1. Course Orientation

1.2. Certification and Careers

CCS3140 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 courses (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 letter from teacher confirming successful completion of CCS3110, 3120, 3130, 3140 and 3150) to the Child Development Branch of Alberta Children and Youth Services in order to obtain your Child Development Assistant Certificate.

 

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 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 for, 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 Alberta Children and Youth Services. 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. Hourly wage top-ups are also available if the child care program is accredited or working toward accreditation.

 

You will need to apply for the above-mentioned 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 Allowance or about Alberta Children and Youth Services-sponsored wage top-ups and Professional Development Funding Grants, check out Alberta Children and Youth Services.

 

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

 

Are you considering the environment before you print? Remember that recycling paper, toner cartridges, and computer equipment helps to reduce your environmental footprint.