Early Childhood Education Leadership Development Certificate
About the Early Childhood Education Leadership Development Certificate
Take the next step to advance your career while continuing to support children and families in your community. With this one-year certificate program, you will have the opportunity to learn the skills required for a leadership role in the early learning and childcare profession. This program is intended for professionals already employed in an early learning and childcare setting who want to advance in their careers. Courses will explore contemporary ideas of management, relationships, curriculum and pedagogy from the context of a leader.
Most of the learning will happen right in your workplace, and you will be supported by an experienced Leadership Development Facilitator, an RDP instructor and a community of peers throughout the courses. Online learning will include weekly Community of Practice classes as well as assignments you will complete on your own time.
Work-integrated Learning
Delivery Model for Working Professionals
The program will be offered as an immersive workplace learning format where outcomes, skills and competencies will be assessed through your work. You will complete greater than 51% of the certificate in the workplace and less than 49% in an online learning environment. This delivery model allows you to remain employed while you develop leadership skills specific to a childcare setting. The program is 10 months in length throughout which the time commitment involves attending an online Community of Practice class for two hours every week, two hours of one-on-one mentorship meetings per course, and completing assignments based on workplace learning prompts and course readings.
Students applying to this program must be employed within a licensed ELCC Facility or Home-Based Centre for a minimum of one year and must have previously completed a recognized Early Learning and Child Care diploma. ELCC certificate holders who are currently in a leadership position may also be considered.
Related Careers
Graduates will have the skills to be employed as Program Directors, Assistant Directors, Administrators, Coordinators, or Licensing Officers in an early learning and childcare setting.
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Note: Important dates may change.
Admission Requirements
Eligibility for admission to the Early Childhood Education Leadership Development program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Early Childhood Education Leadership Development must hold an Early Learning and Child Care Diploma from a public post-secondary institution.
OR
Hold a recognized Early Learning and Child Care Certificate from a public post-secondary institution and be employed in a Leadership role in an organization compliant with the Early Learning and Child Care Act and Regulations.
A combination of Alberta Government Level 2 or Level 3 certification equivalency and previous experience may be considered.
Additional Requirements
Technology Access Requirement
Instruction in this course happens mainly online. You’ll work on projects, submit assignments and connect with your instructor through an online platform. Students will require a computer or laptop and reliable internet access.
Verification of Employment
Must be employed for a minimum of 20 hours/week in an organization compliant with the Early Learning and Child Care Act and Regulations.
Must be employed with current employer for a minimum of one year.
Programs under Education Act and/or outreach agencies may be considered.
Applicants will request a letter of verification of employment from their employer using this template. The letter will verify that you meet these additional requirements. If you hold the highest position in your program and do not have a direct supervisor or administration, you can complete the letter on your own behalf.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted.
All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted prior learning credit towards the Early Childhood Education Leadership Development Certificate, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
Learn theory and practices associated with a leadership role in early learning and childcare. Courses will explore contemporary ideas of management, relationships, curriculum and pedagogy from the context of a leader. All students will complete the same eight courses.
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
Students must pass all courses in this program to receive the certificate.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.