ECA Training for Internationally Trained Educators

The Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) Training Program for Internationally Trained Educators is an Ontario Bridge Training Program designed to support internationally trained professionals in translating their experience into meaningful roles in Ontario’s child care sector.

Through this 15-week program, you will receive technical training in child care sector standards, workplace communication, and industry-recognized certifications. You’ll also complete two hands-on practicum placements with local child care providers, giving you valuable Canadian experience in a real-world setting.

You will also get personalized job search support, including resume help, interview prep, and employment connections to help you secure work as an Early Childhood Assistant.

Throughout the program, you will learn from experienced instructors and collaborate with child care professionals who are passionate about the field. This hands-on experience will help you build practical knowledge and confidence as you begin your career in Ontario’s early years sector.

Essential certifications granted to those who complete the program include:

• WHMIS.

• Standard First Aid & CPR Level C.

• Food Handler Certificate.

• LEF Early Childhood Assistant Certificate

  Next Cohort

  Start Date:

  April 20th, 2026

  Information Session 1:

  February 4th @ 11 AM

  Information Session 2:

  February 5th @ 11 AM

  To register for the February 4th information session, click me.

  To register for the February 5th information session, click me.
  

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the program, you must:

• Be 18 years or older and currently living in Ontario

• Have international education and/or work experience in education or early childhood education

• Be available to attend in-person classes, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Have language proficiency at CLB 6 or higher, or equivalent

• Be willing to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Check and a medical certificate confirming immunizations

• Belong to one of the following immigration categories:

  • Permanent Resident

  • Naturalized Canadian Citizen

  • Approved Provincial Nominee (excluding International Student stream)

  • Convention Refugee or Protected Persons

  • Refugee Claimant with a 900-series SIN and open work permit

  • Visitor under emergency travel measures (e.g., CUAET) with a 900-series SIN and open work permit

FAQ

Q: Is this program free?
A: Yes, there are no tuition fees for participants. However, you may be required to pay for your Vulnerable Sector Police Check and Immunization Health Check form.

Q: Can I attend this program if I am on a Work Visa?

A: No, this program is funded by the provincial government and due to their requirements we are unable to accept those here on a Temporary Work Visa. No exceptions can be made to this rule. Please see above for full requirements.

Q: When does the program start?

A: Our next cohort begins April 20th 2026. 

Q: Can I attend this program remotely?

A: No, this program requires you to be available in person Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. However, some class hours may be held online, so we do require students to have an at home Wi-Fi set-up and access to a laptop or tablet.

Q: Where is this program located?
A: All classes are held at our head office location of 116 Industry St, Toronto, M6M 4L8, near Black Creek Drive / Eglinton Ave. W. Placements will be held at different child care centre locations across Toronto, but primarily in the west end of the city.

Q: Is placement paid?
A: No, this is an unpaid work placement of 320 hours.

Q: How many students do you accept?
A: We accept only 15 students per cohort. As there is lots of interest in this program, that means acceptance is very competitive.