Early Childcare Assistant (ECA)

The Early Childcare Assistant program was designed to equip childcare workers with valuable knowledge, skills and experience for employment as Assistants in day care or early learning centers.

A woman sharing a snack with a young child at a table

Program length: 39 weeks10 months
Total hours: 945
Schedule: 24 hrs/week
Practicum: On-site placement

Overview

The program will give students an overview of the responsibilities of an early childcare assistant and the opportunity to perform these responsibilities through an on-site practicum placement.

The program presents foundational skills needed for those seeking to move into an Early Childhood Educator program.

Career opportunities

Careers in child care and early childhood education offer a variety of challenges and opportunities to develop your skill set in this rich sector. There are numerous job opportunities for an Early Childcare Assistant:

Childcare centers
Ontario Early Years Centers
Private regulated home based childcare
Kindergartens
Agencies for exceptional children
Parent/child literacy centers

Admission requirements

Grade 12 high school diploma in a college or university track (advanced level studies) from a Canadian high school. A copy of the high school transcript is required in addition to the diploma.
Foreign applicants: all foreign credentials must be translated into English and equivalent to grade 12 level in Canada.
Medical Certificate (immunization form)
Standard First Aid and CPR Certificate
Police Check (Clearance) of Criminal Record. The Police Check must include a Vulnerable Sector Check.
Interview: all potential students must complete an interview with the coordinator of the ECA program to ascertain their suitability to enter the early childcare field.
Two references related to employment or volunteer work completed in the early childcare field.

A young woman lifting a happy toddler in a bright kitchen

The ECA Program at the Mississauga Training Centre was perfect for me! All the classes are well-organized and the staff were so helpful. I learned a lot through the program and by the time I graduated I was ready to start my career! The ECA program at MTC was the ladder that took me from the first step to the top – I became confident to work with children after I took the two field placements. After I graduated, they kept helping me to prepare my resume and start applying for jobs. Now I’m a permanent teacher at a daycare. I would like to thank everyone who helped me to reach my goals.

Jwan HaddoECA graduate