EARLY CHILDCARE ASSISTANT

      Admission Requirements

Grade12 or mature student status.
Good in English.
Fitness to complete the clinical placement.
Current immunization.
Certificates against T.B. and Hepatitis B.
Police check of criminal record (national)


                                     Graduation Requirements

Students must achieve an overall 60% average.

                              Career Opportunities

Our graduates will find a career in the following areas:
Child Care Assistant
Child Care Worker

Daycare
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Day Care Worker
Day Care Teacher
ECA Teacher

Preschool Baby Care Worker
Infant Day Care Worker
Nursery School Helper
Preschool Helper

The Early Childcare Assistant program was developed to equip childcare workers with valuable knowledge, skills and experience for employment as Assistants in day care 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.


Program Design

This module covers the requirements to set and achieve educational goals and gain exposure to market requirements and opportunities. The student will acquire tools for dealing with the challenges of being a student such as stress, note taking, studying, financial and time management.

Role of the Childcare Worker

This module covers the principles of professionalism in the childcare field. It includes manner, dress, attitude and the importance of the Childcare Assistant in a child's daycare experience and development.

Introduction to Technology

This module is designed to introduce the student to basic computer hardware, software, and uses. It provides the basics in using computers to complete assignments and essays. Additionally, it provides a good foundation for the module Children and Technology.

Observation Skills

Course work covers the skills required to observe children effectively. Written observations are made in a variety of settings and circumstances. Students draw from their practical experiences to add to the module. Pitfalls and problems with observation techniques are discussed.

Child Development

This module covers the multifaceted aspects of a child's development including physical, social, intellectual, emotional and moral components. An in-depth exploration of the complexity of child development is undertaken.

Guiding Children

This module covers concepts of enhancing child based play, encouraging age appropriate behaviours and using a variety of effective guidance techniques. Based on the day-to-day operations of a childcare facility, the theory and practical application of these concepts are observed and discussed.

 Program Planning

 
The students are introduced to the diverse components of effective program planning. Incorporated into program planning are a variety of activities that aid in a child's overall healthy development. The importance of dramatic play, circle time and problem solving activities are discussed.

 Children and Technology

A variety of children's software programs are examined to evaluate/assess the effectiveness of this medium for child development. Students have an opportunity to review programs and learn about their appropriate application in an early learning environment.

Communication Skills

The emphases in this module are on developing the skills to communicate in a clear, concise, articulate manner in both written and oral form. A variety of topics are included i.e. two way communication, listening skills, grammar, spelling, written notes and report completion.

Health and Safety

Health and safety standards and applications are studied and discussed in this critically important module. Students learn about healthy environments and how to educate children in managing their own good health habits. Child abuse recognition and prevention procedures are examined and sample policies are reviewed.

Nutrition

This module covers the theory and application of balanced, healthy nutrition for children O to 6. Basic food handling principles are discussed, while recipes are reviewed and assessed. Menu planning and compiling a resource of appropriate recipes and menus are incorporated.

First Aid and CPR

Upon the successful completion of this module, the student will have fulfilled the requirements for Standard First Aid and Level C CPR certification.