Early Childhood Assistant

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS GAINED

ECA Bridges to ECE

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Early Childhood Assistant - During this program of study, students gains both theoretical and practical training in the required courses.

Foundations of Early Childhood Education – This course will introduce students to the field of Early Child Care and Education through an investigation of the historical roots of early learning, and how it has impacted the contemporary approach to play-based care. Students examine theoretical approaches of working with young children and their families in a diverse community. They examine the dimensions of high-quality childcare and components of current legislation. Students explore the early learning framework.

Communications – This course offers an introduction to professional interpersonal communication skills which will be further developed and practiced in subsequent courses. This course explores topics related to professional communication, reflective practice and collaboration. As a result of the learning outcomes of this course, students will gain the skills necessary to establish inclusive relationships within the ECE community.

Infant and Child Development – Students develop a comprehensive understanding of child development from conception through early childhood. They take a dynamic perspective on developmental theories that apply to early childhood education. With a focus on whole child development and education, the course will also examine the three major domains of young children’s physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development as well as connect to the developmentally appropriate practice to promote children’s development.

Observation Skills – This course introduces the role of the observer and various approaches to observing development. Ethical standards for surveillance and documentation are discussed. Writing concise, accurate and objective observations are introduced along with many observation tools.

Health Safety and Nutrition – This course covers health, safety and nutritional needs of children and early childhood educators. Students recognize the importance of safe learning environments to support and promote children’s health and well-being. Health promotion, prevention of illness, occupational health and safety are discussed, and exploration focuses on the impact that educators and childcare settings have on health and nutrition of children. Students review current legislation in the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014.

Child, Family and Community – Students study ways of forming positive partnerships between families and educators. Strategies facilitating family involvement, effective collaboration and communication skills with parents are defined. Current theories of parent education and issues in child rearing are examined. Students understand children and families are unique. They explore how to react and have an inclusive, welcoming and anti-bias environment for different family structure, culture, socio-economic status, religion and ethnicity.

Introduction to Sociology – This course introduces students to the language and practice of sociological inquiry. It examines basic concepts, research and theories in sociology, and uses them to explore our everyday life experience and their relation to the cultural communities and social institutions, in Canadian society. Students develop an appreciation of key groups and issues such as family, ethnic group, class, community, school, childcare, social change, women’s issues, social organizations, multiculturalism and immigration.

Play-Based Early Learning Strategies – Students explore the foundations of play-based curriculum specific to young children in early learning and care environments to foster and facilitate inclusive, holistic learning and development. Students examine how an early learning curriculum framework guides curriculum planning. Strategies are explored to support the design of creative arts and sensory experiences. The course addresses planning for play. Knowledge and skills prepare students for their practicum experiences and professional practice.

Language and Literacy – This course provides theory related to language acquisition in the early childhood years. Students learn the implementation of teaching techniques within a play-based curriculum. They examine the importance of early experiences, such as social, cultural and linguistic diversity interactions for facilitating the development of language and literacy skills. Students apply language development theory to program planning for young children and establish rich language and literacy practices.

Introduction to Psychology for ECAs – This course provides an overview of the theoretical approaches and empirical studies that have contributed to the nature of psychology. Students will acquire an appreciation for research methodologies and for the range of influences that guide their own behaviour and experience. Basic concepts and principles of individual behaviour are examined, particularly those of human development, normal and abnormal behaviour, social psychology, learning, perception, and psychological measurement.

Guiding Children’s Behaviour – This course will explore current research and approaches in managing and guiding young children’s behaviour in early childhood programs. Guidance and discipline are considered within a framework of child development and developmentally appropriate practice. Methods including theoretical approaches, respecting diversity, understanding vulnerabilities and analysis of behavioural concerns will be covered.

Creating Inclusive Programs – Students learn how to use a developmental approach when discussing typical and atypical development of a child and learn to adjust their curriculum accordingly to meet the needs of all children. Students learn to design environments that deliver an inclusive play-based curriculum that is meaningful and responsive to the child’s interests. They will discuss the approaches and tools that are needed to provide a high-quality learning environment, including the use of Individualized Intervention Plans.

Special Needs – This course is designed to develop an understanding of how to adapt the curriculum for young children with disabilities and special needs to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. The emphasis is on the role of educators in planning support for both children and families through the latest legislation and trends and evidence-based practice.

Practicums I and II – Field practice provides a continuum of experience that gives the student the opportunity to integrate an apply theory. Students are assigned to a licensed daycare centre, early learning centre, kindergarten classroom, or other suitable ECA organization. Students must demonstrate the necessary self-awareness, attitudes and skills that enable them to work competently with children, families and co-workers. All students complete two practicums to gain field practice experience with infants or toddlers, preschoolers and school age children.

WHY THIS PROGRAM?

There are numerous job opportunities for an Early Childhood Assistant at child-care centres, daycare centers, kindergartens, agencies for exceptional children and other settings where early childhood education services are provided. ECAs 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 - 42202 - 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 Worker, Early Childhood Educator Assistant, Early Childhood Program Staff Assistant, Preschool Helper

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. The majority of the early childhood centers look for a diploma with some practical experience. While entry level jobs often 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 childhood assistant at child-care centers, daycare centers, kindergartens, agencies for exceptional children and other settings where early childhood education services are provided.