Early Childcare Assistant

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS GAINED

ECA Bridges to ECE

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Early Childcare Assistant - The Diploma in Early Childcare Assistant at CIMT College prepares students for position as an Early Childcare Assistant. During this program of study, the students gains both theoretical and practical training in the required courses.

Introduction to Early Child Care and Education – presents an overview of Early Child Care and Education. Students gain an appreciation of the historical development of child care and its impact on contemporary approach to care and curriculum.

Roles and Responsibilities – presents with the professional expectations of early childcare workers, including the roles and responsibilities, attitudes, ethical standards and advocacy issues.

Child, Family and Community – gives an in-depth look at the Canadian Family and the challenges facing families. Students will gain an understanding of community based support programs available to assist families who are facing specific challenges.

Introduction to Child Development - gives an understanding of historical and contemporary theories of development, developmental domains and research approaches to child development.

Introduction to Prenatal and Infant Development - gives an understanding of historical and contemporary theories of development, developmental domains and research approaches to prenatal and infant development.

Introduction to Toddler Development - gives an understanding of historical and contemporary theories of development, developmental domains and research approaches to toddler development.

Introduction to Preschool Development - gives an understanding of historical and contemporary theories of development, developmental domains and research approaches to preschooler’s development.

Observation Skills – introduces the roles of the observer and a variety of approaches to observing developments in children.

Guiding Children – introduces to the dimensions of care giving and positive developmentally appropriate techniques for guiding the children.

Curriculum Planning – introduces various approaches to curriculum and theories of learning. Various elements of curriculum are introduced, including activities and themes, circle time and center activities.

Written Communication – course presents with the skills to improve the proficiency in written communication and documentation in a child care setting.

Health and Safety – this course presents with the concepts and strategies for developing and maintaining a safe and healthy child care setting.

Nutrition – this module looks at various factors that affect young children’s eating habits and stresses encouraging positive and healthy eating habits.

Practicum – Students gain experience working with children of all age, infants to preschoolers.

WHY THIS PROGRAM?

There are numerous job opportunities for an early childcare assistant at child-care centres, daycare centers, kindergartens, agencies for exceptional children and other settings where early childhood education services are provided. They assist in planning, organizing and implementing programs for children between the ages of infancy and 12 years. Early childhood assistants provide care for infants and preschool- to school-age children under the guidance of early childhood educators.

ASSOCIATED NATIONAL OCCUPATION CLASSIFICATION (NOC) CODES

After pursuing a Diploma in Early Childhood Assistant you are eligible for positions falling under the following NOC Codes

NOC - 4214 - Early childhood educators and assistants – plan, organize and implement programs for children between the ages of infancy and 12 years. Early childhood educator assistants provide care for infants and preschool- to school-age children under the guidance of early childhood educators.

Common Job Titles which you can apply for include - child care worker assistant, child care worker- daycare, daycare helper, daycare supervisor, daycare teacher, daycare worker, early, childhood assistant, early childhood education worker, early childhood educator (E.C.E.), early childhood educator – preschool, early childhood educator assistant, early childhood program staff assistant, early childhood supervisor, preschool helper and preschool supervisor.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Early childhood assistants perform some or all of the following duties:

• Support early childhood educators in carrying out programs that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children
• Engage children in activities by telling stories, teaching songs and preparing crafts
• Prepare snacks and arrange rooms or furniture for lunch and rest periods
• Assist with proper eating, dressing and toilet habits
• Submit written observations on children to early childhood educators or supervisors
• Maintain daycare equipment and assist in housekeeping and cooking duties
• Attend staff meetings to discuss progress and problems of children
• Assist early childhood educators or supervisors in keeping records.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Job openings in the field of early childhood assistant usually seek a person who has completed a college diploma. Since majority of the early childcare centers look for certification, additional certification and a practice license will be an asset.

While entry level jobs ask for no experience or one to two years experience, higher positions can be sought for once you gain some practical experience in the actual workplace.

EMPLOYMENT AREAS & PROSPECTS

There are numerous job opportunities for an early childcare assistant at child-care centers, daycare centers, kindergartens, agencies for exceptional children and other settings where early childhood education services are provided.

For more information on Employment Prospects related to Diploma in Early Childcare Assistant program, please refer to the recent job listings column on this webpage for real time job openings.

* Theoretical components will be conducted in virtual classroom; hands-on component requiring practical demonstrations will be scheduled onsite in limited class size to maintain social distance and/or when COVID-19 resolves