Looking to launch a rewarding career working with children? At Cambridge College in Surrey, our Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) Certificate provides a clear pathway to becoming a certified ECEA in British Columbia.
This program blends key foundations of child development I, child development II, and Interpersonal Communication into one comprehensive certificate, offered in flexible formats with dedicated support every step of the way.
This course is an introduction to the growth and development of children from prenatal stages through early childhood (infancy to approximately 3 years). Students will explore how children develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially during the infant and toddler years. Emphasis is placed on understanding developmental milestones in these early stages, the individual needs of each child at a given age, and factors that influence development such as genetics, family, and culture.
The course also introduces major child development theories (e.g. attachment theory, Piaget’s sensorimotor stage, Erikson’s infancy stages) and how they explain behaviour and learning in the early years. Students will begin practicing observational techniques to record infant/toddler behaviour in order to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world child interactions. By the end, students should appreciate how rapid development in the first three years lays the foundation for later childhood growth.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: overall score of 43 or higher
Upon completion of this program the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Upon completion of the program, graduates may find employment in roles such as:
| Method of Delivery (reflect all methods used) | Contact Hours |
|---|---|
| Classroom (Instructor Led) | 45 hrs |
| Computer Based Training | 0 hrs |
| Distance Education | 0 hrs |
| TOTAL | 45 hrs |
S. No. | Topics & Objectives | Hours | Assessment |
1 | Intro to Child Development + Prenatal Development & Birth | 5 hrs | Participation, Quiz |
2 | Infant Physical Development + Infant Cognitive Development | 5 hrs | Worksheet, Short Essay |
3 | Language Development + Attachment & Social Development | 5 hrs | Group Task, Midterm Quiz |
4 | Toddlerhood & Observation + Toddler Physical & Motor Development | 5 hrs | Assignment, Quiz |
5 | Toddler Cognitive Development + Emotional Regulation | 5 hrs | Reflection Notes, Participation |
6 | Erikson’s Early Stages (0–3 yrs) + Temperament & Behaviour Guidance | 5 hrs | Worksheet, Scenario Response |
7 | Inclusive Development + Cultural Awareness + Health, Nutrition & Safety | 5 hrs | Short Essay, Quiz |
8 | Integration, Case Studies & Review | 5 hrs | Final Project |
9 | Optional Make-up / Extra Support / Instructor-Led Reflection | 5 hrs | Instructor Discretion |
| Total Hours | 45 |
|
This course is an introduction to the growth and development of children from prenatal stages through early childhood (infancy to approximately 3 years). Students will explore how children develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially during the infant and toddler years. Emphasis is placed on understanding developmental milestones in these early stages, the individual needs of each child at a given age, and factors that influence development such as genetics, family, and culture.
The course also introduces major child development theories (e.g. attachment theory, Piaget’s sensorimotor stage, Erikson’s infancy stages) and how they explain behaviour and learning in the early years. Students will begin practicing observational techniques to record infant/toddler behaviour in order to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world child interactions. By the end, students should appreciate how rapid development in the first three years lays the foundation for later childhood growth.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: overall score of 43 or higher
Upon completion of this program the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Upon completion of the program, graduates may find employment in roles such as:
| Method of Delivery (reflect all methods used) | Contact Hours |
|---|---|
| Classroom (Instructor Led) | 45 hrs |
| Computer Based Training | 0 hrs |
| Distance Education | 0 hrs |
| TOTAL | 45 hrs |
S. No. | Topics & Objectives | Hours | Assessment |
1 | Preschool Development Overview + Physical Development in Preschool | 5 hrs | Participation, Observation Journal |
2 | Cognitive Development in Preschool + Language & Literacy | 5 hrs | Worksheet, Group Activity |
3 | Social & Emotional Development + Guidance Strategies | 5 hrs | Reflection, Behaviour Sheet |
4 | Play-Based Learning + Transition to School (Age 6–8) | 5 hrs | Lesson Plan Exercise, Quiz |
5 | Physical & Cognitive Development (6–8 yrs) + Social Development (6–8 yrs) | 5 hrs | Class Discussion, Reflection Journal |
6 | Language & Literacy (9–12 yrs) + Emotional & Moral Development (9–12 yrs) | 5 hrs | Short Essay, Group Case Analysis |
7 | Diversity & Inclusion + Observation & Documentation (3–12 yrs) | 5 hrs | Reflection Paper, Observation Task |
8 | Final Review, Integration & Project Guidance | 5 hrs | Final Project |
9 | Optional Review / Project Completion / Instructor Discretion | 5 hrs | Make-up work, Support Sessions |
| Total Hours | 45 |
|
This course develops the communication skills and professional interpersonal abilities that are essential for working in early childhood settings. Students will learn about the communication process—including verbal and non-verbal techniques, active listening, professional writing, and cross-cultural sensitivity—and apply them to real-world childcare contexts. By the end, students will be confident in building collaborative relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: overall score of 43 or higher
Students completing this component will be able to:
Upon completion of the program, graduates may find employment in roles such as:
| Method of Delivery (reflect all methods used) | Contact Hours |
|---|---|
| Classroom (Instructor Led) | 45 hrs |
| Computer Based Training | 0 hrs |
| Distance Education | 0 hrs |
| TOTAL | 45 hrs |
S. No. | Topics & Objectives | Hours | Assessment |
1 | Foundations of Communication + Verbal/Non-Verbal Skills | 5 hrs | Participation, Quiz |
2 | Active Listening + Child Communication | 5 hrs | Reflection, Observation log |
3 | Parent Communication + Conflict Resolution | 5 hrs | Newsletter assignment, Scenario sheet |
4 | Team Communication + Cultural Awareness | 5 hrs | Peer feedback, Worksheet |
5 | Confidentiality & Ethics + Written Communication | 5 hrs | Quiz, Submission |
6 | Difficult Conversations + Stress & Regulation | 5 hrs | Grading rubric, Self-eval |
7 | Emergencies & Alerts + Parent Meeting Simulations | 5 hrs | Checklist, Final role-play |
8 | Practicum Prep & Review + Review Activity | 5 hrs | Exit ticket, Participation |
9 | Make-up Day / Project Support / Reflection | 5 hrs | Project consultation (optional) |
| Total Hours | 45 |
|