Early Childhood Educator
Program Description
Designed for students with an interest in early childhood education and to prepare students for employment in child care centres. The program provides a strong foundation and a head start for students considering further post-secondary education leading to the Early Childhood Educator II (ECE II) designation.
Internships
On Thursdays and Fridays students will gain hands on experience while participating in a mandatory work internship in an early learning centre
(days of the week subject to change). Internship assessment is integrated into each course.
Prerequisites and Beneficial Skills
- High school students have completed Grade 10.
- Post-secondary students have completed Grade 12.
- Applicants not meeting the entrance requirements may be accepted as mature students. Skills assessment may be required.
- Good problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Motivation, creativity and an aptitude for working with children.
- A child abuse registry and a criminal records check is required for work practicum. Students must apply prior to the start of the semester. Please visit and
Certification
LRATC will award certificates to students who successfully complete all eight courses.
Employment Opportunities
Students who successfully complete the program may find employment in an early learning centre, pre-school, after school program or any other child care facility in the capacity of a Child Care Assistant. Students may also consider opening a home daycare or completing their post-secondary studies at RRC in order to obtain the Early Childhood Educator II designation.
Overview and fees
| Application Fee | $20 (n/a for high school students) |
| Tuition | NO COST (high school students) $2,625 per semester, $5,250 full program |
| Student Fee | $25 per semester |
| Textbook Fee | $100 (refundable) |
| Credits | Part 1 - 4 credits, Part 2 - 4 credits |
| Additional Costs | Additional costs may be required for Project and Activity materials or supplies. $80.00 for First Aid Training $50.00 (approx.) for Child Abuse Registry and Criminal Records Check. |
| Internship | Yes - Students are placed in a early learning centre two days a week for a full semester. |
| Program Intakes | September and February starts |
International Students
The Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre will accept International Students. All inquiries are handled by the Louis Riel School Division International Student Program (ISP). Please refer to the links below for more information on the possibility of registering and tuition costs.
To help students be successful in their training, LRATC has developed a package focused specifically on these Essential Skills and how they apply to the program of Early Childhood Educator. The purpose of this package is not to dissuade students from attending the program, but to help them become successful by informing them of the skills required. We highly encourage all students to take some time to work through the package and become informed of the program requirements.