An educator smiles as she helps to children ride a red bicycle outside.

Early Childhood Assistant Training Program

Imagine helping to spark the curiosity in young children every single day. That’s the joy and responsibility you take on when stepping into the centre as an Early Childhood Assistant.
An educator smiles as she helps to children ride a red bicycle outside.

The Early Childhood Assistant Training Program at the Learning Enrichment Foundation offers a pathway to a rewarding career in childcare. With over two decades of experience, our program equips you with the skills and experience needed for roles in childcare facilities or home child care across the city.

This 14-week program is approved under the ‘Private Career Colleges Act, 2005’ and provides a comprehensive childcare curriculum. You will gain practical experience through two placements, totaling 320 hours in the childcare field. Topics covered include legislative provisions in the Child Care Early Years Act, 2014, health and safety, behavior guidance, nutrition, and curriculum planning.

Working closely with our experienced instructors and childcare staff, you will build the essential skills needed to become Early Childhood Assistants. Upon completion, you will earn the following certificates:

  • LEF Early Childhood Assistant Certificate

  • Standard First Aid,

  • Standard First Aid & CPR Level C.

  • WHMIS

  • Food Handler

Early Childhood Assistant Training Program for Newcomers

This program provides the necessary foundation and support to thrive in the Child Care sector while also helping you as a newcomer to build a strong sense of belonging in your new community.

The Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) Training for Newcomers Program is a 21-week comprehensive course designed to support newcomers with intermediate English language skills interested in Child Care career training. The program includes ECA skills training, ECA Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT), and two work placements in the childcare field. It is offered both online and in person, providing flexibility for participants. 

Throughout the program, you will work closely with experienced instructors and childcare staff who are experts in the field. This hands-on experience ensures that you gain practical knowledge and relevant skills to excel in your roles as Early Childhood Assistants.

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

Eligibility:

  • CLB 5-7

  • Ontario Works recipient

  • Fully vaccinated as per public health guidelines

LEF Child Care

LEF child care centres are the heart of our communities, built on a foundation of strong relationships with children, families, and community partners.
Learn about our Child Care Program

Other programs

  • Building Maintenance and Superintendent Training
    LEF's BMST program offers hands-on building maintenance training with certifications, placement opportunities, and career support to launch your career in property management.
  • Warehouse Essential Skills
    LEF's Warehouse Essential Skills program offers forklift certifications, warehousing training, job search support, and skills development for Ontario Works recipients.
  • Bicycle Assembly and Maintenance (BAM)
    LEF's Bicycle Assembly and Maintenance program offers hands-on training in bicycle mechanics, bike repair experience and a certification at the Weston Wheels Bike Shop.

LEF is registered as an Ontario Career College with the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities, to view key performance indicators for PCCs, please click here: 

https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/private-career-colleges-pcc-key-performance-indicators


Read the Student Violence, Harassment, and Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy Policy here.