If you are aged 18 to 29 and love working with children, apply to our FREE 8-week program to become a certified Early Childhood Education Assistant!
Join the YMCA -- the largest child care provider in Canada -- and get the necessary skills, certification and the opportunity.
Program Features:
- Early Childhood Education Assistant Certificate through Vancouver Community College
- Emergency First Aid/CPR-C/AED Certification
- Child Protection Training
- Employment support - resume, cover letter and interview skills
WHO
- Ages 18 to 29
- You are a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident or confirmed Refugee
- Those who are unemployed or under-employed, working fewer than 20 hours per week
- Not currently a full-time student or or returning to full-time studies in the next few months
- Open only to Lower Mainland residents
WHEN
- Length: 8-week program
- Time commitment:
YMCA Workshops – 4 weeks, Monday to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.- 1 day per week in-person at Robert Lee YMCA
- 4 days per week virtual through Zoom
- ECEA Certification Course
- Vancouver Community College (VCC) – 4 weeks, Mondays and Tuesdays 8:30am to 2:00pm (please note: VCC classes on Mondays and Tuesdays will be in person)
- Homework and project work to be completed outside of class hours
- Upcoming Program Offering: June, 2025
WHERE
- Program type: Hybrid
- Online via Zoom
- In-person YMCA sessions at Robert Lee YMCA and in-person ECEA certification sessions held at Vancouver Community College Downtown Campus; 250 West Pender St., Vancouver BC
Have questions? Contact 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
1 B.C. Labour Market Outlook: 2021 Edition