Key Responsibilities of an Early Childhood Assistant

As a student in this program, you will be presented with the professional expectations of early childcare workers, including the roles and responsibilities, attitudes, ethical standards and advocacy issues. The importance of teamwork, workplace communication and being a role module are addressed. Strategies for time and stress management are presented. Critical thinking and professional development strategies are also covered.

Additionally, you will gain an appreciation of the historical development of child care and its impact on contemporary approaches to care and curriculum. The role of government and associations in Canadian child care and education are explained. The QUAD principles in child care are introduced. And you will develop strategies for being a successful student.

Studies in Child Development, Family and Community Care

The ECA program provides an in-depth look at the Canadian family and the challenges facing families. Working with parents/guardians and building partnerships with families through formal and informal communication is discussed. You will also gain an understanding of community-based support programs available to assist families who are facing specific challenges.

Guiding and Observing Skills

Understanding the role of the observer and a variety of approaches to observing development. Ethical standards in observation and documentation are discussed. Writing concise, accurate and objective observations is introduced along with a variety of tools for observation. Dimensions of care giving are discussed and positive, developmentally appropriate techniques for guiding children are presented. Cultural sensitivity and various influences on child behaviour are discussed in the context of incorporating positive intervention and disciplinary strategies.

Health and Safety

Studies in concepts and strategies for developing and maintaining a safe and healthy child care setting. You will review Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) regulations, fire codes and Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (W.H.M.I.S.), as well as discuss employer policies and procedures for emergencies. Child abuse recognition and responsibilities to report are covered.

Curriculum Planning and Nutrition

An introduction to various approaches of developing curriculum and theories of learning. Curriculum environments and program documentation are covered in the context of developmentally appropriate practices. Various elements of curriculum are introduced including activities and themes, circle time and center activities. Play is presented as the main method for encouraging child development. You will look at various factors that affect young children’s eating habits and stresses encouraging positive and healthy eating habits according to Canada’s Food Guide.

Childcare Employment Settings

Complete ECA training from this approved program. Build employable skills to potentially work in the following childcare settings:

• Daycare Centres
• Early Childhood Centres
• Hospitals
• Babysitting/ Childcare Environments
• Live-in or Live-out Nanny Environments
• Infant and Toddler In-Home Settings
• Pre-school Settings