Sprott Shaw College Early Childhood Education Assistant (Certificate) Program

Early Childhood Education Assistant

Career Opportunities

• ECE Assistant

• Child Care Assistant

• Preschool Assistant

The Child Growth and Development course presents a comprehensive overview of the developmental changes that take place from conception to twelve years. Emphasis of the course will be on the individual needs of each child. It highlights current trends and issues in research, cultural influences, and examines variations in development.

The Interpersonal Skills course will provide the learners with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective communication. The focus will be to acquire and understand basic communication theory and to have well-developed receptive and responsive communication skills. This course will also examine the benefits of communication across cultures and, when possible, in more than one language. It highlights participation in groups to make decisions, solve problems and resolve conflicts as well as recognizing and responding appropriately to a wide range of individual communication styles in a variety of early childhood settings.

The Health, Safety and Nutrition course presents a comprehensive overview of three major topical areas:  children's health issues, safety concerns and management, and nutrition (basic and applied). It highlights current trends and issues in research and examines case studies in each area. The course will also provide the student with an in-depth study of communicable illnesses (process and effective control), dental health, health assessment tools, fire safety, playground safety, seat belt safety, child abuse and neglect, nutritional guidelines, four food groups, Canada Food Guide, menu planning and food safety.