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Early Childhood Education Assistant
Early Childhood Education Assistant
About the Program
The Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) program prepares students to work with young children in a variety of early learning settings. The program provides students with the foundation for the stimulation and development of children’s intellectual, physical, and emotional growth within a child-centered environment.
The Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) program was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Career in
high demand
Child
Development
earn
certifications
Contact an Admissions Advisor for More Information Now!
Contact an Admissions Advisor for More Information Now!
Career Opportunities
Early Childhood Education Assistants
Daycare Assistants
Childcare Centre Assistants
Courses
Child Development
This course allows students to learn how children grow and develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. There will be an emphasis on needs at any given age and stage and strategies on how these needs can best be met.
Guiding and Caring
This course focuses on skills needed to guide young children positively in a childcare setting.
Health and Nutrition
This course will provide students with the theoretical principles of health, safety, and nutrition which they will be able to apply to the early childhood
curriculum.
Professional Communication
This course allows students to learn how children grow and develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. There will be an emphasis on needs at any given age and stage and strategies on how these needs can best be met.
Certifications
Students will earn skill certificates (First Aid/CPR) that are assets in Early Childhood Education.
Admission Requirements
Students are required to meet the following admission requirements:
Age or Education Requirement
Students must either:
● Be 19 years of age prior to the start of the program; or
● Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
English Proficiency Requirement
Students must also provide evidence of one of the following English proficiency requirements:
Secondary Education in English
Evidence that the student has successfully completed:
● 3 years of full-time secondary education between Grades 8 to 12; or
● 2 years of full-time secondary education, if completed in Grades 10, 11, or 12;
in the program’s language of instruction, in a country where that language is one of the principal languages.
Post-Secondary Education in English
Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction.
Approved English Language Proficiency Test
Verified results from one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.
● IELTS Academic – Minimum overall score of 5.5
● TOEFL iBT – Minimum overall score of 46
● CAEL – Minimum overall score of 40
● CELPIP – Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5
● Duolingo English Test – Minimum overall score of 95
● PTE Academic – Minimum overall score of 43
● Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam / FCE – Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
● Cambridge Linguaskill – Minimum overall B2 level
● LANGUAGECERT Academic – Minimum overall B2 level
● Michigan English Test / MET – Minimum overall B2 level
● iTEP Academic – Minimum overall score of 3.5
● EIKEN – Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1
Mature Student Applicants
Mature student applicants may be considered under the following conditions:
● The applicant is 19 years of age or older at the start of the program;
● The applicant is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
The applicant cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above.
In this case, the applicant must:
● Provide an attestation confirming they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages; and
● Complete an Accuplacer English Assessment and achieve the following minimum scores: Reading – 235, Writing – 235, WritePlacer – 4
Students are required to meet the following admission requirements:
Age or Education Requirement
Students must either:
● Be 19 years of age prior to the start of the program; or
● Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
English Proficiency Requirement
Students must also provide evidence of one of the following English proficiency requirements:
Secondary Education in English
Evidence that the student has successfully completed:
● 3 years of full-time secondary education between Grades 8 to 12; or
● 2 years of full-time secondary education, if completed in Grades 10, 11, or 12;
in the program’s language of instruction, in a country where that language is one of the principal languages.
Post-Secondary Education in English
Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction.
Approved English Language Proficiency Test
Verified results from one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.
● IELTS Academic – Minimum overall score of 5.5
● TOEFL iBT – Minimum overall score of 46
● CAEL – Minimum overall score of 40
● CELPIP – Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5
● Duolingo English Test – Minimum overall score of 95
● PTE Academic – Minimum overall score of 43
● Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam / FCE – Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
● Cambridge Linguaskill – Minimum overall B2 level
● LANGUAGECERT Academic – Minimum overall B2 level
● Michigan English Test / MET – Minimum overall B2 level
● iTEP Academic – Minimum overall score of 3.5
● EIKEN – Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1
Mature Student Applicants
Mature student applicants may be considered under the following conditions:
● The applicant is 19 years of age or older at the start of the program;
● The applicant is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
The applicant cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above.
In this case, the applicant must:
● Provide an attestation confirming they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages; and
● Complete an Accuplacer English Assessment and achieve the following minimum scores: Reading – 235, Writing – 235, WritePlacer – 4
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need prior experience to enroll in the Early Childhood Education Assistant program?
No. You do not need prior experience to enroll. The program is designed to teach you the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to begin working with children.
What types of jobs can I get after completing the program?
Graduates often work as Early Childhood Education Assistants in licensed childcare centers, preschools, daycare programs, and other similar settings.
Can graduates from this program immediately start working?
Certification by the Registry is required to work as an ECE Assistant in licensed childcare facilities in BC. Note that the ECE Assistant program offered by Excel Career College is not recognized by the Registry. Graduates must apply for certification through the equivalency process. For more information, please refer to the ECE Registry website.
What is the job outlook for early childhood education assistants in Canada?
The demand for early childhood education assistants is strong across Canada. Many provinces are expanding childcare programs, which increases the need for trained staff.
What skills are most important to succeed as an Early Childhood Education Assistant?
Patience, communication, and empathy are essential. You need to work well with children, families, and colleagues. Being organized, observant, and creative also helps you support learning and respond to the needs of children effectively.
What is the difference between an Early Childhood Educator and an Early Childhood Education Assistant?
An Early Childhood Educator (ECE) usually completes a diploma or degree and may take on leadership roles in planning programs and supervising staff. An Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) completes shorter training and supports ECEs by helping with daily activities, classroom routines, and caring for children.
What career paths can I pursue after starting as an Early Childhood Education Assistant?
Many assistants choose to continue their studies and become Early Childhood Educators with experience and further training.
300
total program
hours
15
weeks
total
3.5
months of
duration
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