Child Care Assistant

Classes are interactive and involve learners in group discussions, research, role plays, practical application of skills, and presentations.  Active participation in class is expected. As learners progress through this program, they will build their confidence levels, gain experience, and increase their ability to perform in real situations.  Embedded within the curriculum are job search strategies, industry vocabulary, computer skills, and professional behaviours (also referred to as Skills for Success, which will help learners improve their success in the workforce).

Upon the successful completion of the program, graduates may apply for a Level 1 Early Childhood Educator Certificate through the Alberta Child Care Staff Certification Office.

This course is developed as a blended delivery model (a combination of face-to-face and online). It includes a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning.

It is strongly recommended that online learners have:

• Daily access to a reliable computer (Windows Pc recommended) for the full duration of the class
• Reliable internet service with high-speed internet. A cable connection is recommended
• A comfortable chair
• A workspace away from distractions
• A working microphone and video camera
• Earphones or earbuds (optional)
• Childcare in place

This program offers 2 program lengths: 48 or 32 weeks.

Childcare Assistant (48 week) program:

• Language entry requirement – CLB 4
• Academic entry requirement – English Grade 5 and mathematics Grade 4

Childcare Assistant (32 week) program:

• Language entry requirement – CLB 5
• Academic entry requirement – English Grade 6 and mathematics Grade 5

Before entering the program, all participants must be able to:

• meet the required language entry requirement (where applicable)
• achieve satisfactory results on the Columbia College assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and math
• successfully complete a Columbia College computer skills assessment (or equivalent) that will address basic computer skills (which includes basic internet and email knowledge), and introductory Microsoft Word
• successfully complete an entry interview with the Career and Employment Coordinator for suitability

Additionally, applicants must:

• be an Alberta resident (or address in city of Lloydminster) 
• be unemployed or marginally employed
• be committed to seeking employment
• meet citizenship requirements (e.g., Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Convention Refugee) and be legally entitled to work and train in Canada

Childcare Assistant (48 week) program:

• Essential Skills English
• Essential Skills Math
• Childcare Fundamentals and Career Development

Childcare Assistant (32 week) program:

• Essential Skills English
• Essential Skills Career Development
• CCS3110: Early Learning & Child Care 1 (Alberta Education)
• CCS3120: Early Learning & Child Care 2 (Alberta Education)
• CCS3130: Early Learning & Child Care 3 (Alberta Education)
• CCS3140: Early Learning & Child Care 4 (Alberta Education)
• CCS3150: Early Learning & Child Care 5 (Alberta Education)
• 5 weeks of work experience (practicum)

Additional Certificates may be earned in:

• Standard Childcare First Aid and CPR
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• Environmental Public Health – AHS Classroom Course in Child Care
• Nourishing Beginnings – Module 1: Supporting Young Eaters and Module 2: Learning Together with Food

In the final 5 weeks of the training program, learners will attend 5 weeks of work experience (practicum) where they will be challenged to apply all areas of acquired classroom knowledge to practical real-life circumstances.  Work hours will be a minimum of 25-40 hours per week (depending on the employer’s needs) for the duration of the practicum placement.

Additionally, learners may be awarded 5 one credit courses (CCS3110, CCS3120, CCS3130, CCS3140, and CCS 3150) on an Alberta Education post-secondary education transcript.  High school transcripts are not connected to Columbia College but can be requested through the Government of Alberta with a myPass account. 

Please note the Level 1 Early Childhood Educator certificate awarded by the Alberta Government is not provided by Columbia College.  Graduates must submit an online application after graduation and electronically submit their Alberta Education post-secondary education transcript along with the application.