
- Lessons: 122
- Duration: 1000 hours
Epic College of Technology is offering a program designed by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC). This program prepares students with the knowledge and skills required to work as Early Childhood Assistants in childcare and early learning centers. It also trains students to effectively support the emotional, physical, and educational development of children in professional settings. Students will participate in two supervised practicum placements, where they will gain hands-on experience in the field. Upon completion, students will have the foundational skills and practical training needed to pursue a career or further education in Early Childhood Education.
The NACC Early Childhood Assistant program offers students quality education and training delivered by highly experienced professionals. The program teaches students the knowledge and practical skills required to become successful Early Childhood Assistants.
Admission Requirements
Student has an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or Is 19 years of age or older on or before the program begins and can pass a qualifying test that has been approved by the Superintendent.
Duration : 1000 hours
Diploma Program Highlights
Foundations of Early Childhood Education
Child Development and Learning
Early Learning and Care
Creating Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive Environments
Observation Strategies and Child Assessment
Planning and Implementing Play-Based Curriculum
Supporting Emotional, Physical, and Intellectual Development
Communication with Families, Colleagues, and Community Partners
Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children
Guidance for Proper Eating, Dressing, and Toilet Habits
Understanding Cognitive and Behavioural Challenges
Working with Children from Diverse Cultures and Backgrounds
Knowledge of Early Childhood Legislation and Ethical Standards
Advocacy for Children, Families, and Quality Learning Environments
Reflective Practice and Lifelong Professional Learning
CPR and First Aid Certification
Career Opportunities
Early Childhood Assistant
Child Care Assistant
Preschool Assistant
Early Learning Program Assistant
Home-Based Child Care Provider
Kindergarten Classroom Assistant
Early Intervention Program Assistant
School Readiness Program Assistant
Community Child and Family Support Worker
Infant and Toddler Caregiver
Special Needs Childcare Assistant
Daycare Worker
Playgroup Leader
Early Childhood Program Facilitator
Community Personal Support Worker
Child Development Assistant
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
- Work in childcare centres, home-based childcare, early learning programs, and community child and family support centres, supporting children from infancy to school age.
- Apply their knowledge and skills to support children with diverse abilities, interests, and developmental needs.
- Assist in designing and implementing play-based learning activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and intellectual growth.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with children, families, colleagues, and community partners.
- Support children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through daily activities and guided interactions.
- Observe and assess children’s strengths and challenges, assisting in referrals for further assessment or intervention when needed.
- Maintain a nurturing, safe, and inclusive environment that promotes well-being and positive learning experiences for all children.
- Encourage proper habits in eating, dressing, hygiene, and social interaction in children from infancy to 12 years of age.
- Participate in staff meetings, assist with record-keeping, and collaborate with supervisors to support centre operations.
- Advocate for quality early learning environments and engage in ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
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Foundations of Early Childhood Education
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Lesson 1.1Self Regulation
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Lesson 1.2Play-Based Learning
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Lesson 1.3Early Child Care and Education
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Lesson 1.4Early Child Care and Education in Canada
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Lesson 1.5Outdoor Play
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Lesson 1.6Overview of Curriculum Approaches
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Lesson 1.7Early Learning Frameworks
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Lesson 1.8The Early Learning Environment
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Lesson 1.9Learning Experiences
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Lesson 1.10Intentional Teaching
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Lesson 1.11Quality Child Care Matters
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Lesson 1.12Early Childhood Programs and Policies in Canada
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Lesson 1.13Professionalism
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Communications
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Infant and Child Development
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Lesson 3.1Overview of Child Development
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Lesson 3.2Interaction Between Biology and Experience
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Lesson 3.3Prenatal Development and Newborns
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Lesson 3.4Physical Development During First 2 Years
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Lesson 3.5Cognitive and Language Development During First 2 Years
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Lesson 3.6Socio-emotional Development During First 2 Years
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Lesson 3.7Physical Development of Children Aged 2-6
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Lesson 3.8Supporting Physical Development of Children Aged 2-6
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Lesson 3.9Cognitive Development 2-6
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Lesson 3.10Supporting Cognitive and Language Development
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Lesson 3.11Socio-emotional Development
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Lesson 3.12Supporting Social-emotional Development
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Lesson 3.13Play theories
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Observation Skills
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Lesson 4.1Factors that influence children’s learning
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Lesson 4.2Appropriate surveillance and data collection
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Lesson 4.3Current research in observation skills
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Lesson 4.4Ethical standards
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Lesson 4.5Introduction to Observation
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Lesson 4.6Observing Development
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Lesson 4.7Written Observation
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Lesson 4.8Objective observation documentation
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Lesson 4.9The observation cycle
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Lesson 4.10Child development theories
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Lesson 4.11Supporting First Nations, Inuit, Metis children aligned with Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Framework (IELCC)
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Health Safety and Nutrition
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Child, Family and Community
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Practicum I
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Introduction to Sociology
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Play-Based Early Learning Strategies
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Lesson 9.1Inclusive play-based experiences
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Lesson 9.2Creative arts and sensory experiences
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Lesson 9.3Principles of zones
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Lesson 9.4Authentic materials
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Lesson 9.5The value of play
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Lesson 9.6Research in play-based learning
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Lesson 9.7Early learning curriculum
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Lesson 9.8Ontario Early Learning Framework
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Lesson 9.9Resources and strategies
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Language and Literacy
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Introduction to Psychology
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Guiding Children’s Behavior
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Lesson 12.1Ethical issues and professional ethical codes
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Lesson 12.2Aggressive behaviors
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Lesson 12.3Early childhood professional’s role
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Lesson 12.4Positive relationship
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Lesson 12.5Nonverbal communication
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Lesson 12.6Verbal communication
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Lesson 12.7Emotional support
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Lesson 12.8Peer relationships
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Lesson 12.9Self-regulation
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Lesson 12.10Resilience
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Creating Inclusive Environments
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Lesson 13.1Inclusive approach to education
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Lesson 13.2Canadian legislation through early intervention
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Lesson 13.3Partnerships with families
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Lesson 13.4The educator’s role in an Inclusive Program
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Lesson 13.5Typical and atypical development
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Lesson 13.6Developmental differences
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Lesson 13.7Assessment
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Lesson 13.8Individual Education Plans (IEP)
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Lesson 13.9Transition planning
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Lesson 13.10The inclusive learning environment
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Lesson 13.11Facilitating development
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Special Needs
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Lesson 14.1Introduction to Special Needs
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Lesson 14.2Adapting ECE curricula
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Lesson 14.3Partnership with families
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Lesson 14.4Developing IFSP
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Lesson 14.5Designing instructional programs
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Lesson 14.6Teaching children with special needs
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Lesson 14.7Promoting emotional and social development
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Lesson 14.8Motor and self-care skills
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Lesson 14.9Nurturing communication skills
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Lesson 14.10Cognitive skills
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Lesson 14.11Teaming
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Practicum II