Early Childcare Assistant

The Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) program is designed to equip childcare workers with valuable knowledge, skills, and experience for employment as assistants in daycare or early learning centres. This program gives an overview of the responsibility of an early childcare assistant and opportunities to perform those responsibilities. The program presents foundational skills needed for those seeking to move into an Early Childhood Educator program.

In Class, Assignment Placement Students complete two practicums of 245 hours each (490 hours total) as a part of the program. The first practicum is in a infant/toddler setting, and the second is in a pre-school environment. CIMT College assigns the students to the childcare centre, daycare centre, kindergarten, agency for exceptional children, or other field sites to gain hands-on training experience before being awarded the diploma. Bridge to ECE Students may upgrade their credentials after earning an ECA diploma from CIMT College by bridging to an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Diploma from Mothercraft College. Additionally, students with a Mothercraft College diploma may further their education by earning a Bachelor of Arts in ECE from Ryerson University, Athabasca, and other exciting pathways.

The Early Childcare Assistant program trains students and provides the required skills and knowledge for employment as ECAs in Early Childcare Centres, child support at home, or to assist Early Childcare Educators. The program requires students to take on-the-job training at designated child care centres. For those who are aiming to start their own Childcare Centres, this program lays a solid foundation to pursue careers as Early Childhood Educators. The courses taken during this program are credited towards attainment of recognized Early Childhood Educators’ Certification.