Get the skills towards a career in Early Childhood Assistant

Career Opportunities

This program provides the student with a range of skills and knowledge required to assist in day care or early learning centres. Employment opportunities for Early Childhood Assistant program graduates reside in public and private day care/childcare or early learning centres.

Admissions Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent or mature student status
• Must pass a Wonderlic test
• Signed Vulnerable Sector Disclaimer
• Signed Medical Disclaimer

Core Modules

• Foundations of Early Childhood Education
• Communications
• Infant and Child Development
• Observation Skills
• Health Safety and Nutrition
• Child, Family and Community
• Practicum I: Develop professionally in a supervised worksite; Observe, assess, plan and monitor children under ECE supervision; Promote health and safety in childcare setting; Collaborate with children, families, communities and colleagues
• Introduction to Sociology
• Play-Based Learning Strategies
• Language and Literacy
• Introduction to Psychology
• Guiding Children’s Behaviour
• Creating Inclusive Environments
• Special Needs
• Practicum II: Collaborate with children, families, communities and colleagues; Observe, assess, plan and monitor children under ECE supervision; Promote health and safety in childcare setting

Personal Attributes Required

To be successful as an Early Childhood Assistant, individuals must possess the ability to:

• Be professional, punctual, dependable and trustworthy; a good team player
• Have good oral communication skills, including listening skills
• Be friendly, enthusiastic and energetic
• Use good observation and supervision skills
• Be respectful, courteous, patient and caring
• Show interest in and appreciation for children
• Demonstrate good time management and organizational skills
• Model good behaviour and attitude
• Follow confidentiality guidelines

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist and participate in the day to day operations of a childcare centre or early learning centre
• 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
• Understand nutritional requirements of young children as they relate to daily meal planning and assisting with meal time Supervise children during indoor and outdoor play, and during rest periods
• Lead children in activities by telling stories, teaching songs and preparing craft material
• Guide and assist children in the development of proper eating, dressing and toilet habits
• Attend staff meetings to discuss progress and problems with children
• Prepare and serve snack
• Assist the supervisor in keeping records
• Maintain day care equipment and assist in housekeeping duties