Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Program with Lakeland College

Credenda Logo    Lakeland College

Program Description
The Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Program at Credenda will challenge you to use your knowledge in human development, sensory development, leadership, and observation to design and run programs that stimulate and enhance developmental potential in all children, including children with special needs. Your career options are broad from front-line child care work to management and leadership positions.

Your eInstructors, Kasey Fulton and Ashley Duiker.
Instructors Kasey Fulton and Ashley Duiker


Kasey Fulton grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and is presently an eInstructor for Credenda’s Early Learning and Child Care programs. She attended the University of Manitoba where she completed her Human Ecology Degree with a focus on Family Studies and Child Development. During the past several years she has worked within the field of Early Childhood in various capacities' including: ABA Behaviour Therapy and Autism, Intervention, and Daycare & Head Start.

eInstructor Ashley Duiker was born in the Northwest Territories but lived most of her life in a small village in Northern Saskatchewan. She now lives in Lethbridge Alberta with her husband. It is here, at the University of Lethbridge that she completed her Degree in English. Her career path has always had a focus on working with children and has had a number of years of experience through Daycare, Volunteer work, and Elementary Classrooms.

To apply to this program, visit our college registration page where you will find step-by-step instructions.

Early Learning Child Care Diploma brochure and 2010-2011 or 2011-12 calendar in pdf print format.

Program Overview
Credenda Virtual College is offering the Early Learning and Child Care Diploma Program via the internet with live interactive lessons so you can stay in your community. The diploma program is comprised of 10 courses and 2 practicums, with each course approximately 10 weeks long. The classes will take place one evening a week allowing you to retain employment during the day and still work towards your education goals. Program length is about 2 years.

You will need a computer with high speed internet and a headset with microphone.

The estimated total cost in August 2010 was $6515. This includes a $65 application fee per program and a $50 program access fee per year.

Prerequisites before enrolling

  1. You must have successfully completed the Early Learning and Child Care certificate program or an equivalent with at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).
  2. A criminal record check is required and is requested through the RCMP. Based on the information received, you may be denied entrance into the program. You must contact the RCMP detachment in your home town. The cost of a criminal record check varies among detachments.
  3. A Child Intervention Record System (CIRS) check is also required. This can be done at any Children's Services office. You should consult your provincial government services for the nearest available detachment.
Year 1 Cost*     Year 2 Cost*    
5 courses x $525
$2,625
   5 courses x $525
$2,625
  
1 practicum
$525
   1 practicum
$525
  
application fee
$65
   program access fee
$50
  
program access fee
$50
   graduation fee
$50
  
 
$3,265
    
$3,250
  

Credenda Registrar:

Toll Free: 1.866.910.2847 
Phone: 1.306.764.2847 ext 1
E-mail: registrar@credenda.net

Program Course List

HS 242Interpersonal Communications (formerly Human Relationships)
SS 245 Infant and Toddler Care
ED 238 Early Childhood Foundations
HS 202 Recreation & Leisure Planning
HS 230 Sensory Development

HS 270 Practicum 3

ED 243 Emergent Curriculum
HS 240 Family Studies
HS 225 Exceptionalities 2
ED 235 Organizational Relationships
YC 102 Children & Youth at Risk

HS 271 Practicum 4

Courses

HS 242 Interpersonal Communications (formerly Human Relationships)
Designed to develop interpersonal communication skills individually and in group situations as needed human services. Examines self-esteem and interpersonal relationship resolution skills needed for working with individuals and groups, families and colleagues.

Dates: Aug.30 - Oct. 22, 2010
Registration Deadline: Aug 24, 2010
Cost: $525*

SS 245 Infant and Toddler Care
This course is designed to link the theoretical base of infant development to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of home based and group settings for infants and toddlers. Prerequisite: ECD Certificate.

