools 

 
Level 3: Advanced Leadership 
 

Requirements: 2-year diploma in Early Learning and Child Care 

Role: Supervisor, director, or program specialist 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Mentor staff and manage program quality 
• Develop inclusive curriculum frameworks 
• Lead family and community engagement 
• Administer childcare operations 

Career Value: Opens doors to leadership salaries and specialized roles 
 

The Strategic Value of Your ELCC Certificate: While Level 1 lets you enter the field quickly, the ELCC Certificate (Level 2) is where your professional impact begins, while serving as the foundation for Level 3 advancement. 

 
What Can You Do with This Certificate? 

 
With your ELCC Certificate, you're qualified for roles like

• Lead Preschool Educator 
• Child Development Worker 
• Out-of-School Care Coordinator 
• Daycare Room Supervisor 
   

Daily Impact 

• Create play-based learning experiences 
• Foster social-emotional development through guided interactions 
• Conduct developmental observations and assessments 
• Build partnerships with families from diverse backgrounds 
   

Salary & Demand 

• According to Alis.2023, average pay offered for entry-level positions is $16.73; averagepay offered to top-paid employees is $23.81. 

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

• To give tomorrow's generation a great start, Alberta needs 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. 

CDI College: Your Direct Pathway to Certification 

 
CDI College provides two Alberta-approved programs that combine academic rigor with extensive practical experience, designed to meet provincial certification standards: 
 

Option 1: Early Learning and Child Care Certificate (Level 2) 

Duration: 40 weeks  

Practicum: 380 hours in licensed childcare settings 

Key Curriculum Areas: 

• Child growth and development (0-12 years) 
• Play-based learning design 
• Inclusive communication strategies 
• Child/family/community relationship building 

Certification Outcome: Qualifies for Level 2 ECE certification with Alberta Children’s Services 

Career Roles: Lead Educator, Preschool Teacher, Out-of-School Care Coordinator 
 

Program Advantage: Graduate job-ready with 380 hours of real-world experience where you function as staff—not just an observer. 
 

Option 2: Early Learning and Child Care Diploma (Level 3) 

Duration: 77 weeks  

Practicum: 760 hours across two specialized placements 

Advanced Curriculum Focus: 

• Leadership and program management 
• Advanced inclusive education techniques 
• Curriculum design for diverse learners 
• Community engagement strategies 

Certification Outcome: Qualifies for Level 3 ECE certification (Alberta's highest credential) 

Career Roles: Childcare Director, Program Supervisor, Inclusive Education Specialist
 

Program Advantage: Develop leadership skills through extended placements in multiple settings, preparing you for supervisory positions. 

 
Career Growth Trajectory 

 
With ELCC Certificate (Level 2): 

With Additional Education: 

 
 
Final Thoughts 

The ELCC Certification isn't just a credential—it's your passport to a career where you'll shape Alberta's future while building your own professional pathway. With the province's childcare system expanding rapidly, your ELCC certification positions you at the heart of this rewarding industry. 
 
Take your step today, CDI College Early Learning and Child Care Programs (Level 2 & 3) prepare for your success in the promising ECE career.