675 Hours
325 Hours
9 months
In-Person, Online & Hybrid
The Early Childhood Assistant Diploma Program prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to support infants, toddlers, preschool and school-aged children. Students learn about child development, health and safety, communication, inclusive programming, play-based learning, and family engagement, supported by two practicum placements in early learning environments.
Early Childhood Assistant graduates can apply their skills in childcare, preschool, early learning, community, and family-support environments
Support early childhood educators with daily learning activities, routines, supervision, and child development needs.
Assist with play-based learning, observation, communication, and age-appropriate developmental activities.
Support school-aged children through supervised activities, routines, and inclusive programming.
Provide care and developmental support for young children in home-based childcare environments.
Assist children who require additional developmental or learning support in inclusive early childhood settings.
Support children and families through early learning, family engagement, and community-based programming.
Learn the foundations of working with young children and families, early learning frameworks, quality childcare, and relevant legislation.
Develop professional interpersonal communication skills to build positive and inclusive relationships within early childhood education settings.
Explore physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development from conception through early childhood and connect developmental theory to appropriate practice
Learn effective observation methods, ethical documentation practices, and techniques for recording clear, objective information about child development.
Build knowledge of children’s health, safety, nutrition, illness prevention, safe learning environments, occupational health and safety, and applicable childcare legislation.
Learn strategies for building positive partnerships with families, supporting family involvement, and creating inclusive and welcoming environments for diverse communities.
Develop skills for creating inclusive, play-based learning environments that respond to children’s abilities, interests, and individual support needs.
Learn how to adapt early childhood programming to support children with disabilities and special needs using current legislation and evidence-based practices
Apply classroom learning in a field placement with infants or toddlers under the guidance of a qualified early childhood educator
Explore key sociological concepts, research, social groups, family, community, multiculturalism, education, and social change.
Learn how to design inclusive play-based learning experiences, including creative arts and sensory activities that support children’s development.
Explore early language development and literacy while learning strategies to support communication through play-based and culturally responsive experiences.
Develop an understanding of psychological theories, research methods, human development, learning, behaviour, perception, and social psychology.
Complete a second field placement in a preschool department, licensed daycare centre, early learning centre, or kindergarten classroom.
The program is approximately 9 months and includes two practicum placements totaling 325 hours.
Students learn child development, observation, communication, health and safety, nutrition, inclusive programming, play-based learning, language and literacy, and family engagement.
Yes. The program includes two practicum placements: one with infants or toddlers and a second in a preschool, licensed daycare, early learning centre, or kindergarten setting.
The program is available in in-person, online, and hybrid formats.
Graduates may work in childcare centres, preschool and early learning programs, home-based childcare, before-and-after-school programs, early intervention settings, and other child and family support environments.
Admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, or mature student status with the required assessment, along with English language proficiency and other applicable requirements.
Yes. Practicum requirements include vulnerable sector screening, CPR Level C and Standard First Aid, and a completed medical report by a qualified medical practitioner.
Eligible graduates may apply directly to second year of Canadore College’s Early Childhood Education Diploma Program, subject to Canadore College’s admission criteria and acceptance.
