Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) Program
At the Toronto Academy of Education, we are dedicated to shaping the future of early childhood education by training compassionate and skilled Early Childhood Assistants (ECAs). The new National Association of Career Colleges (NACC)’s ECA Diploma program is widely recognized in the industry and is approved by Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) under Ontario Career College Act, 2005. It is designed to provide early childhood educators with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to support and contribute to the development and well-being of young children.
Graduates from the new NACC ECA program are eligible to get the opportunity for further career growth and academic advancement with the option of applying directly for Second year of Canadore College Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma Program under Exclusive Partnership of NACC and Canadore College through Academic Articulation Agreement subject to meeting Canadore’s other admission criteria and acceptance.
Program Overview
The Toronto Academy of Education is a proud member of the National Association of Career College (NACC) and Career Colleges of Ontario (CCO). Our new ECA Diploma program is accelerated and intensive 9-month program which encompasses two block placements of 125 hours and 200 hours each. It is available in-person, online and hybrid formats providing comprehensive training in the field of early childhood education.
ECAs play a crucial role in supporting the early development of young children. This program equips students with the essential knowledge, foundational skills and abilities needed for a rewarding and fulfilling career in early childhood education, addressing the increasing demand for ECAs and ECEs in Ontario.
The ECA Diploma program prepares graduates to work under the guidance of a qualified early childhood educator (ECE) with infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-aged children and their families in a variety of early learning settings including childcare centres, community child and family support centres, home-based childcare, Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten programs, and school readiness and early intervention programs. Graduates of the ECA program base their work with children and families on relevant pedagogy, theories and evidence-based practices, making informed choices based on their professional knowledge.
Key Elements of ECA Diploma Program
- EED1010: Foundations of Early Childhood Education: Students will gain knowledge of working with young children and their families in a diverse community, explore the early learning framework and examine the dimensions of high-quality childcare and the key components of current legislation.
- COMM1010: Communications: Introduction to professional interpersonal communication skills which will enable students to gain the skills necessary to establish inclusive relationships within the ECE community.
- PSYC1030: Infant and Child Development: Develop a comprehensive understanding of child development from conception through early childhood, examine the three major domains of young children’s physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development and connect to the developmentally appropriate practice to promote children’s development.
- ECED1020: Observation Skills: Role of the observer, various approaches to observing development, ethical standards for surveillance and documentation, writing concise, accurate and objective observations along with many observation tools.
- ECED1030: Health, Safety and Nutrition: Health, safety & nutritional needs of children and early childhood educators, importance of safe learning environments, prevention of illness, occupational health and safety, and current legislation in the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014.
- ECED1040: Child, Family and Community: Study ways of forming positive partnerships between families and educators, strategies facilitating family involvement, effective collaboration and communication skills with parents, current theories of parent education and issues in child learning, explore how to react and have an inclusive, welcoming and anti-bias environment for different family structures, culture, socio-economic status, religion and ethnicity.
- ECED1080: Creating Inclusive Programs: Approach for typical and atypical development of a child and learn to adjust their curriculum accordingly to meet the needs of all children, design environments that deliver an inclusive play-based curriculum that is meaningful and responsive to the child’s interests, approaches and tools needed to provide a high-quality learning environment, including the use of Individualized Intervention Plans.
- ECED1090: Special Needs: Develop an understanding of how to adapt the curriculum for young children with disabilities and special needs to make a difference in the lives of children and their families with emphasis is on the role of educators in planning support for both children and families through the latest legislation and trends and evidence-based practice.
- ECED1001: Practicum I: Field practice provides a continuum of experience that gives the student the opportunity to integrate and apply theory, complete a field practice with infants or toddlers, preschoolers and school age children under the guidance of a qualified early childhood educator.
- SOCI1000: Introduction to Sociology: introduction to the language and practice of sociological inquiry, basic concepts, research and theories in sociology, develop an appreciation of key groups and issues such as family, ethnic group, class, community, school, childcare, social change, women’s issues, social organizations, multiculturalism and immigration.
