Early Childcare Assistant (ECA) Course

The Early Childcare Assistant Program was developed to equip childcare workers with valuable knowledge, skills and experience for employment as Assistants in day care or early learning centres. It was designed to give students an overview of the responsibilities of an early childhood assistant and opportunities to perform those responsibilities. In addition to covering early childhood development, program planning, communication and other vital topics in childcare, the program also includes the role of computers in a childcare setting and how to use this tool to enhance the development in children. 

Early Childcare Assistant is designed to prepare students to a variety of childcare careers. This course focus is on the growth and development of the child and help a child to develop an interest in learning, a willingness to try new activities, to trust adults, develop a strong sense of independence and become better prepared for school. Early Childcare Assistants find career in day care centres, nursery schools, home child care, and other early childhood education settings.

Employment Opportunities

Early Childcare Assistant is designed to prepare students to a variety of childcare careers. This course focuses on the growth and development of the child and help a child to develop an interest in learning, a willingness to try new activities, to trust adults, develop a strong sense of independence and become better prepared for school. Early Childcare Assistants find career in day care centres, nursery schools, home child care, and other early childhood education settings.

Admission Requirements

• • • Grade 12 or Equivalent or Mature Student (19 years of age or older and out for 1 year or more)

    • Entrance testing required for all students not possessing a Grade 12 diploma at the general level

    • Fluency in English, demonstrated skill in written and oral communication and comprehension sufficient to meet the demands of the program as assessed by personal interview and student questionnaire or literacy examination

    • Fitness to complete the clinical placement. Immunization status must be up to date. Students must free of communicable disease. Hepatitis B Immunization is required

    • Police Check of Criminal Record must be produced within 30 days of starting school. Individuals who have a criminal record are not able to participate in the clinical placement and therefore will not able to graduate from the program

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Practicum Requirements 

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• • • Fitness to complete the clinical placement

    • Immunization status must be update. Students must be free of communicable diseases; Hepatitis B is required;

    • Police check of Criminal Record must be produced within 30 days of starting school. Individuals who have criminal record are not able to participate in the clinical placement and therefore will not graduate the program

    • Standard First Aid and Basic Rescuer CPR prior to starting the Clinical Placement

Graduation Requirements

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• • • Achieve a minimum cumulative average of 70%

    • Achieve a minimum pass mark for each individual module of 70%

    • Successfully complete all clinical placement requirements

    • Current First Aide/CPR Certificates

    • Currently the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training

    • Pass the final Comprehensive Theory Exam administered by NACC (70%)

    • Have a resume and cover letter on file with the College

Program Length – 42 Weeks

Theory and Classroom Practical 455 hours

Placement 490hours