Explore a career working with children and families while earning post-secondary credit in high school. This Dual Credit course introduces students to Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) with a focus on how children grow, learn, and develop. Students will explore physical, cognitive, language, social, emotional, and spiritual development, while learning about key developmental milestones and the factors that influence a child’s growth. Through a multicultural lens, students will explore diverse perspectives and learn how families, communities, relationships, and play contribute to healthy child development. Learning is connected to Flight: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework and helps students build skills for supporting young children and working collaboratively with families.
This course is part of Bow Valley College’s Early Childhood Education and Development Certificate and Diploma program (program outline). Successful completion also meets the educational requirement for Alberta’s Level 1 Early Childhood Educator designation, supporting employment opportunities in settings such as daycares and preschools.
This opportunity is ideal for students interested in early learning, childcare, education, family support, or other child- and youth-focused careers and provides a strong foundation for future post-secondary study.
Program Details
Eligibility
- Are in grades 11 or 12 during the program
- Are interested in learning about child development and working with children
- Can commit to and learn course material in an asynchronous learning environment for the duration of the program.
- Are on track to complete or have completed the following courses:
- ELA 20-1 (minimum 65%) or 20-2 (minimum 65%)
Attend an Info Session
Join an upcoming information session to learn more about the program, curriculum and instructors.
Upcoming Sessions
Fall 2026
Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
Note | Registration is not required, however, it is helpful for our team in ensuring we have proper representation for programs of interest to students and families.
Spring 2027
Tuesday, March 2, 2027
More information can be found on the Information Night page.
Location & Delivery
This course is offered online, asynchronously. Students work through content independently; however, they must meet all course assignment, quiz and test deadlines. Exams may be required to be written in person at school or at a post-secondary location.
Online asynchronous learning is where course materials are accessed digitally without live, real-time meetings. Students learn independently on their own schedule, using resources such as pre-recorded lectures, readings, and discussion boards to complete assignments by specific deadlines.
Duration & Time
February - May
Workload & Timetable Recommendations
An easier home school course load may be sufficient, depending on the student’s work habits.
Workload
Students can expect approximately 5-8 hours of independent work per week, with additional time required on weeks where there are assessments scheduled.
Program Benefits
- Get a head start on post-secondary education while you are still in high school.
- Build confidence for post-secondary learning by developing learning strategies, independence, and skills that support a successful transition.
- Experience post-secondary learning firsthand by learning from post-secondary instructors, asking questions, receiving support, and collaborating with other students.
- Earn both high school and post-secondary credits at the same time.
- Explore future education and career pathways while gaining a better understanding of what post-secondary learning is really like.
Credits
5 30 Level CTS and
3 Post-Secondary Credits
Considerations
- Online asynchronous courses offer students flexibility to complete their learning and coursework at times that work for them. However, there are set deadlines and times for quizzes and tests that must be met.
- Students may need adjustments in their school timetable, depending on the rigour of their online course and the other courses they are taking at their home high school at the same time. Talk to your Off-Campus Coordinator about options that may work for you.
- Students must have space in their lives outside of school to complete work for their Dual Credit program in addition to their regular school assignments.
- Students must submit a personal learning schedule with their application, which outlines when they will work on their Dual Credit coursework.
- Students must be registered as a full-time student, taking at least one course at their home high school during the program (work experience excluded).
- Students will be expected to communicate regularly with both their CBE supervising teacher and their course instructor.
How to Apply
- Read through the course(s) and/or program(s) of interest.
- Review program choice with your school Off-Campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counsellor for program readiness and timetabling concerns.
- You are highly encouraged to attend the Unique Pathways Information Night to ask questions of our program partners and determine if the program is a good fit for you. Connect with your Off-Campus Coordinator or Guidance counsellor if you are unable to attend.
- Download and fill in the Dual Credit Application Form Package when available.
- Refer to the application checklist and ensure all items are complete.
- Book an appointment with your Off-Campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counsellor before the deadline to complete your application, including signatures from all parties.
- The school will submit the application to Unique Pathways on your behalf.
Contact
Explore
Last modified: 2026-10-05 20:24:50.47496 +0000 UTC