Children thrive in environments where they feel safe, supported, and cared for, and Early Childhood Assistants (ECAs) are essential in creating and maintaining that foundation. In Ontario, licensed child care settings follow strict standards outlined in the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), and ECAs must be familiar with these expectations to protect children’s well-being every day.
Key Responsibilities for ECAs
- Safe Supervision
- Always maintain proper child-to-adult ratios
- Use active supervision: stay close, scan frequently, and engage with children
- Follow daily routines and transition plans to reduce risk of injury or confusion
- Hygiene & Infection Control
- Support frequent handwashing and model proper technique
- Clean and sanitize toys, surfaces, and learning materials
- Follow diapering and toileting procedures that respect dignity and hygiene
- Emergency Preparedness
- Know the location of emergency exits, first aid kits, and evacuation plans
- Participate in fire drills and lockdown practices
- Be trained in Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C)
- Incident Reporting
- Document and report injuries, illnesses, or concerns immediately to the supervisor or RECE
- Maintain confidentiality and act with professionalism in all communications
Why It Matters
These standards aren’t just rules, they’re lifelines. ECAs help children feel secure, model healthy habits, and create predictable, nurturing routines that support both safety and learning.
At SKD ECE BIT, our program ensures that every graduate understands and applies Ontario’s safety regulations and best practices, with hands-on training that prepares you for real-world responsibility.
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