Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare

at Red Deer Polytechnic Canada

The importance of the early years in a child's development is well established. There is a critical need for a variety of programs for children and families and for trained staff to ensure children's developmental needs are being met. The Early Learning and Child Care Program trains professionals to work with children from birth to eight years, with some related preparation for working with children from eight to twelve years of age. Throughout the program, there is an emphasis on developing caring relationships with children and families.

RDC offers a two-year diploma program in Early Learning and Child Care. Each course you take focuses on a different topic important to those who work with young children - everything from child development, to guiding behavior, to planning snacks and bulletin boards, to planning and participating in play experiences, to interacting with children who have special needs.

History is the analysis of the human past. Courses are offered in three main areas: Canadian, European and British. RDC special interests include Western Canadian history, British Empire and Commonwealth, Modern British social history and Modern Europe. First year courses include Classics, Medieval, Early Modern World, and Modern World.

Are you interested in a career in a health or wellness related field, but not sure which program you would like to study? Or perhaps you are interested in one of the Certificate or Diploma programs in Health Sciences, but do  not meet the admission requirements. The Pre-Health Sciences Certificate program is a pathway designed to give students who are interested in a health career the opportunity to explore basic concepts related to health and health care. Students may do this while taking courses in Mathematics and Biology for Health Professions that can be used for admission. The relatively low credit load of the program (22 credits) allows students the opportunity to upgrade other high school courses required for admission while they are in the Certificate program.

Students who complete this one year Certificate program will have the opportunity to explore a variety of health related careers that require either a Certificate or Diploma. They will also develop strong study skills, and, upon completion of the program and fulfilment of additional admission requirements, will be eligible to apply to the following RDC School of Health Sciences programs:

• Kinesiology Diploma
• Medical Lab Assistant Certificate
• Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma
• Pharmacy Technician Diploma
• Practical Nurse Diploma

A combined BEd/BSc program allows you to satisfy the minimum requirements of both degrees in five years. The program provides a broader science background while maintaining the teacher education component. Graduates of the combined degree are eligible to apply for Teacher Certification in the Province of Alberta and all other provinces. Red Deer College offers up to two years of these programs.

Program Content

Teaching science in secondary school requires studying a variety of subjects. For the University of Alberta, you will normally major in one of the following areas and minor in another:

1. Biological Sciences includes Biology, Botany, Entomology, Genetics, Immunology and Infection, Marine Science, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Zoology.
2. Mathematical Sciences includes Applied Probability, Computing Science, Mathematics, Statistics.
3. Physical Sciences includes Astronomy, Chemistry, Mathematical Physics, Physics.

Transfer to the University of Alberta after one year is required for all of these programs in order to meet the U of A Faculty of Science residency requirement.

The Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) diploma program is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the rapidly growing manufacturing, petroleum, and infrastructure design industries in Central Alberta. Students will use both hands-on and theoretical approaches to learn mechanical engineering fundamentals including mathematics, solid mechanics, thermal-fluid sciences, and kinematics, blended with industry-focused topics such as automation, control, lean and computer integrated manufacturing, and reliability. Based on National Technology Benchmarks for Mechanical Engineering Technology, this program, coupled with industry experience, will lead to the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) and Professional Technologist (PTech) designations.

Graduates will develop knowledge and skills enabling the learner to:-

• Employ relevant industry health and safety standards, codes, policies and procedures in accordance with current legislation, regulations and organizational policy.
• Prepare, analyze, evaluate and modify mechanical engineering drawings and other related technical documents.
• Analyze and specify the requirements for product and manufacturing operations to optimize manufacturability.
• Apply and demonstrate knowledge of material and engineering principles to manufacturing operations and processes to produce components according to required specifications.
• Analyze and solve complex technical problems by applying principles of advanced mathematics and science.
• Design, analyze, specify, interface, program, and maintain computer integrated manufacturing systems.
• Apply the principles and practices of project management.
• Research, analyze, prepare, author, and communicate in written, verbal, nonverbal, and presentation formats, technical documentation appropriate for a variety of audiences.
• Identify, develop, and demonstrate strategies for maintaining continuing competency and practice standards associated with global industry trends and practices.
• Design, specify, and analyze mechanical components and equipment by applying the fundamentals of mechanical engineering.
• Design, specify, deploy, and maintain mechanical systems; and apply principles of facilities management.

Philosophy is the study of thought and reasoning, with special application to abstract and conceptual areas of enquiry typically outside of the fields of the sciences, such as the Nature of Reality or Moral Values.

Program Content
The below schedule is a general pattern that transfers to the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge. Check the Alberta Transfer Guide for transfer credit information.

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate program, offered over 16 months, graduates will have the knowledge and practical skills to work as Human Resources professionals in a variety of Human Resource settings. This program will also prepare graduates for the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.* The program has been specifically developed to align with the Human Resources Institute of Alberta accreditation framework. Graduates of an accredited program who achieve a minimum overall average of 70% (2.7 GPA) in the program may apply to the CPHR to waive the National Knowledge Exam (NKE) requirements towards the CPHR designation with Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Canada (CPHR) member associations**. Graduates who do not achieve a minimum overall average of 70% in the program will be better equipped to write the National Knowledge Exam in preparation to obtain the CPHR designation. The entrance requirement of an undergraduate degree in any field ensures that students in the program will receive instruction commensurate with their background.

Program Outcomes:

• Explain and demonstrate the strategic importance of human resources practices as they relate to the organizational strategy, best practices and trends in human resources.
• Identify key elements of ethical behaviour and professional code of conduct for HR professionals; provide examples to illustrate ability to balance interests, promote organizational values, and manage risk.
• Demonstrate the value of human resources initiatives and their impact on employee engagement and organizational results; explain the importance of involving key stakeholders.
• Identify and explain the components of creating and executing an effective workforce plan and employee value proposition.
• Outline the steps to implement an effective performance management system.
• Identify and explain employment legislation and labour and employee relations strategies used to manage risks and create a respectful, productive and engaging work environment.
• Describe the components of a total rewards structure and outline methods to evaluate a total rewards structure.
• Illustrate the steps involved in job evaluation and market comparison.
• Identify learning priorities and adult learning principles, as well as methods for measuring learning initiatives that support a learning environment, align with business strategy, and provide a return on investment.
• Develop health, wellness and safety policies and procedures in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations and standards; promote a healthy workplace as per organizational policy.
• Use metrics and HR information systems to measure and report on effectiveness of key performance indicators, and to make informed decisions.

The RDC program is a pre-professional year that prepares the student for admission to the degree program. Normally, three additional years of study are required.

Transfer Features
The courses in this program can be transferred in full to BSc Agricultural/Food Business Management at the University of Alberta. Refer to the University of Alberta calendar for the complete listing of courses under the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences.

RDC offers courses that range from Shakespeare to Indigenous literature, expository to creative writing, national literatures to popular genres, allowing you to learn practical skills while acquiring cultural knowledge.