Dates: Oct 25 - Dec 17, 2010
Registration Deadline: Oct 22, 2010
Cost: $525*

ED 238 Early Childhood Foundations
Explores the historical, philosophical and social influences that have formed the basis of early childhood programs. Examine the views of early advocates (educators, philosophers, theorists) and the prevailing social conditions, which have led to the development of the wide range of programs available today. Issues influencing early childhood education today are also examined. Prerequisite: ECD Certificate.

Dates: Jan 03 - Feb 25, 2011
Registration Deadline: Dec. 21, 2011
Cost: $525*

HS 202 Recreation and Leisure Planning
Explores the link between the developmental needs of children ages six to 17 and program planning for this age group. Research and analyze community and program resources and plan recreation experiences appropriate for out-of-school care. Emphasis is on developing leadership and group management skills while participating in a variety of experiences, which will engage school aged individuals.

Dates: Feb 28 - Apr 21, 2011
Registration Deadline: Feb 26, 2011
Cost: $525*

HS 230 Sensory Development
Examines brain and sensory development as it relates to planning activities for children. Explore sensory integration dysfunction in relation to adapting environments and experiences for children.

Dates: May 02 - Jun 24, 2011
Registration Deadline: Apr 29, 2011
Cost: $525*

HS 270 Practicum 3
This first practicum in the second year emphasizes working with children, administrators, and parents.  Students develop and operate a community-based children's program where they plan and organize their day with guidance from supervising personnel.  Students spend 150 hours planning, implementing, and evaluating a childcare project, and 50 hours participating in individual group and feedback sessions

Dates: Feb 28 - Jun 24, 2011
Registration Deadline: Feb 26, 2011
Cost: $525*

ED 243 Emergent Curriculum
Designed to enable you to apply observation skills and curriculum related knowledge to develop an integrated program. Examine narrative descriptions and deal with the emergent play-oriented curriculum with respect to the child centered and adult facilitated approach. Prerequisite: Early Learning and Child Care Certificate.

Dates: Aug 29 - Oct 21, 2011
Registration Deadline: Aug 22, 2011
Cost: $525*

HS 240 Family Studies
An introduction to the family focusing on various ways of viewing family, diversity, economics and social influences that determine the family's ability to thrive in society. Explore different ways of viewing the family, issues of marriage, variations in families, parenting, crises, separation, divorce and remarriage as well as practical suggestions in working with families as they face challenges.

Dates: Oct 24 - Dec 16, 2011
Registration Deadline: Oct 20, 2011 or by arrangement
Cost: $525*

HS 225 Children with Exceptionalities 2
Explores strategies to enable individuals with exceptionalities to succeed in inclusive and other settings. Examine exceptionalities as well as assessment, planning and resources.

Dates: Jan 02 - Feb 24, 2012
Registration Deadline: Dec. 23, 2011 or by arrangement
Cost: $525*

ED 235 Organizational Relationships
Integrates a humanistic perspective into the organizational frameworks of early childhood settings. You explore policy and procedure in conjunction with the needs of children, staff, parents and community. Prerequisites: Early Learning and Child Care Certificate.

Dates: Feb 27 - Apr 27, 2012
Registration Deadline: Feb. 23, 2012 or by arrangement
Cost: $525*

YC 102 Children and Youth at Risk
This course provides an introduction to developing specific knowledge, attitudes and skills about interacting with children and youth at risk. In exploring situations that place individuals at risk, prevention, intervention and treatments are discussed.

Dates: Apr 30 - Jun 22, 2012
Registration Deadline: Apr 26, 2012
Cost: $525*

HS 271 Practicum 4
This course is the concluding practicum of the second year Early Learning and Child Care program.  Reflecting and building on their learning experiences of the previous practicum, students plan, set up, implement, and evaluate an early learning and child care program with guidance from supervising personnel. Students spend 120 hours working with children, 50 hours engaged in administrative and interactive roles and 30 hours exploring professional and personal development opportunities.

Dates: Feb 27 - Jun 22, 2012
Registration Deadline: Feb 23, 2011
Cost: $525*

 

* Cost in 2011.