EARLY CHILDCARE ASSISTANT DIPLOMA PROGRAM The Early Childcare Assistant Diploma 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 is designed to give students an overview of the responsibilities of any 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 Working with people is among the fastest-growing and most-exciting profession in the service-related occupations. Early Childcare Assistant’s work with children in day care centres, preschools, elementary and high schools, and children or adults with special needs. You will enjoy working as an Early Childcare Assistant if you are genuinely committed to helping children learn. You must understand and be sensitive to the obstacles facing the children in your care. This might involve helping a child with a physical disability get dressed to go outside. You do whatever is necessary to help the child learn. You must be a team player who accepts the direction of the teacher in the classroom, or the instructions of other professionals responsible for the particular child or children under your care. Good interpersonal and communications skills are essential, as are energy and enthusiasm for the job. Employment opportunities: Live-in child care Day care facilities Preschools Public and private schools Special needs programs Residential facilities Social Services Home health aid agencies Insurance Companies Private home schooling Curriculum Orientation Role of Childcare Worker Introduction to Technology Observation Skills Childhood Development Guiding Children Program Planning Childen and Technology Health and Safety Nutrition First Aid/CPR Testing/Evaluation and Review Job Search Clinical Placement Theory and In-class Practical - 500 hours Clinica/Work Placement - 280 hours TOTAL - 780 hours

MODULE SUMMARIES For Early Childcare Assistant Programs Orientation 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 childs’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 good policies are reviewed. Nutrition This module cover the theory and application of balanced nutrition for children 0 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.