11 Childcare Degree Programs in Canada

The Diploma program emphasizes the development of knowledgeable and skilled practitioners who can model and lead best practices in early learning and childcare environments. The program's course content provides the student with advanced knowledge and skills in the areas of development, health, family, and more.

The Child and Youth Care program teaches students the necessary skills to work effectively with children, youth, and families who are experiencing social, emotional, developmental, and behavioral challenges. The program integrates a holistic approach embedding an ecological perspective and principles of human rights, anti-oppressive practice, resiliency, and restorative practice.

This program provides you with the credentials to work in institutions or children's programs at the childhood level from birth to age twelve. The program focuses on key areas of childhood growth and development, diverse abilities, program strategies, building and sustaining strong rapport between children and their families, professionalism in the workplace, as well as incorporating practical learning experiences. 

This program is designed to equip students with the skills of an Early Childhood Assistant. An Early Childhood Assistant assists and participates in the daily operations of a childcare center.

Advanced Diploma in Child and youth care practitioners offer life-changing support to vulnerable children and youth. Prepare for a rewarding career helping young people by engaging with them in their everyday lives, building on their strengths, and empowering them to make positive changes.

Enrich a child’s life through activities that engage and inspire them. Through a curriculum that combines theory and fieldwork, you’ll gain a strong foundation for working with children, with a broad knowledge base and the ability to: foster the physical, emotional, psychological cognitive and academic development of preschool or school-age children; understand children’s roles in family, community and cultural contexts.

The Babysitter Certificate program at Selkirk College, offered in partnership with the Red Cross, is designed to provide young individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to be responsible and capable babysitters.

The Emergency Child Care First Aid with CPR program at Selkirk College is designed to equip participants with essential skills to respond effectively in emergencies involving children. This comprehensive course covers key topics such as CPR techniques tailored for infants and children, managing choking incidents, dealing with allergic reactions, and recognizing signs of common childhood illnesses.

The Child and Youth Care Specialty - Human Services Diploma at Selkirk College equips students with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the lives of children, youth, and families. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical experience, students develop competencies in areas such as child development, counseling techniques, crisis intervention, and community resources.

The Child and Youth Care First Nations program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with individuals, their families and small groups across a variety of practice settings which provide support to First Nations children, youths and their families. The program reflects the needs of First Nations peoples and is continually developing with involvement from the First Nations communities of the Cowichan area, as well as from the First Nations students who bring the teachings of their communities into the program.

Child and Youth Care Transforming the lives of children and youth facing adversity requires knowledge of the specialized theories and techniques needed to advocate for their rights. You’ll learn to design and implement developmental, preventative and therapeutic programs and explore policy areas, research and advocacy options.