ECA Level One*
Early Childhood Assistant
You’re just starting out in the field, and want to begin right away. You look forward to a day full of excitement and play, but you don’t want to get caught up in management tasks. You like to leave work at work. You thrive in a supportive and nurturing work environment .
You're a good match for our Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) Certificate Program!
Overview:
- ECAs are trusted and trained to work in ratio with children in Nova Scotia. There are many programs that encourage and support people with ECAs to work toward an academic credential in the field. ECAs enjoy good work in a positive working environment. This provides a great way to try out the industry.
Opportunities:
- Work toward your first ECE-related Nova Scotia Classification Level.*
- Earn more than minimum wage.
- Take your first courses in Early Childhood Education knowing that you can use them toward future credit if you decide to continue your education.
Lifestyle:
- Work normal business hours.
- Typically have holidays off.
- Find steady work (not seasonal).
- Full-time employment.
Available Jobs:
- Early Childhood Educator. Childcare worker.
Expected Income:
-
$15 / hour is the salary floor in a publicly-funded licensed facility.
You Should Apply For:
-
Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) Certificate Program
*Understanding the difference between Certificates, Diplomas, Classification, and Certification
It's important to distinguish between certificates and diplomas, which you earn with us, and classification and certification, which the provincial government handles. Terminology varies by province
NSCECE provides your education and practicum experience and will issue you an Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) Certificate or an ECE Diploma.
Certification of your Classification is issued by Classification Services, Early Years Branch, at the Department of Education & Early Childhood Development. (We do not certify your level-one or level-two classification.)
The requirements for classification and the requirements to work in specific centres evolve with industry standards. You can find up-to-date information here: https://www.ednet.ns.ca/earlyyears/pd/ClassificationforStaff.shtml
