Diploma Program Courses and Tuition

ELCD 213: child development iii

This course investigates how children grow and develop, recognizing that learning and development vary in each individual. A major focus of this course will be on understanding how children develop across cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains during infancy, toddlerhood, and in early and middle childhood (birth to age12). Particular attention will be given to current brain research in early childhood development. Students will learn how to design and implement developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences for each stage of a child’s growth.

ELCD 242: program planning

This course explores program planning using theories and concepts outlined in Flight: Alberta’s early learning and childcare framework. Opportunities to explore the image of the child looking at observation lenses and pedagogical documentation processes. You will experience the process of observing, reflecting, planning, and taking action through projects and classroom discussions.

ELCD 244: inclusive education

This course begins with a review of the origins, purpose, and dimensions of quality early childhood inclusive environments. Investigation into specific disabilities and instructional strategies to support the inclusion of children with special education needs in the early childhood classroom will be a major focus of this course. Students will be learning how to adapt, modify and arrange daily activities and environments to support the diverse learners they will encounter in their programs. Finally, students will understand the importance of working in collaboration with families and in teams to support student need through the creation of a learner profile, instructional matrix, and student support plan.

ELCd 248:  social and emotional learning

Students will develop an understanding of how children develop socially and emotionally in the context of relationships and a well-structured and planned early learning environment. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to create activities that promote prosocial behaviors and foster self-regulation in children. A major focus for this course will be on dealing with challenging behaviors in young children using positive guidance strategies, the context of the play, and daily activities that promote social and emotional development.

ELCd 264:  family and community partnerships

This course investigates the changing face of the Canadian family. The main focus will be to recognize and understand diverse aspects of the Canadian family with their implications. Indigenous families and reconciliation in Canada are a focus. Students will be given opportunities to develop authentic, meaningful, and respectful relationships with each family of the children in their care. Particular attention will be given to infant/toddler care and school-age care.

ELCd 266:  Mentoring and Coaching Relationships

This course investigates the critical role that mentorship and coaching have on teacher learning and professional growth. A particular focus will be on the positive impact that participating in a coaching/mentoring model of reflective practice has on the children that educators work with. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the benefits of mentorship and coaching to improve their teaching skills. Particular attention will be given to relationship-based professional learning that highlights inquiry, reflection, and leadership in professional practice. Students will demonstrate how to participate in coaching conversations with a mentor and evaluate their own skills through dialogue, discussion, and the use of professional resources.

ELCd 268:  Interpersonal Relationships

This course will examine the theory and research pertaining to the field of interpersonal communications. Practical application of the course material will be encouraged through the development of interpersonal skills, the practical skills for personal, social, and professional success.

ELCD 291:  Practicum Seminar III

This course is the first of two practicum seminars offered in the Early Learning and Childcare Diploma program at MCG Careers. Practicum seminar is designed to support students enrolled in ELCD 294: Practicum III to reflect on the practicum experience through guided discussion and assignments. Examining observation of children with a focus on awareness of detail, recognizing the children’s dispositions for learning, viewing children through the Image of the Child (Flight), and from the child’s perspective is a particular focus of this seminar.

Prequisites: Enrolled in ELCD 294: Practicum III

ELCD 293:  Practicum Seminar IV

This course is the second and final practicum seminar offered in the Early Learning and Childcare Diploma program at MCG Careers. Practicum seminar is designed to support students enrolled in ELCD 298: Practicum IV to reflect on the practicum experience through guided discussion and assignments. Particular attention is focused on the coaching/mentoring process, which includes the importance of communication, inquiry, reflective practice, and leadership. ELCD 293: Practicum Seminar IV must be taken at the same time as ELCD 294: Practicum IV to facilitate the completion of this assignment.

Prerequisites: ELCD 291: Practicum Seminar III, ELCD 296: Practicum III, ELCD 266: Mentoring and Coaching Relationships. Enrolled in ELCD 298: Practicum IV

ELCD 296:  Practicum III

This course is the first of two practicum experiences offered in the MCG Careers Early Learning and Childcare Diploma program. Students will demonstrate skills in responsive, positive child/family and community interactions, curriculum development, and program planning, documentation of the children’s learning, evaluation of themselves and their program. Particular attention will be given to the demonstration of skills in program planning and documentation using theories and concepts outlined in Flight: Alberta’s early learning and child care framework. Students will demonstrate and evaluate their skills through documentation, discussion, reflective journaling, and practicum assignments. Students are placed and/or employed in a licensed childcare or school setting. Supervision is provided by a Practicum Instructor and from CDS-certified staff in the students’ placement. Students must be registered in ELCD 291: Practicum Seminar III while completing a practicum.

Prerequisites: ELCD 242: Program Planning, Completion of 9 credits in the ELCD program, and approval from the ELCD department.

ELCD 298:  Practicum IV

This course is the second and final practicum experience in the MCG Careers Early Learning and Childcare Diploma program. Students will demonstrate skills in positive child/family interactions, program planning, evaluation of themselves, evaluation of their program, and mentorship and coaching throughout the practicum experience. Particular attention will be given to relationship-based professional learning that highlights inquiry, reflection, and leadership in professional practice. Students will demonstrate and evaluate their skills through documentation, discussion, reflective journaling, and practicum assignments. Students are placed and/or employed in a licensed childcare or school setting. Supervision is provided by a Practicum Instructor and from CDS-certified staff in the students’ placement. Students must be registered in ELCC 293: Practicum Seminar III while completing a practicum.

Prequisites: ELCD 291: Practicum Seminar III, ELCD 296: Practicum III, ELCD 266: Mentoring and Coaching Relationships. Enrolment in ELCD 293: Practicum Seminar IV, Completion of 24 credits in the ELCD program, and approval from the ELCD department

ELCD 288:  Administration in ELCD Programs

This course explores the roles and responsibilities of administrators in childcare programs. The diverse roles of administrators are explored, including leadership, accountability, maintaining quality programs using the resources of licensing, creating strong positive teams, and developing effective relationships with all stakeholders.

ELCD 284:  Indigenous Peoples

The course will provide introductory knowledge of the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, related educational experiences, and knowledge systems. The course material will work to develop a broader understanding of the important connections between this awareness and the professional responsibilities of educators. Student learning will be supported through the contributions of Indigenous educators, professional practitioners, and Elders as they participate in a learning process that is established upon principles that encourage an awareness of both self and others.

Using a relationship-based professional learning approach as well as a process of individual and group exploration, students will focus attention on both historical and current events that influence the complex relationships developed between Canada and Indigenous peoples. Furthermore, it will explore the ways in which these events are connected to the social and educational barriers Indigenous peoples and educators encounter today. Students will begin to generate a distinctive understanding of their own personal connections in relation to Canada’s Indigenous peoples and will further discern the ways in which this deeper comprehension could impact their continued educational practice.

Program Tuition and Fees

Tuition: $7350.00
Material Fees: $175.00
Graduation Fees: $85.00
Textbooks: $1200.00