Early Childhood Assistant (ECA)
The NACC Early Childhood Assistant 2021 diploma program provides theoretical and practical training for childcare settings. It covers child development, health, safety, nutrition, and psychology, with hands-on experience through Practicum I and II.
Duration: 41-52 weeks/up to 12 months/1000 hours
Theory Hours: 675 hours
Delivery Mode: Hybrid & In-Person
Language: English
Credentials: NACC ECA Diploma
Choose from hybrid or in-person delivery methods to best suit your lifestyle and learning preferences.
Start your journey with Hanson’s ECA program and gain the skills, confidence, and hands-on experience to thrive in the healthcare field.
What you will learn:
Graduates of the PSW program will confidently demonstrate the ability to:
- Understand the PSW’s vital role across healthcare settings, adhering to regulations and policies
- Prioritize safety for clients and colleagues alike in every setting
- Recognize age-related changes and apply knowledge in disease management, rehabilitation, and restorative care
- Maintain high standards of hygiene, infection prevention, and injury avoidance
- Uphold confidentiality and ensure respectful, private care for clients
- Recognize and respond professionally to abuse and neglect scenarios
- Deliver holistic care, supporting both clients and their families, and work collaboratively with healthcare teams
- Follow Ontario’s Residents’ Bill of Rights, as outlined in the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021
- Offer supportive care to individuals with cognitive, mental health, or behavioral challenges
Practicum I: 125 Hours
Field practice provides a continuum of experience that gives the student the opportunity to integrate an apply theory. The student must demonstrate the necessary self-awareness, attitudes and skills that enable him/her to work competently with children, families and co-workers. All students complete a field practice with infants or toddlers, preschoolers and school age children.
Practicum II: 200 Hours
Students are assigned to a preschool department of a licensed daycare centre, early learning centre, or kindergarten classroom. Students apply the basic principles of practice learned in class. Faculty supervisors visit the agencies, observe students with children, clarify student expectations & responsibilities & provide feedback regarding strengths & needs. Final grades will be assigned based upon the competencies & grading system outlined in the NACC ECA Handbook.
Field practice provides a continuum of experience that gives the student the opportunity to integrate an apply theory. The student must demonstrate the necessary self-awareness, attitudes and skills that enable him/her to work competently with children, families and co-workers. All students complete a field practice with infants or toddlers, preschoolers and school age children.
Practicum II: 200 Hours
Students are assigned to a preschool department of a licensed daycare centre, early learning centre, or kindergarten classroom. Students apply the basic principles of practice learned in class. Faculty supervisors visit the agencies, observe students with children, clarify student expectations & responsibilities & provide feedback regarding strengths & needs. Final grades will be assigned based upon the competencies & grading system outlined in the NACC ECA Handbook.
- Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma (General Education Development Test), or
- Equivalent: Foreign credentials must be translated into English and assessed for Grade 12 equivalency by a recognized organization such as WES (World Education Service), or
- Mature student scoring 14 or more on the Wonderlic SLE. Mature student status may be granted to applicants who are over 19 years old and do not have a high school diploma or GED, and
- If English is not a student’s first language, they must provide proof of English competency (see next slide).
- Minimum mark of 70% in each module with no evaluation method below 70%.
- Minimum mark of 70% with no critical deficiencies in each of the skills, Performance Demonstrations.
- Current First Aid and CPR Certification (Healthcare Provider Level).
- Demonstrate a satisfactory attendance record by completion of the PSW Attendance Form to be kept in the student’s file. All students must complete the 400 hours. If for any reason time is missed, it must be made up and documented.
- Clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening within 45 days of commencement of study.
- Medical Report within 45 days of commencement of study stating that the student is fit to complete all components of the program and has up-to-date immunization status.
- Clear Covid-19 test within one week of commencing practicum and/or other expectations in accordance with Public Health requirements.
Payment Plans and Financial Support:
Payment Plans and Financial Support:
Flexible Interest Free Payment Plans
- For domestic students (Canadian citizens, PR holders, or refugees):
- Assistance with Better Jobs Ontario applications or microloans through third-party providers.
Employment Opportunities for ECA Graduates:
- Childcare Centres & Daycares
- Preschools & Montessori Schools
- Before & After School Programs
- Private Homes & Nanny Services
- Community & Recreational Programs
- Specialized Care Settings
Financial Aid:
- Assistance with getting up to $28,000 in Better Jobs Ontario funding application.
- Micro-loans through third-party providers.
- Flexible Payment Plans
