Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA)
Start your career with the Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) Program at Apex Community College in Surrey, BC.
- Updated on: August 4, 2026
☰ Program Description
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the historical and theoretical aspects of child development, preparing students for careers as Education Assistants (EA) and other inclusive education support professionals. Students will examine physical, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional growth across the lifespan, with a focus on early childhood. Key topics include developmental theories, genetic and environmental influences, and strategies to support diverse learning needs in classroom and educational settings. This course helps students develop the foundational knowledge required to support children with diverse learning abilities in schools, childcare environments, and inclusive learning programs.
This program is offered in partnership with Toronto Economics and Management College.
✓ Admission Requirements
ECEA 100 – Growth and Development for Young Children
Applicants to the Education Assistant (EA) Program must meet the following admission requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, BC Dogwood Diploma).
- Minimum age of 19 for mature students without a high school diploma.
- English proficiency demonstrated by one of the following:
- Completion of 3 years of full-time secondary or post-secondary education in English.
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 5.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 46.
- CELPIP: Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, Writing 5.
- CAEL: Overall score of 40.
Meeting these Education Assistant program admission requirements ensures students have the academic background and English language proficiency needed to succeed in the program and prepare for careers supporting students with diverse learning needs in inclusive classrooms, schools, and educational settings.
◉ Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Understand various theoretical frameworks related to child development.
Recognize the continuous nature of growth and development.
Identify signs of developmental delays and appropriate interventions.
Career opportunities for ECEA – Upon completion of this program, graduates will be
equipped to work as:
- ECE Assistants in Day Care Centers
- ECE Assistants in Preschools
🗹 Additional Information
Delivery Method(s)
Indicate how the program is delivered
In-class instruction: 100% hours of instruction delivered in a classroom or other setting, where instructors share the same physical space as students.
Distance education: 100% hours of instruction, excluding work experience hours, if applicable, delivered remotely from a BC location.
If distance or combined delivery is indicated, the online components are:
Synchronous, meaning students attend classes virtually in ‘real time’ with instructors and classmates.
➤ Apply Now
Key Information
- Start Date: Continuous Intakes
- Program Duration: 100 hours
-
Total Tuition Fee: $1,250
Tuition Fees $900
Textbook Fees $250
Materials Fees $100 - Delivery Method(s): In-class instruction + Distance education
