Duration: 6 weeks
Overview
The Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) program is designed to introduce learners to the foundational knowledge and responsibilities associated with supporting children in early learning and child care environments. This short-term certificate program provides an overview of child development, inclusive practices, health and safety considerations, and professional conduct within early childhood settings.
This program is suitable for individuals interested in gaining introductory knowledge of early childhood education support roles or those seeking to explore the field before pursuing further education or certification.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this program, learners will gain foundational understanding of:
- Basic child development stages and age-appropriate activities used in early learning environments
- Health, safety, hygiene, and nutrition principles relevant to the care of young children
- Supporting classroom routines, play-based learning activities, and daily program flow under educator guidance
- Introduction to observation and basic record-keeping practices commonly used in child care settings
- Supporting inclusive practices for children with diverse needs and cultural backgrounds
- Professional communication, teamwork, and ethical conduct within early learning environments
Learning outcomes are introductory and designed to support foundational awareness rather than independent practice.
Program Format & Duration
Duration: 6 weeks
Total Instructional Hours: 36 hours
Delivery Mode: Online (Asynchronous)
Schedule: Two module deadlines per week (no live classes)
Tuition and Fees
Learning Structure
The program is delivered through recorded lectures, guided readings, learning activities, and assessments. Students progress through the content independently while meeting weekly submission deadlines.
This program is fully online and does not include any in-person practicum, placement, or observation component.
Admission Requirements
Domestic Applicants
- Government-issued photo identification
- High school completion or equivalent
(Applicants without a high school diploma may be considered under a mature student pathway)
- English proficiency sufficient for post-secondary study
(Assessment may apply)
International Applicants
- Valid passport and appropriate study authorization (if required)
- Academic documents translated and/or assessed if not in English
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or internal assessment)
Credential Awarded
Certificate of Completion – Early Childhood Education Assistant
This credential is issued by Silver Oak College upon successful completion of the program requirements.
Career Outcomes
This program is designed to provide foundational knowledge for individuals interested in entry-level support roles in early learning and child care environments.
Potential roles may include:
- Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA)
- Child Care Assistant
- Child Care Support Worker
This program does not guarantee employment and does not provide automatic eligibility to work in licensed child care settings.
Certification & Professional Recognition
This program is a private college certificate and does not automatically grant certification with the British Columbia Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Registry.
Graduates who wish to work in licensed child care settings in British Columbia must apply separately to the ECE Registry, which independently determines eligibility based on its own assessment criteria.
Why Choose Silver Oak College
- Fully online, asynchronous learning designed to support flexible schedules
- Short-term certificate programs focused on foundational and practical knowledge
- Transparent tuition and program disclosures
- Structured learning materials and assessment-based progression
- Programs designed to align with entry-level industry expectations
