Early Education Assistant
Credential / Level: Certificate | Institution: Gastown Business College (GBC)
The ECE1 – Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children program is a foundational Early Childhood Education Assistant Level 1 program designed
to prepare learners with the essential knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required to support the health, safety, nutrition, and overall
well-being of young children under the supervision of a certified Early Childhood Educator (ECE) in licensed child care and early learning environments.
This program is designed to meet the educational requirements toward Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) registration with the BC Early Childhood
Educator Registry and reflects industry standards, best practices, and regulatory expectations comparable to leading private post-secondary institutions in British Columbia.
Program Purpose
The purpose of this program is to prepare students to competently support ECE-certified educators by:
- Promoting children’s health, safety, and nutritional well-being
- Maintaining safe, hygienic, and developmentally appropriate learning environments
- Supporting daily routines, supervision, and planned activities
- Recognizing and responding appropriately to illness, injury, and emergency situations
- Working ethically, inclusively, and collaboratively within early learning settings
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply foundational health, safety, and nutrition principles in early childhood settings.
- Follow hygienic procedures for food preparation, storage, service, and clean-up
- Identify, assess, and respond appropriately to childhood illnesses, injuries, and emergencies
- Implement infection prevention and control practices, including pandemic preparedness
- Recognize potential abuse, neglect, and unsafe situations and take appropriate action in accordance with applicable provincial legislation and organizational policies
- Support children with allergies, special dietary needs, and diverse health requirements
- Assist ECE-certified educators with observation and documentation to support program planning
- Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, inclusive, and culturally responsive practice in early learning environments
Curriculum
Program Length
7 Weeks
Total Instructional Hours
45 Hours
Course Delivery
- (Distance Synchronous )
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for entry-level employment as Early Childhood Education Assistants (ECEAs) working under the supervision of a certified Early Childhood Educator.
Employment Settings May Include
- Licensed child care centres
- Infant, toddler, and preschool programs
- Before- and after-school care programs
- Early learning centres
- Family child care settings
Graduate Responsibilities May Include
- Assisting with daily routines, supervision, and transitions
- Supporting health, safety, and nutrition practices
- Maintaining clean, safe, and developmentally appropriate environments
- Assisting with observation and documentation
- Supporting planned activities and play-based learning
This program also provides a foundational pathway toward further education leading to Early Childhood Educator (ECE) certification and related specializations, subject to Registry requirements.
Delivery Method
- (Distance Synchronous )
Admission Requirements
Education Level (one of the following)
- Grade 12 or equivalent (GED, Adult Basic Education) with evidence of a ‘true certified copy’ or original transcript
- Mature student status (age 19 and one year out of high school)
Language Proficiency Policy
All programs at Gastown Business College (GBC) are conducted in English, making proficiency in the English language a requirement for enrollment.
English proficiency may be demonstrated through education in English, an approved English language assessment, or Accuplacer for eligible mature students.
Inclusive Practice & Professional Responsibility
This program emphasizes inclusive, culturally responsive, ethical, and respectful practice as expected in British Columbia’s early learning sector.
- Anti-bias and inclusive approaches
- Working with children with disabilities and diverse needs
- Respecting family diversity and Indigenous perspectives
- Professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical conduct
Assessment & Evaluation
Methods of evaluation vary amongst the courses in the program. Both formative and summative assessments are used to support student learning in accordance with GBC academic policies.
Required Textbooks & Materials
Marotz, L. R., Cross, M. Z., & Rush, J. M. Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child (7th Edition). Nelson Canada.
Certification / Licensing Pathway
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates may apply to the BC Early Childhood Educator Registry for Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) certification,
subject to Registry assessment, requirements, and approval.
Tuition Fees
Disclaimer: Program content and structure are subject to change to maintain regulatory compliance.