Six programs for those who want to make a difference in people's lives — working with children, youth, families, and communities across Alberta.
| Program | Credential | Duration | Domestic Tuition | Intake | Practicum Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education (ECE) | Diploma | 2 years | $5,400/yr | Fall | 400 hours |
| Educational Assistant | Certificate | 10 months | $4,100 | Fall | 200 hours |
| Social Services Worker | Diploma | 2 years | $5,200/yr | Fall | 400 hours |
| Indigenous Community Support Worker | Certificate | 1 year | $4,400 | Fall | 240 hours |
| Child & Youth Care | Certificate | 1 year | $4,600 | Fall & Winter | 200 hours |
| Continuing Care Assistant | Certificate | 5 months | $3,200 | Fall, Winter, Spring | 160 hours |
Early Childhood Educators play a vital role in the development of children from birth to age 12. Alberta's $10/day childcare expansion has dramatically increased demand for qualified ECEs, who are now required in all licensed childcare centres. This two-year diploma meets the educational requirements for Level 2 ECE certification with Alberta Children's Services. Graduates complete 400 hours of supervised practicum across infant/toddler, preschool, and school-age settings, and leave with a comprehensive understanding of child development theory, inclusive education, play-based learning, and family engagement.
Completion of this diploma, combined with the 400-hour practicum, satisfies the educational requirements for Level 2 ECE certification with Alberta Children's Services. The BrightlyEd diploma is accepted by all licensed childcare centres in Alberta. Level 3 certification requires a bachelor's degree in a related field.
Educational Assistants (EAs) work alongside classroom teachers to support students with diverse learning needs — including students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, physical disabilities, and English as an Additional Language. Alberta school boards are the largest employer of EAs in the province, and demand continues to grow as inclusion requirements expand. This 10-month certificate covers inclusive education, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) basics, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), crisis prevention, and a 200-hour school practicum.
Social Services Workers assist individuals, families, and communities in overcoming challenges related to poverty, housing, domestic violence, mental health, addictions, child welfare, and aging. This two-year diploma prepares students to work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, shelters, correctional services, housing programs, and community organizations. Students complete 400 hours of supervised field placement in Year 2, often leading directly to employment with their placement site. The diploma is recognized by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) as meeting educational requirements for Registration as a Social Work Associate (RSWA).
Developed in partnership with Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY), Métis Nation of Alberta, and Siksika Nation Elder advisors, this certificate prepares students — particularly Indigenous students — to provide culturally grounded support to Indigenous individuals, families, and communities in urban and rural settings. The program integrates traditional knowledge, healing circles, land-based learning, and Indigenous wellness frameworks alongside western helping skills, enabling graduates to work across social services, health, education, and justice sectors. A 240-hour community practicum is completed with an Indigenous organization.
While this program was developed to serve Indigenous students and communities, it is open to all applicants. Non-Indigenous students are welcome and will engage deeply with Indigenous perspectives, history, and ways of knowing. BrightlyEd is committed to Truth and Reconciliation in all its programming.
Child and Youth Care (CYC) workers support children and youth who are experiencing significant life challenges — mental health issues, family breakdown, trauma, behavioral disorders, involvement with child welfare, and justice system contact. CYC workers create therapeutic relationships and environments in group homes, residential treatment facilities, school-based programs, hospitals, and youth justice settings. This one-year certificate meets the Level 1 educational requirements for the Alberta CYC Association and prepares students for practice under clinical supervision.
Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) provide direct care to elderly and disabled residents in long-term care facilities, group homes, and assisted living residences. Alberta has mandated minimum CCA staffing ratios in all licensed facilities, creating sustained high demand for graduates. This five-month certificate combines classroom instruction in anatomy, personal care, dementia care, and resident rights with 160 hours of supervised practicum in a continuing care facility. Graduates are eligible for direct hire by Carewest, AgeCare, Extendicare, Bethany Care Society, and Alberta Health Services Continuing Care.
BrightlyEd has a preferred placement partnership with Alberta Health Services Continuing Care, meaning students often receive job offers during their practicum. Graduates who complete orientation and three months of employment receive a $500 Continuing Education Bursary to put toward further study.
Apply now for Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 intake. Many practicum-based programs have limited cohort sizes — secure your spot early.