Portage College’s Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) and Educational Assistant (EA) programs are excited to announce a partnership with Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) to deliver ECDE 100 to high school students.

ECDE 100 is a three-credit entry-level course that explores major theories of human development. Areas of study include physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, specifically from birth to age 12.

Offering ECDE 100 will allow students to obtain their Early Childhood Assistant Level 1 Government Certification. Students who choose ECDE 100 will earn dual-credit at the post-secondary and high school levels, and credits transferable to most post-secondary institutions where Educational Assistant and the Early Learning and Childcare certificate programs are offered.

"This course is a wonderful way for high school students to experience a college-level course with the support of their high school teacher and college instructor,” says Karen Clair, Human Development EIPS Classroom Facilitator. 

With the increase in demand for EAs and Childcare workers both within the province and nationally, Portage College and Elk Island Public Schools hope to increase the transition times to get students into the field quicker.

 "As we see the demand for Educational Assistants and Early Childhood Educators in our communities grow, partnering with Portage College is allowing Elk Island Public Schools to provide high school students the opportunity to further explore a career in this area--and get a head start on their post-secondary studies while still completing high school diploma requirements,” says Kristin Oleksyn SFS Career Pathways Supervisor at EIPS. “Human Development is a great example of how post-secondary institutions and high schools can work together to provide opportunity and support for students in preparation for life after high school." 

"ECDE 100 is not only a great introduction to possible rewarding careers in Education, Early Learning, and Childcare, but it inspires curiosity about the interaction between our nature, our environment, and the evolutionary forces of maturation that combine to make each of us into our unique selves,” says Jacquie Flood, Course Designer and Instructor. “Students interested in psychology, child development, and/or education will like this course."

This partnership aims to build upon our relationship with Elk Island to help create interest in early childhood education and educational assistance. High school students wishing to take ECDE 100 are encouraged to speak with their guidance counselors.

"Portage College appreciates the opportunity to partner with Elk Island Public Schools in offering the course Human Development to high school students in the region. We look forward to working together in the future," says Patricia Flatla, Growth and Curriculum Coordinator, Early Learning and Childcare and Educational Assistant Programs at Portage College.

Program Inquiries

Emily Steele, Marketing Specialist 

780-623 -5654 or Email

For information about the course offered at Elk Island Public Schools, please Email