When parents want to put their children in safe hands while growing up, the first people they find are those in daycares, nursery schools, and preschools. This is because they are professionals at what they do and we believe they will help children to grow better and learn while interacting with other kids. Early childhood educators play a very significant role in the world of today though some just assume their role is only limited to playing with children and giving them snacks.

Early childhood education plays a crucial role in laying the foundation for a child’s future success. From nurturing young minds to facilitating their growth and development, these professionals are instrumental in shaping the early years of a child’s life.

In this article, we will explore what does an early childhood educator assistant do, so if it’s a career you are pursuing you can know your responsibilities fully and if you are a parent, you can understand the responsibilities of your child’s teacher.

An early childhood childcare assistant is a dedicated professional entrusted with the care and education of young children during their formative years. They work in various settings, including daycare centers, preschools, and nursery schools, providing essential support to both children and educators. Dealing with children often from birth to 5 years, their responsibilities often include assisting with daily routines such as feeding, diapering, and nap times, as well as engaging children in age-appropriate activities and play.

Additionally, they offer emotional support and guidance to children, fostering their social, emotional, and cognitive development. They may also help with lesson preparation, classroom organization, and maintaining a clean and safe environment for children’s learning and growth.

The following are the qualifications required to become an early childhood educator assistant

1. Education: Most positions require at least a diploma or equivalent to start a career in childcare. For early childhood educator, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field such as child development, elementary education, or psychology will be more preferred.
2. Certification: Some provinces/states or employers require early childhood educators to obtain specific certifications or licenses. For example in British Columbia an ECE Assistant is required to be certified by the ECE Registry in order to work in a licensed child care facility. This certification is part from completing your diploma in Early Childhood education.
3. Skills and Abilities: Apart from having a passion for working with children and helping them learn and grow, Early childhood educators must possess certain skills such as patience, communication, creativity, and the ability to work effectively with young children and their families.
4. Experience: While not always mandatory, having experience working with young children can be beneficial. This can include volunteering at daycare centers, preschools, or elementary schools, as well as completing internships or practicum experiences during your education.
5. Clearances: The safety and well-being of children are very important to their families and the community at large. Many employers require background checks, including criminal background checks and child abuse clearances, to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in their care.

The primary duties and functions of early childhood educators are:

1. Assisting with Curriculum Implementation: Early childhood educator assistants support ECEs in implementing age-appropriate learning activities and lesson plans.  They construct experiences, learning activities, and lesson plans that encourage learning and growth in a range of domains.
2. Supervising Activities: Early childhood educator assistants help in supervising in activities to help a child participate more and succeed, it may involve stories, play, music, and movement. Also, they help in monitoring children during playtime, meals, and nap periods to ensure their safety and well-being.
3. Observing and Documenting: ECEAs Keep detailed records of children’s behavior, progress, and any concerns observed during the day. This helps them communicate and engage with the parents and guardians about their children on how to help them better.
4. Promoting Emotional and Social Development: Early childhood educator assistants help children build their sense of identity and belonging. They Encourage positive interactions among children, create a supportive environment for emotional growth, and foster the development of social skills.
5. Providing Basic Care: ECEAs assist children to learn good eating, dressing, and toileting habits. They assist them with diaper changes, toilet training, and ensuring proper hygiene practices.
6. Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to make sure the child is developing in the best way in the possible.

There are many opportunities for those pursuing early childhood education:

• Early childhood educators (ECEs)
• Early childhood educator assistants (ECEAs)
• Daycare assistant/attendant
• Children support workers
• Before- and after-school programmers

With more education, Early childhood educator assistants (ECEAs) can become ECEs