1. Course Orientation

1.2. Certification and Careers

CCS3130 Course Orientation

Course Orientation

 

Certification and Careers

 
Child Development Assistant Certification
 

A Child Development Assistant Certificate is issued by Alberta Children and Youth Services and entitles you to work at a licensed preschool program, out-of-school care program, day care program, or approved family day home agency.

 

The training required to receive the Child Development Assistant Certificate can be obtained by completing any one of the following three programs:

  • Early Learning and Child Care 1–5 (CCS3110, CCS3120, CCS3130, CCS3140, and CCS3150) in high school

  • Child Care Orientation Course (funded by Alberta Children and Youth Services) at an Alberta post-secondary college or online

  • a three-credit (45-hour) post-secondary course in the field of early learning and child care

If you take the courses in high school, you must submit an application and proof of course completion (e.g., transcripts or teacher recommendation) to the Child Development Branch of Alberta Children and Youth Services in order to obtain a Child Development Assistant Certificate. This application is available on the Alberta Children and Youth Services website.

 

For more information, read the following requirements for certification as a Child Development Assistant.

 

Requirements for Certification as a Child Development Assistant
 

In order to obtain certification as a child development assistant, you must

  • demonstrate an understanding of all learning outcomes included in Early Learning and Child Care 1–5 (CCS3110, CCS3120, CCS3130, CCS3140, and CCS3150) or in the Child Care Orientation Course

  • complete ALL learning activities included in, and obtain a passing grade in, Early Learning and Child Care 1–5 (CCS3110, CCS3120, CCS3130, CCS3140, and CCS3150) or in the Child Care Orientation Course (At this point, your teacher may provide you with a recommendation for certification as a Child Development Assistant.)

  • be at least 16 years old

  • complete an Application for Child Care Certification, available from Alberta Children and Youth Services

  • submit your completed application and either your teacher’s recommendation or a copy of your high school transcript, which verifies completion of Early Learning and Child Care 1–5 (CCS3110, CCS3120, CCS3130, CCS3140, and CCS3150), to the address provided on the Application for Child Care Certification
Enrolling in a Post-Secondary Early Learning and Child Care Program
 

If you have successfully completed Early Learning and Child Care 1–5 (CCS3110, CCS3120, CCS3130, CCS3140, and CCS3150), and are planning to continue your studies in Early Learning and Child Care in an Alberta post-secondary program, you are eligible to receive a scholarship worth $2500. The High School Child Care Career Scholarship is sponsored by Alberta Children and Youth Services.

 

You can get the application for this scholarship from the Alberta Children and Youth Services website. Choose the Programs and Services tab at the top of the page, and then browse to Child Care from either the menu on the left of the page or from the links on the Programs and Services page. Browse to Forms and Guides, and then select High School/Child Care Career Scholarship Application. While on the website, look for other information on professional development funding to achieve higher levels of certification in the future.

 

Entering the Workforce After High School
 

A Child Development Assistant Certificate entitles you to work at a licensed preschool program, out-of-school care (OSC) program, day care program, or approved family day home agency. When starting work for the first time at either an out-of-school or day care program, you will be entitled to a $2500 Staff Attraction Incentive Allowance through Alberta Children and Youth Services. Hourly wage top-ups are also available if the child care program is accredited or working toward accreditation.

 

You will need to apply for these benefits within two months of starting your job, and you will be paid once you have worked for at least 80 hours per month for one year (40 hours per month for OSC programs).

 

To learn more about the Staff Attraction Incentive or about Alberta Children and Youth Services-sponsored wage top-ups and Professional Development Funding Grants, check out the Forms and Guides page on the Programs and Services tab of the Alberta Children and Youth Services website.

 

Did You Know?
 

Many career pathways can begin with the knowledge and skills you will gain by taking Early Learning and Child Care courses. Some of these careers include the following:

  • early childhood educator

  • early childhood professional

  • child care program director

  • child development worker

  • family support worker

  • child counsellor

  • family enhancement worker

  • family-school liaison

  • school teacher

Environmental Impact

 

Stop! Consider the environment before you print!

 

Can you think of ways to recycle to reduce computer waste? Here are a few recycling strategies to remember as you complete this course:

  • paper reduction and recycling
  • toner cartridge recycling
  • computer equipment recycling