*Important* - Documentation Requirements
Students are required to submit a current clear Canada wide Police Clearance of Criminal Record with Vulnerable Sector screening
along with a complete Medical Report, within 45 days of commencement of study.
Early Childhood Assistant 2021 (Hybrid)
The Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) Program is designed to equip childcare workers with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for employment as Early Childhood Assistants in day care or early learning centers. It gives students course content to be well prepared to experience the responsibilities of an ECA in two separate practicum placements where they must perform in a supervised professional setting. The Early Childhood Assistant Program provides the foundational skills necessary to move into an Early Childhood Education Program.
Introduction
Are you caring and patient, with a natural interest in child development? If so, training to become an early childhood assistant could be your ideal path to rewarding, in-demand career.
Sunview College’s ECA program prepares students to plan educational programs, conduct and monitor children’s development, maintain a daycare facility, and much more. We teach best practices in child care so graduates enter the workforce ready to make a positive contribution to their communities.
Course Benefits
The Early Childhood Assistant program from Sunview College provides the hands-on training, practical experience and professional support it takes to pursue a successful career in this rewarding field. Graduates of this program enter the professional world with confidence after learning from experienced ECA professionals.
With the increase of single-parent and two-working-parent families, early childcare assistants have been in high demand over the last several years. And according to government sources, this trend is expected to continue. Service Canada estimates that “the number of early childhood educators and assistants should increase significantly over the next few years.”
Sunview’s qualified instructors bring the industry experience and expertise you need to learn, understand, and apply your training in the real world, as quickly as possible. You can use your child development skills by starting your OWN business or working as
- Daycare Supervisor
- Preschool worker
- Childcare worker assistant
- Early childcare educator
- Family home childcare provider
Salaries for ECA graduates and their job growth statistics can be viewed here.
Job Duties
The following is a list of some of the daily responsibilities and duties of Early Childhood Assistants. The list is not exhaustive and other duties may be assigned by employers.
- Assist and participate in the day-to-day operation 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 12
- 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 mealtime
- 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
- Assist the supervisor in keeping records
- Maintain day care equipment and assist in housekeeping duties
Course Structure
Units
| Unit ID | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| ECED1010 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education |
| COMM1010 | Communications |
| PSYC1030 | Infant and Child Development |
| ECED1020 | Observation Skills |
| ECED1030 | Health, Safety and Nutrition |
| ECED1040 | Child, Family and Community |
| ECED1001 | Practicum I |
| SOCI1000 | Introduction to Sociology |
| ECED1050 | Play-Based Early Learning Strategies |
| ECED1060 | Language and Literacy |
| PSYC1000 | Introduction to Psychology |
| ECED1070 | Guiding Children’s Behavior |
| ECED1080 | Creating Inclusive Programs |
| ECED1090 | Special Needs |
| ECED1002 | Practicum II |
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
1. Grade 12 Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), Canadian Secondary School Diploma or equivalent. Grade 12 English – College or University Track. Copy of Diploma and High School Transcript required.
(OR)
International Student and/or Applicant with foreign credentials. All foreign credentials must be translated into English and compared for Grade 12 equivalency by a recognized organization such as World Education Services: www.wes.org
(OR)
Mature Student Status: 19 years of age or older and no High School Diploma, must achieve a score of 18 or more on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE).
Additional Admission Requirements
English Language Proficiency
All students with foreign credentials or whose first language is not English, must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following tests and minimum scores:
a. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Minimum score of 6.0 with no subject test score lower than 5.5 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing;
(OR)
b. Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (IBT TOEFL): Overall score of 80 and a minimum score of 20 in each of speaking, listening, reading, and writing;
(OR)
c. Canadian Academic English language Test (CAEL Test): Overall score of 60, no section below 60.
Signed Vulnerable Sector Disclaimer
In Ontario, the MCU requires all students to sign a Vulnerable Sector Disclaimer upon enrollment.
Signed Medical Disclaimer
In Ontario, all students are required to sign a Medical Disclaimer upon enrollment.
Practicum Placement Requirements
After admission but prior to each program Practicum Placement, students are required to:
1. Obtain and submit a current clear Canada wide Police Clearance of Criminal Record with Vulnerable Sector screening, within 45 days of commencement of study. Note: If placement does not begin until after six (6) months following provision of the original clearance, the student may be required to have clearance completed again to satisfy placement requirements.
2. Submit a complete Medical Report, within 45 days of commencement of study.
3. Successfully complete a recognized course in CPR (HCP – Healthcare Provider Level).
4. Successfully complete a recognized course in Standard First Aid.
5. Clear Covid-19 test within one week of commencing practicum and/or other expectations in accordance with Public Health requirements.
Next Steps
Get the Support You Need to Launch a Successful Career
Career training isn’t about getting a diploma – it’s about getting a job you love. Our emphasis is on practicality. We believe that once concepts are understood in theory, your focus should be on the practical. By minimizing the amount of reading and increasing the hands-on practical experience, you will be better prepared to face workplace challenges with confidence. We provide practical approach and guidance for students looking to secure good placements in strong organizations in Canada and other countries. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.
What our Students Say
“I was a high school teacher back home but my degree wasn’t recognized here in Canada so I decided to go to ECA program in Sunview College. Upon finishing my program I was immediately hired at my second placement as a supply teacher. The college prepared me for what I am now.” – Marilyn Apostol, Sunview Graduate
“My name is Angela. I had an amazing teacher, Miss Saima. I took E.C.A because I had an interest working with children. I find the program very interesting and I learnt a lot. If anyone is interesting in taking this program I strongly recommend this for you.” – Angela L., Sunview Graduate
Get Started
If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Early Childcare Assisting and exploring whether this is the right career path for you. A helpful Sunview College Admissions Counsellor would be happy to answer any questions you have and help with everything from scheduling to financial aid.
Join Sunview College To Further Your Career Today!
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