Ascentia Career Institute's Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) program in Kelowna prepares you for a rewarding career working alongside lead educators in childcare centres, preschools, and early learning programs across British Columbia.

In just 15 weeks, you will learn child development, practical classroom strategies, nutrition and food safety, emergency response, and how to work respectfully with families from diverse backgrounds -- including Indigenous communities. First Aid/CPR, Food Safe, and WHMIS certifications are included in the program.

Hands-on work experience is built in -- you will complete 50 hours in a real early learning setting before you graduate. This career college program in Kelowna is designed to get you job-ready fast.

Upcoming Intakes

June 22, 2026 June 2026 Enrolling Now

Who Is This Program For?

The Early Childhood Education Assistant program in Kelowna is ideal for anyone who is passionate about working with young children and wants to enter the early learning field quickly. Whether you are starting a new career, returning to the workforce, or looking for a meaningful career change, this program gives you the training and certifications you need in under four months.

You do not need prior experience in education or childcare to apply. If you enjoy nurturing environments, are patient and caring, and want to make a real difference in children’s lives, this ECEA program at Ascentia Career Institute is built for you.

Certifications Included

Your tuition covers the cost of these industry certifications, which are completed during the program:

First Aid / CPR — Emergency First Aid with CPR Level C certification
Food Safe Level 1 — BC-recognized food handler certification
WHMIS — Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System certification

These certifications are required by most licensed childcare facilities in British Columbia and are included at no extra cost.

Curriculum and Course Breakdown

Over 15 weeks and 304 hours of instruction, the ECEA program covers the following major modules:

Child Growth and Development — Understanding developmental milestones from infancy through school age
Guiding and Caring for Children — Positive behaviour guidance, routines, and responsive caregiving
Health, Safety, and Nutrition — Meal planning, food safety, allergen management, and emergency protocols
Interpersonal Skills and Communication — Working effectively with families, colleagues, and community partners
Indigenous Perspectives in Early Learning — Culturally respectful practices when working with Indigenous children and families
Inclusive Practices — Adapting environments and activities for children with diverse needs and abilities
Work Experience Practicum — 50 hours of supervised hands-on experience in a licensed early learning setting in the Kelowna area

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the ECEA program are prepared for entry-level roles in early childhood settings, including:

Early Childhood Education Assistant in licensed childcare centres
Preschool Assistant in community preschool programs
Before and After School Care Worker
Family Childcare Support Worker
Childcare Centre Aide

Demand for qualified early childhood education workers in BC is strong. The provincial government has invested heavily in expanding childcare spaces across British Columbia, which means more job openings for trained ECE assistants in Kelowna and throughout the Okanagan region.

A note about ECE Registry certification: Working as an ECEA in a licensed childcare facility in BC requires certification by the ECE Registry. Ascentia’s ECEA program is not currently recognized by the ECE Registry, but upon graduation, students are eligible to apply through the equivalency process. Ascentia will assist you with your application for recognition and registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the ECEA program take to complete?

The Early Childhood Education Assistant program at Ascentia Career Institute takes 15 weeks (approximately 4 months) to complete, including 304 hours of classroom instruction and 50 hours of supervised work experience.

What certifications will I earn?

You will earn a Certificate in Early Childhood Education Assistant from Ascentia Career Institute. Your program also includes First Aid/CPR, Food Safe Level 1, and WHMIS certifications — all required by most licensed childcare facilities in BC.

Can I work as an ECEA in BC after graduating?

Working as an ECEA in a licensed childcare facility in BC requires certification through the ECE Registry. Ascentia’s program is not currently recognized by the Registry, but graduates can apply through the equivalency process. Ascentia will assist you with this application.

Is there a work experience component?

Yes. The program includes 50 hours of hands-on work experience in a licensed early learning setting in the Kelowna area. This practicum takes place after you have completed all academic courses and obtained your First Aid certificate.

What are the admission requirements?

You must be at least 19 years old (or a Grade 12 graduate with parental consent if under 19) and meet English language proficiency requirements. A criminal record check and TB test may also be required before your work experience placement.

How much does the ECEA program cost?

Total tuition and fees for the ECEA program are approximately $5,897 CAD. Interest-free payment plans are available, and other funding options may be available for students who qualify. Contact our admissions team for details.

Start Your Career in Early Childhood Education

Ready to begin your journey as an Early Childhood Education Assistant in Kelowna? Explore our admissions requirements or request more information to speak with our admissions team. We are here to answer your questions honestly — no pressure, no hard sell.

Looking for other programs? Explore our Dental programs, Holistic Spa and Wellness program, or all programs at Ascentia Career Institute.

Program Highlights

Duration	15 weeks / 4 months / 304 hours (including 50 hours work experience)
Work Experience Hours	50
Curriculum	What you'll learn to do: Set up learning environments that work for different ages, learning styles, and abilities Support children's development across social, cognitive, and physical milestones Plan and serve nutritionally balanced meals and maintain food safety standards Recognize and respond to health and safety concerns, including emergency situations Work respectfully with families from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Indigenous communities Create inclusive spaces where every child feels welcome and valued Apply effective guidance and positive behaviour strategies Observe and document child development progress Collaborate with lead educators and other early childhood professionals Understand and apply BC licensing regulations and childcare standards
Certification	Certificate
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code	13.121 - Education
Compliance	Early Childhood Education Assistant was reviewed and approved by the registrar of The Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) within the System Integrity Branch (SIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Please Note: Working as an Early Childhood Education Assistant in a licensed childcare facility in BC requires certification by the ECE Registry. The Early Childhood Education Assistant program offered by Ascentia Career Institute is not currently recognized by the ECE Registry. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for certification through the ECE Registry equivalency process — and Ascentia will assist you to apply for recognition and registration. For more information about the process, visit the ECE Registry website.
BC Job Openings, 2023-2033	Demand is high across the province

Admissions Requirements

All candidates must meet with an admissions advisor before enrollment.
Candidates must provide ALL of the following supporting evidence prior to acceptance:
Age Requirements
- Be a mature student (minimum 19 years of age) OR a Grade 12 graduate (parent/guardian consent required if under 19 years of age)
Language Proficiency Requirements
- Candidates must provide ONE of the following:
  - Evidence of three years of full-time secondary instruction (Grade 8–12 or BC Adult Graduation Program) in English OR two years of full-time post-secondary education at a recognized institution listed under Approved English Speaking Countries. Language courses, such as English as a Second Language (ESL), cannot be considered in this calculation.
  - Evidence of achievement in a recognized standardized language test or assessment at an overall level equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (Academic) or higher, such as:
    - Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: Overall score of 46
    - Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, Writing 5
    - Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Overall score of 40
    - Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A): Overall score of 43
    - Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 95
    - Cambridge Linguaskill, LANGUAGECERT Academic, The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
    - iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
    - EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

Work Experience

PREREQUISITES FOR WORK EXPERIENCE

Successful completion of all academic courses.
Hold a valid First Aid certificate.
Clear criminal record check, including clearance to work with vulnerable sectors.
Negative TB Test.
Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended, and may be required for work experience in the program: 2 doses of COVID vaccine, Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Influenza (required annually)

Tuition and Fees

Tuition	$5,162
Fees:
Books	$320
Consumables / Supplies	$75
Administrative Fee	$90
Application Fee	$250
Total Tuition and Fees	$5,897
Payment plans are available for all programs, interest-free , typically split into 4 equal monthly payments of approximately $1,474. Funding is available for those who qualify.