The Early Childcare Assistant program was developed to equip childcare workers with valuable knowledge, skills, and experience for employment as assistants in daycares or early learning centres.
It was designed to give students an overview of the responsibilities of an early childcare assistant and opportunities to perform those responsibilities.
In addition to covering early childhood development, program planning, communication, and other vital topics in childcare, the program also includes the role of computers in a childcare setting and how to use this tool to enhance the development in children.
Introduction to Early Child Care and Education
This module presents an overview of Early Child Care and Education. Students gain an appreciation of the historical development of child care and its impact on contemporary approach to care and curriculum. The role of government and associations in Canadian child care and education are explained. The QUAD principles in child care are introduced.
Roles and Responsibilities
Students are presented with the professional expectations of early childcare workers, including the roles and responsibilities, attitudes, ethical standards, and advocacy issues. In this module, students will discuss the importance of teamwork, effective work place communication, and role model being. There will be an opportunity to practice strategies for time and stress management, critical thinking and professional development.
Child, Family and Community
This module presents an in-depth look at the Canadian family and the challenges facing families. Working with parents or guardians and building partnerships with families through formal and informal communication is discussed. Students will also gain an understanding of community-based support programs available to assist families with specific challenges.
Introduction to Child Development
In this module students develop an appreciation and understanding of historical and contemporary theories of development, developmental domains, and research approaches to child development.
Introduction to Prenatal and Infant Development
In this module students develop an appreciation and understanding of historical and contemporary theories of development, developmental domains, and research approaches to prenatal and infant development.
Introduction to Toddler Development
In this module students develop an appreciation and understanding of historical and contemporary theories of development, developmental domains, and research approaches to toddler development.
Introduction to Preschool Development
In this module students develop an appreciation and understanding of historical and contemporary theories of development, developmental domains, and research approaches to preschool development.
Observation Skills
This module introduces the role of the observer and a variety of approaches to observing development. Ethical standards in observation and documentation are discussed. Writing concise, accurate, and objective observations is introduced along with a variety of tools for observation.
Guiding Children
This module looks at different care giving styles and how each style affects the development of the child. Dimensions of care giving are discussed and positive, developmentally appropriate techniques for guiding children are presented. Cultural sensitivity and various influences on child behaviour are discussed in the context of incorporating positive intervention and discipline strategies.
Curriculum Planning
This module introduces various approaches to curriculum and theories of learning. Curriculum environments and program documentation are covered in the context of developmentally appropriate practices. Various elements of curriculum are introduced including activities and themes, circle time and center activities. Play is presented as the main method for encouraging child development.
Written Communication Skills
Students are presented with skills to improve their proficiency in written communication and documentation in a child care setting. Attention to details in written communication through proof reading, referencing source material, and verifying the accuracy of numerical entries is stressed. Evaluating the reliability and accuracy of written material is discussed.
Health and Safety
This module presents concepts and strategies for developing and maintaining a safe and healthy child care setting. Students review Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) regulations, fire codes, and Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (W.H.M.I.S.) as well as discussing employer policies and procedures for emergencies. Child abuse recognition and responsibilities to report are covered. The role of the child care worker in children’s daily habits and routines is defined in addition to specific infant and toddler health issues. Students will also discuss personal health and wellness strategies.
Nutrition
This module looks at various factors that affect young children’s eating habits and stresses encouraging positive and healthy eating habits. Students look at Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Living as a basis for determining the variety of foods, the number of serving, and serving size when planning menus. Safe handling, preparation, serving, and storage of food are presented. Safety issues around eating are discussed as well as special dietary requirements.
CPR and First Aid Training
You will attend two full days of CPR and First Aid Training arranged by the college. After the successful completion of the two-day training, you will receive a CPR certificate which will be valid for a year and a certificate for First Aid which will last for three years. You can always come back to the college for renewal of your certifications.
NACC exam
We are a proud member of the NACC. Allents are required to write the NACC exam at the end of the program.
Placement
The college will arrange all the students to do their placement in a daycare centre for different ages of children after the successfully completion of the theory study.
