Help shape the future…. Launch your career as ECA

Early Childcare Assistant (ECA)

The ECA diploma will equip future students with the skills and knowledge required  to provide developmentally appropriate child care for children. Through this diploma students will learn the fundamentals of early childcare and rules and regulations of the Canadian early childhood education sector.

Successful completion of the ECA diploma will enhance the chances of students to gain employment in early childcare settings and early learning centers as an assistant. The Diploma Program is designed and approved by NACC (National Association of Career Colleges).
 

ECA Diploma Duration

Completion Time: 9 Months

Co-op Work/ Placements: 245 Hours each ( Total of 2 placements)

• Placement 1: Infant /Toddler Class
• Placement 2: Preschool.

Mandatory pre-requisite: Before entering the program, in compliance with the law for working in vulnerable sectors, students must submit

1. Satisfactory Medical Examination
2. Police Reference Check

 

Learning Outcome

Skills gained after completing the diploma:

• Observation techniques to report children’s behavior and interests
• Implementation of play based learning strategies to promote learning and skill development in classroom setting
• Maintain healthy, safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children
• Effective use of techniques for positive guidance of children’s behavior in various settings
• Communicate effectively with all the stake holders with in early education settings
• Understating of Early Year Child Care Act
• First aid & CPR
• Safe food handling practices

 

Career

Graduates may find employment as assistant educators:

• In child care centers
• In nursery schools
• As family-home child care providers

 

ECA Job Description

Some of the duties and responsibilities of an assistant involve:

• Assist and participate in the day to day operations of a childcare center or early learning center
• Help to provide a nurturing, caring environment in which young children can thrive
• Understand the physical, emotional and intellectual development of children from infancy to age 6
• Maintain a professional approach while observing and guiding children throughout the day
• Demonstrate effective communication skills with parents, children and co-workers
• Provide opportunities to enhance children’s self-esteem during daily activities
• Encourage socialization of children as they play and experience things together
• Be knowledgeable in related health and safety issues during daily operations (Source- NACC)

 

Admission Requirements

Applicants are selected based on their academic achievement.
 

Job Prospects

During the nest 2 years, the employment outlook is expected to be good for Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 4214) in the Toronto region.
Given Toronto’s growing population, demand for these childcare workers is expected to increase during the forecast period. Qualified individuals who speak multiple languages may have better prospects.