Early Childhood Education Diploma at Lethbridge Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-10-15

Program overview

Program Overview

Are you passionate about working with children? The Early Childhood Education Diploma program at Lethbridge Polytechnic is designed for individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of young children. This program prepares you to become an essential part of a child's early years, focusing on learning through play and development. With over 30 years of experience in delivering Early Childhood Education programming, Lethbridge Polytechnic ensures that you receive a high-quality education that is both current and relevant. Graduates of this program are certified to work as Level 3 Early Childhood Educators, ready to nurture bright futures.

Program Structure

The Early Childhood Education Diploma program is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a two-year period. The program includes:

Year 1: Available in both on-campus and online formats.
Year 2: Primarily delivered online with in-person practicums.
A total of 776 hours of hands-on experience through practicum placements.
Flexible programming options to accommodate different learning styles.

This program also includes a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) component, which is essential for gaining practical experience in real-world settings. Students are encouraged to engage with the Early Childhood Education Practicum Coordinator to set up their placements, which can take 2-3 months to arrange. The program is designed to meet licensing requirements in most provinces and territories, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their careers.

Featured Experiences

The Early Childhood Education Diploma program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Practicum Placements: Students gain valuable hands-on experience in various settings, including child care centers and early learning programs.
Outdoor Play Space: An outdoor play area is available for students to engage in practical learning experiences.
Engaged Instructors: Instructors provide multidisciplinary perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Flexible Learning Options: The program can be completed on-campus or online, catering to diverse student needs.

Career Options

Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Diploma program can pursue a variety of rewarding career opportunities in Canada, including:

Before and After School Program Coordinator: Oversee programs that provide care and activities for children outside of school hours.
Child Care Centre Educator: Work in licensed child care facilities, providing care and education to young children.
Early Learning Program Facilitator: Develop and implement educational programs for preschool-aged children.
Kindergarten Teacher: Teach foundational skills to children in their first year of formal education.
Family Group Care Provider: Offer child care services in a home-based setting, focusing on personalized care.

With a strong demand for skilled early childhood educators, graduates can expect to find fulfilling positions in various educational and care settings shortly after completing their studies.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Lethbridge Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2025-10-15

Program overview

Academic Requirements

When applying for the Early Childhood Education Diploma program at Lethbridge Polytechnic, international students must meet specific Academic Requirements. The evaluation of international applications considers various factors, including academic grades and compliance with IRCC regulations.

Here are the key requirements for international students:

Transcripts and proof of academic credentials must be sent to the Lethbridge Polytechnic Admissions Office.
Certified official documents issued by your high school, college, or university are required. These documents must be sent in a sealed envelope bearing the institution’s seal, stamp, or signature.
If any documents are originally written in a language other than English, certified English translations must be provided. These translations must be complete, word-for-word, and in the same format as the original document.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For students from Vietnam, the following documents are specifically required:

Graduation Examination Results
High School Transcript

It is important to note that no academic credentials or transcripts are required for English as a Second Language studies. For any clarification or support regarding the admission process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

An international applicant or exchange student must present qualifications comparable to those of Canadian applicants, which include meeting the English language proficiency requirement.

For the Early Childhood Education Diploma program, the following English language proficiency tests and scores are accepted:

IELTS Academic: 6.0; no band below 6.0
TOEFL: 550 (213 if computer-based)
TOEFL iBT: 80
PTE (Pearson) Academic: 54
CAEL: 60; 60 in Writing, 50 in all other bands
Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced: Minimum score of 169, and a minimum 169 in each sub score.
Cambridge English Qualifications: C2 Proficiency: Minimum score of 169, and a minimum 169 in each sub score.
Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First: Minimum score of 169, and a minimum 169 in each sub score.
Duolingo: 110
Grade 12 English: Minimum English 30-2 or equivalent from a recognized country
1 post-secondary English course: From an accredited English-speaking post-secondary institution from a recognized country
English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Minimum C grade in EAP 0096, 0097, 0098 at Lethbridge Polytechnic
Full-time secondary studies in English: Successful completion of 3 years of full-time secondary education at an English-medium school in a recognized country within 2 years prior to application
Full-time post-secondary studies in English: Successful completion of 1 year of full-time post-secondary education at an English-medium school in a recognized country within 2 years prior to application

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview