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Are you between the ages of 18 to 29 and love working with children?
Apply for our FREE 6‑week program to become a Certified Early Childhood Education Assistant!

This program is an intensive pathway combining YMCA job‑readiness workshops with Vancouver Community College coursework to earn your ECEA certificate. Build practical skills, recognized credentials, and confidence to start working in licensed child care.

8,630
anticipated ECEA job openings in BC (2021–2031)
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook: 2021 Edition

 

  

PROGRAM FEATURES

ECEA Certificate (VCC)
Earn your Early Childhood Education Assistant certificate through Vancouver Community College.
Emergency First Aid/CPR‑C/AED
Get certified with essential first aid skills for child care settings.
Child Protection Training
Learn safeguarding practices to support safe, inclusive environments.
Employment Support
Resume, cover letter, interview skills, and job search support.

A great opportunity to join the YMCA — the largest childcare provider in Canada!

 

  
Eligibility
  • Youth ages 18–29
  • Canadian Citizen, PR, or Confirmed Refugee
  • Unemployed/under‑employed (working less than 20 hours/week)
  • Not attending or returning to full‑time studies during the program
  • Open only to Lower Mainland residents only
Program Schedule

Weeks 1 and 2:

  • YMCA Workshops start from Sept. 8 – Oct. 17, 2025:
    • Mon–Fri, 9:30am–3:30pm (5 days/week)

Weeks 3 to 6:

  • YMCA Workshops move to Mon, Tues & Fri (3 days/week)
  • VCC ECEA Course starts from Sept. 24 – Oct. 17, 2025
    • Wed & Thurs, 8:30am–2:00pm (2 days/week)
Location

Program Type: YMCA Hybrid – In‑person & Online

  • YMCA Workshops: In person on Tuesdays at Robert Lee YMCA (955 Burrard St, Vancouver) and other days online
  • VCC ECEA Course: In person on Wed & Thurs at VCC Downtown Campus (250 West Pender St., Vancouver, BC)
 

Have questions? Email us at eceatraining@bc.ymca.ca.

 

 

Program Testimonial
“My goal when applying to be a part of the YMCA ECEA Training Program was to learn skills about the industry and receive my qualification to work in the field I’m passionate about. This program is so much more than that! Every workshop has been carefully selected to help you grow, not only as a future employee, but as a person. The Employment Coaches are incredible mentors who really care about everyone in the course. Everyone feels heard and respected, something you don’t always find these days! Thank you for all of the positive experiences!”

— 2021 ECEA Program Participant

 

Apply or Express Interest

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