NACC Program · Early Childhood
Early Childhood Assistant (ECA)
Care for Children During Their Most Influential Years
Gain the knowledge and skills to support the development and well-being of young children — through classroom learning and 490 hours of supervised practicum in licensed child care centres.
945 Hours
Total Hours
455 Hours in Class
Theory
490 Hours, Supervised
Practicum
14 Core Subjects
Curriculum
About the Program
Prepare for a Rewarding Career in Children’s Services
Our NACC Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) program equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to plan activities and provide care that helps children learn, play, and achieve their developmental outcomes.
The program combines theory with practical application in real child care settings — so you graduate ready to step into the workplace and support children during their most influential years.
- Government-approved vocational program
- Supervised placements in licensed centres
- Infant, toddler, and preschool experience
- A pathway toward becoming an RECE
Program Structure
How Your Program Progresses
- Complete your first core modules in class
- Practicum 1: Infant & Toddler
- Complete your remaining modules
- Practicum 2: Preschool (after successfully completing Practicum 1)
Each practicum takes place in a licensed day care or early learning centre, under supervision.
Career Pathway
Your First Step Toward RECE
Use your ECA credential as a foundation for further study. With our ECA to ECE Bridge Program, you can build toward becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) — opening doors to more responsibility and leadership roles.
Becoming an RECE requires completing an approved ECE program and registering with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
What You'll Learn
14 Core Subjects
A curriculum built around child development, care, and inclusive, play-based learning.
Child Development & Learning
Foundations of Early Childhood Education
The children’s services industry, its policies, and procedures.
Infant & Child Development
How children grow and develop from infancy through the early years.
Play-Based Early Learning
Plan activities and direct play that support developmental outcomes.
Language & Literacy
Support early communication, language, and literacy skills.
Observation Skills
Observe and document children’s development and learning.
Care, Health & Inclusion
Health, Safety & Nutrition
Keep children safe, healthy, and well-nourished.
Guiding Children’s Behaviour
Positive strategies to guide behaviour.
Creating Inclusive Programs
Plan programs where every child can participate.
Special Needs
Support children with diverse and special needs.
Standard First Aid & CPR-C
Respond confidently to emergencies.
Communication & Social Sciences
Communications
Professional communication with children, families, and colleagues.
Child, Family & Community
Work in partnership with families and community resources.
Introduction to Psychology
Foundations of human behaviour and development.
Introduction to Sociology
How society and culture shape children and families.
Program Hours
945 Hours of Training
Instructor-led classroom learning plus supervised practicum in licensed centres.
Why Choose This Program
Why Choose an Approved Program?
Attending an approved program means your education has been evaluated for quality.
A Reliable Indicator of Quality
An approved program has gone through a rigorous evaluation of educational quality.
Approved Program of Study
A government-approved vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
Qualified Instructors
Learn from qualified instructors in the classroom and during placement.
Recognized by Employers
A credential employers recognize and trust.
Supervised Placements
All students are supervised during their infant/toddler and preschool placements.
Pathway to ECE
Continue to our ECA to ECE Bridge Program when you’re ready.
Career Opportunities
Jobs You Can Apply For
Graduates are prepared for a rewarding and varied career in children’s services.
Early Childhood Assistant
Childcare Assistant
Room Leader / Team Leader
Playgroup Coordinator
Children’s Services Coordinator
Family Daycare Coordinator
Reliever in Early Childhood Programs
Nanny
Where You Can Work
Admissions
Admission Requirements
All candidates also have an interview with our coordinators to make sure the ECA program is the right fit.
Requirements
- Grade 12 high school diploma (college track)
- OR a university track from a Canadian high school (transcript required)
- OR be at least 18 years old and pass the entry assessment
Also required:
- Police check (criminal record clearance), produced within 30 days of starting the program
- An interview with our program coordinators
Financial Aid
Financial Barriers Shouldn’t Hold You Back
We offer a variety of financial aid programs designed to make your learning journey affordable and accessible. Speak with an Enrollment Advisor to explore the options you’re eligible for.
OSAP
Ontario Student Assistance Program for eligible students.
Better Jobs Ontario
Funding support for eligible career changers.
CTC
Ask our advisors about CTC eligibility.
Flexible Payment Plans
Spread your tuition into manageable payments.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ECA program?
The program totals 945 hours: 455 hours of instructor-led classroom theory and 490 hours of practicum placement.
Where do placements take place?
Each practicum takes place in a licensed day care or early learning centre, under supervision — Practicum 1 with infants and toddlers, and Practicum 2 in a preschool setting.
Is the program approved?
Yes. This program is approved as a vocational program under the ontario career colleges act, 2005.
What are the admission requirements?
A Grade 12 diploma (college or university track), or be 18+ and pass the entry assessment; a police check within 30 days of starting; and an interview.
Will I be a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)?
No — the ECA program prepares you for assistant roles. To become an RECE, you must complete an approved ECE program and register with the College of Early Childhood Educators. Our ECA to ECE Bridge Program can help you get there.
Is financial aid available?
Options include OSAP, Better Jobs Ontario, CTC, and flexible payment plans for eligible students.
How do I apply?
Click Apply Now or call (905) 554-8882. Seats are limited.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Our Admissions team is here to support you and ensure that your academic and career goals become a reality. Contact us today and take the first step towards a brighter future!