- ECCED1050: Play-Based Early Learning Strategies: Explore the foundations of play-based curriculum specific to young children in early learning and care environments to foster and facilitate inclusive, holistic learning and development, strategies to support the design of creative arts and sensory experiences.
- ECED1060: Language and Literacy: Theory related to language acquisition in the early childhood years, implementation of teaching techniques within a play-based curriculum, importance of early experiences such as social, cultural and linguistic diversity interactions for facilitating the development of language and literacy skills.
- PSYC1000: Introduction to Psychology: Overview of the theoretical approaches and empirical studies that have contributed to the nature of psychology, acquire an appreciation for research methodologies and for the range of influences that guide their own behaviour and experience, basic concepts and principles of individual behaviour particularly those of human development, normal and abnormal behaviour, social psychology, learning, perception, and psychological measurement.
- ECED1001: Practicum I: Field practice provides a continuum of experience that gives the student the opportunity to integrate and apply theory, complete a field practice with infants or toddlers, preschoolers and school age children under the guidance of a qualified early childhood educator.
- ECED1002: Practicum II: In the second placement, students are assigned to a preschool department of a licensed daycare centre, early learning centre, or kindergarten classroom.
Why Choose Us?
- Experienced and Expert Instructors: Learn from dedicated professionals who are passionate about early childhood education and deeply invested in your success.
- Registered Ontario Career College: Ensuring credibility and top-quality education, rigorous standards to deliver education of the highest caliber.
- Most Up-to-Date Program Curricula: Stay ahead with curricula that reflect the latest advancements and industry practices.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Foster your growth in a nurturing and encouraging atmosphere, commitment to embrace inclusion and diversity
- Small Class Sizes: Benefit from personalized attention and a focus on individualized learning.
- Convenient Campus Location: Easily accessible via public transit and major roadways for a hassle-free commute.
- Clean, Safe, and Secure Campus: Our campus always provides a conducive environment for learning.
- Flexible Learning Options: Choose from in-person, hybrid, full-time, and part-time schedules during weekdays, evenings and weekends tailored to fit your work life balance & lifestyle.
- Admissions Year-Round: Start your educational journey anytime with rolling admissions and monthly session starts.
- Industry Placement and Career Support: Gain practical experience through reputed industry placements and access to comprehensive career support services.
- Industry Networking and Career Events: Engage with industry professionals and participate in career-oriented events to expand your opportunities.
- Modern Teaching Facilities: Access cutting-edge facilities equipped with the latest technology for optimal learning experiences.
- Competitive tuition fees & Financial Support Available: Explore various financial aid options to support your educational goals.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the ECA program will have numerous rewarding career opportunities, including roles such as:
- Early Childhood Educator Assistant
- Childcare Centre Assistant
- Preschool Assistant
- Early Learning Centre Assistant
- Nursery School Assistant
- Home-Based Childcare Provider
- Parenting Support worker
- Before and After School Program Assistant
- Early Intervention Assistant
- Special Needs Support Assistant
Career Outlook for Early Childhood Assistants
Ontario places a strong emphasis on early childhood education, leading to a growing demand for qualified Early Childhood Assistants. According to Ontario’s Labour Market Information, job opportunities for ECAs are promising, ensuring job security, competitive wages and career stability. The recent updates to Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program present a significant opportunity for aspiring Early Childhood Assistants.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum Age requirement of 18 years or older
- Mature Student Status (Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) with min score of 14)
- Vulnerable Sector Disclaimer
- Medical Disclaimer
- English language proficiency
Practicum Placement Requirements
(with in 45 days of commencement of study)
- Police clearance of criminal records with vulnerable sector screening
- CPR (Level C) and Standard First Aid
- Completed Medical Report by Qualified Medical Practitioner
Enroll Today
Take the first step towards a rewarding career in early childhood education. Join the Early Childhood Assistant program at the Toronto Academy of Education and make a positive impact on the lives of young children.
For more information or to apply, please contact us at
info@torontoacademy.ca
or
call 905-565-1091
