ECEA1: Child Growth and Development is a core course in the Early Childhood Education Assistant program at Cornerstone College of Alberta. This course introduces students to how children grow, learn, and develop during their earliest years, providing essential knowledge for working confidently in child care and early learning environments.
As the starting point of the ECEA program, ECEA1 helps students understand developmental stages, individual differences, and the factors that influence a child’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Key highlights:
Core Early Childhood Education Assistant course
Focus on child development from infancy through early childhood
Essential preparation for child care and early learning roles in Alberta
Understanding how children grow and develop is fundamental to working in early childhood education. ECEA1: Child Growth and Development provides students with a strong foundation in developmental theory and practical understanding, helping them support children in age appropriate and meaningful ways.
This course explores the major stages of child development and how growth impacts learning, behaviour, and social interaction. Students learn how physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development are interconnected, and how early experiences shape a child’s overall well-being.
ECEA1 also introduces students to the role of the Early Childhood Education Assistant in observing development, supporting healthy growth, and contributing to positive learning environments. The knowledge gained in this course supports success in the remaining ECEA courses and in real-world child care settings.
ECEA1: Child Growth and Development is designed for individuals who are interested in working with children and supporting their early development.
In ECEA1: Child Growth and Development, students develop essential knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to early learning environments.
Topics covered include:
Key stages of child growth and development from infancy to early childhood
Physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development
Developmental milestones and individual differences among children
Factors that influence development, including family, environment, and culture
Introduction to observation and documentation in child care settings
Supporting healthy development through age appropriate practices
By the end of the course, students will have a clear understanding of how children develop and how this knowledge supports effective, responsive care in early childhood education settings.
ECEA1: Child Growth and Development is one of three core courses in the Early Childhood Education Assistant program at Cornerstone College of Alberta. It serves as the foundational course that supports learning in the remaining ECEA coursework.
By focusing on how children grow, learn, and develop, ECEA1 provides the developmental framework students need to succeed in the other courses in the program. An understanding of child development helps students better grasp topics related to health, safety, nutrition, guidance, and behaviour in early learning environments.
The Early Childhood Education Assistant program includes the following courses:
ECEA1: Child Growth and Development
ECEA2: Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
ECEA3: Child Guidance and Behaviour
Together, these courses prepare students with the knowledge and skills required to support children effectively in child care and early learning settings. Completing ECEA1 first ensures students have a strong foundation before progressing through the rest of the program.
Yes. ECEA1: Child Growth and Development is a core course in the Early Childhood Education Assistant program at Cornerstone College of Alberta. It provides the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in the remaining ECEA courses.
No prior experience is required. ECEA1 is designed for beginners and introduces key concepts related to child development, making it suitable for students who are new to early childhood education.
Course length can vary depending on the program schedule and delivery format. For exact timelines, students are encouraged to contact Cornerstone College admissions for current course duration details.
ECEA1 may be available in online, in-person, or blended formats, depending on intake and scheduling. Availability can change, so it is best to confirm delivery options with the admissions team.
ECEA1 helps prepare students for entry-level roles in child care and early learning environments, such as daycares, preschools, and early learning centres. It also supports further education in early childhood studies.
ECEA1 is part of the Early Childhood Education Assistant program, but in some cases it may be available as a standalone course. Admission requirements and eligibility should be confirmed with Cornerstone College.
After completing ECEA1, students will have a strong understanding of child growth and development and how it applies to real-world early learning settings. This knowledge supports continued study in the ECEA program and effective participation in child care environments.
Tuition: $980
Registration: $250
Materials: $450
Tuition: $980
Registration: $250
Materials: $450
Tuition: $980
Registration: $250
Materials: $450
At Cornerstone College of Alberta, we believe education is the primary driver of opportunity. Our objective is to foster the intellectual growth and practical capabilities that enable our students to succeed in a globalized society.
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