Early Childcare Assistant

You’ll develop the cultural awareness and critical thinking skills you need to analyze and produce a broad range of discourse in a full spectrum of careers — and to make a difference in whatever you do.

Course Description:

The Early Childcare Assistant program is designed to equip childcare workers with
valuable knowledge, skills and experience for employment as Assistants in day care
or early learning centers. It is designed to give students an overview of the
responsibilities of an early childcare assistant and opportunities to perform those
responsibilities. It presents foundational skills needed for those seeking to move into
an Early Childhood Educator program. Students participating in this course will gain
appreciation of the historical development of child care and its impact on
contemporary approached to care and curriculum, the role of government and
associations in Canadian child care and education. Students will gain an
understanding of community-based support programs available to assist families
who are facing specific challenges. After studying this program student will able to
understand concepts and strategies for developing and maintaining a safe and
healthy child care setting and gain skills to improve their proficiency in written
communication and documentation in a child care setting. Students will develop an
appreciation and understanding of historical and contemporary theories of
development, developmental domains and research approaches to toddler
development.

Course Outline:

Course Outline:
Keyboarding
Word Level 1 and Level 2
Excel Level 1 and Level 2
Outlook
Introduction to Early Child Care and Education
Roles and Responsibilities
Child, Family and Community
Introduction to Child Development
Introduction to Prenatal, Infant and Toddler Development
Health and Safety
Written Communication
Observation Skills
Practicum (ECA 1)
Introduction to Preschool Development
Guiding Children
Curriculum Planning
Nutrition
Practicum (ECA 2)
CPR & First Aid
NACC Final Exam

Course Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course student will be able to:

assist and participate in the day to day operations of a childcare center or
early learning center
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 6
maintain a professional approach while observing and guiding children
throughout the day
demonstrate effective communication skills with parents, children and coworkers
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 meal time
supervise children during indoor and outdoor play, and during rest periods
lead children in activities by telling stories, teaching songs and preparing
craft material
prepare and serve snacks
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 Opportunities:

Graduates of the Early Childcare Assistant program will be able to find employment as a
Child Care Worker
Day Care Worker
Assistant Day Care Supervisor
Early Childhood Program Staff
Preschool Teacher
Child Care Worker Assistant
Day Care Helper
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Preschool Helper
and more!