Early Childhood Assistant Diploma
Build your early childhood assistant career through training in child development, health, safety, inclusive play-based learning, and immersive practicums.
Your Future as an Early Childhood Assistant
As an early childhood assistant (ECA), you nurture children's growth and well-being while supporting educators in creating safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environments. From daycare centres and preschools to early learning programs, you play a vital role in shaping positive early experiences that build strong foundations for lifelong success.
What You Need to Know in 30 Seconds
The Early Childhood Assistant Diploma at Anderson College is a 40-week hybrid program — 675 hours of scheduled, instructor-led online classes with active video participation, plus in-person CPR and First Aid training and two in-person practicum placements (325 hours). Students work alongside educators to create safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environments across daycares, preschools, and early-learning programs.
The curriculum covers early childhood education foundations, infant and child development, observation and documentation, child health, safety, and nutrition, play-based learning, language and literacy, creative arts and sensory play, inclusive and anti-bias practices, and support for children with special needs. Students also build professional communication skills, guidance strategies, and employment readiness. Practicum I is an infant/toddler placement (125 hours) and Practicum II is a preschool/early-learning placement (200 hours).
Instructors bring early childhood education expertise, backed by Anderson's 140+ year commitment to student success and an alumni network for ongoing career growth. Career services — resume building, interview preparation, and job-fair access — are available for life. Financial Assistance may be available to those who qualify; our Admissions team is happy to walk through the options.
- Program Length
- 40 Weeks (675 Online + 325 Practicum Hours)
- Delivery
- Hybrid (Online + In-Person Practicums)
- Credential
- Diploma — NACC Curriculum
- Admission
- OSSD + Gr 12 English (or Mature with Wonderlic SLE 14+)
- Funding
- Financial Assistance may be available to those who qualify
- Career Services
- Lifetime, for all alumni
Why This Program Stands Out
Fast-Track Hybrid Training:
Graduate in 40 weeks; includes online classes, in-class training in CPR/First Aid and 13-week externship.
Dynamic Placements:
Two practicums span working with infants/toddlers and preschool/early learning.
Real-World Skills:
Master skills in child development, health, safety, nutrition, play-based learning, and inclusion.
Leading-Edge Support:
Industry-expert instructors, a committed team with a 140+ year track record of student support.
Career Services – for Life:
Resume building, interview prep, job fairs – all you need to land your first, or next, career.
What To Expect
- 01
Online (675 hours), scheduled instructor-led classes with active video participation.
- 02
Engaging virtual learning with admin support and two in-person ECA placements (325 hours).
- 03
Learn to support child growth, foster safe environments, and promote inclusive early learning.
What You'll Learn
Tap a card to explore the curriculum.
Ask Your Admissions Advisor About Financial Aid
Financial Assistance may be available to those who qualify
Admissions Readiness Hub
- Grade 12 Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), Canadian Secondary School Diploma or equivalent.
- Grade 12 English - College or University Track.
- Copy of Diploma and High School Transcript required.
- OR International Student and/or Applicant with foreign credentials. All foreign credentials must be translated into English and compared for Grade 12 equivalency by a recognized organization such as World Education Services (www.wes.org).
- OR Mature Student with a score of 14 or more on the Wonderlic SLE (or other MCU approved test – Note: CAT and CAST can no longer be used). Mature student status may be granted to applicants who are over 19 years of age and do not have a Canadian high school diploma or GED.
Career Outlook
Graduates are qualified for these ECA career opportunities:
- Early Childhood Assistant
- Childcare Worker
- Early Learning Support Worker
- Daycare Assistant
- Preschool Aide
- Child Development Assistant
- Early Years Educator
- Inclusion Support Worker
- After-School Program Assistant
- Early Childhood Education Assistant
- Infant-Toddler Caregiver
- Play-Based Learning Facilitator
The demand for ECAs is expected to remain strong due to factors such as increasing enrolment in early childhood education programs, a growing emphasis on early learning, and a high rate of retirements within the field. These factors contribute to a favorable job market for graduates.
Workplace settings ECA graduates can apply their skillset:
- Daycare Centres
- Preschools
- Early Learning Centres
- After-School Programs
- Community Centres
- Private Homes (as nannies or caregivers)
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Educational Support Services
- Special Needs Programs
- Recreational Facilities
- Summer Camps
- Child and Family Support Agencies
Career pathway & pay (Ontario)
This program prepares graduates for roles classified under NOC 42202 (Early childhood educators and assistants). Median wage: $22.00/hour — Job Bank (Ontario), 2025.
Employment outlook: Good (2025-2027) — Job Bank, Ontario.
How We Prepare You for Success
Hybrid program is delivered by instructors with early childhood education expertise and includes two diverse hands-on practicums.
Anderson community dedicated to your career and life success; we are student-centred and have been a partner to over 150,000 students, over 140 years.
Career services team empowers you to stand out to employers, from resume positioning to interviews and networking at job fairs, post-graduation – for life!
Access to our alumni network – potential job leads as you launch and grow your career, networking opportunities with hundreds of Anderson graduates and leading professionals.
Is an Early Childhood Assistant career right for you?
This three-minute online quiz reveals your strengths, communication style, and ideal career path. Get your personalized results now and discover whether an early child care assistant program is the best fit for you.
Take the Early Childcare Career Discovery QuizFunding your Early Childhood Assistant Program
Multiple financial-aid pathways — from government loans and bursaries to interest-free college financing. Pick the path that matches how you'd like to fund your studies.
Tuition Fees: For the most current and detailed information on program-specific fees, please contact our Admissions team directly; we'll be happy to discuss the details with you.
What's Included: Your tuition covers all course materials, access to the online learning platform, and comprehensive career services support.
Financial Aid: We aim to make the financial part of this process as easy to navigate as possible. We're here to help and are happy to support as you survey your options.
Please Note: Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
Loans & Grants
Personal Financing
Education Savings & Tax Benefits
See It in Action
Get Your Custom Program Information Package
Answer a few quick questions to discover the program, campus details, dedicated faculty, and Anderson's unwavering commitment to your success. Your journey to excellence starts here.
Still Have Questions?
An Early Childhood Assistant nurtures and supports young children's growth, learning, and well-being by engaging them in developmentally enriching activities under the guidance of educators.
Faculty
Experienced, industry-expert instructors who bring real-world experience to the classroom.
From the Anderson Blog
Articles for future Early Childhood Assistants
Apr 22, 20265 Things to Consider Before Enrolling in an Early Childcare Assistant Program
Nov 17, 2025What an Early Childcare Assistant Does and Why They Matter
Nov 3, 2025From Stuck to Soaring as a Childcare Assistant: Rajni’s Story
Sep 22, 2025Andrea’s Passion Leads to Thriving Childcare Assistant Career
Sep 9, 2025Essential Resources Every Early Childhood Assistant Should Know
Ready to start your career in Early Childhood?
Your future as a key player in early childhood development begins here. Take the first step toward becoming a qualified and in-demand Early Childhood Assistant.
Get Your Custom Program Information Package
Answer a few quick questions and an Admissions Advisor will share program details, campus options, funding pathways, and the next steps tailored to your goals.
Fall 2026 Bursary · Ends Oct 31
Start Early Childcare Assistant between Sept 1 and Oct 31, 2026 and receive your $1,885 bursary when you graduate. Speak to an Advisor to find out how.
We respect your privacy
We use first-party cookies to understand how visitors find our programs and to keep your form sessions secure. Essential cookies are always on; analytics are optional.