Confirm the program name, credential, learning outcomes, course content, delivery format, and how the institution describes graduate preparation.
Work permit holders
You may not need a study permit.
Under a temporary IRCC public policy, in effect until December 31, 2027, a foreign worker with a valid work permit may be eligible to study a program of 6 months or less without a separate study permit. Our 6-month ECA program is designed around that length; we confirm the exact dates with you in writing.
Check before you enrol: your work permit must stay valid until the program ends. A placement may require a new work permit if you hold an employer-specific permit; open work permit holders generally do not need one. Work experience gained during full-time study under this policy does not count toward Canadian Experience Class or Express Entry points. IRCC decides eligibility and its guidance can change: read the official IRCC page. The Admission Council provides education counselling, not immigration advice.
What to compare
Make sure “ECA” means what you expect.
Early Childhood Assistant, Early Childhood Education, and related program names are not automatically interchangeable. Students should confirm the credential, program standard, field-placement expectations, and possible next steps with the institution.
Ask about placement hours, settings, prerequisites, screening or documentation requirements, supervision, and student responsibilities.
Review academic and language requirements, application documents, tuition, additional fees, schedule, duration, and intake availability.
Official reference: review Ontario's Early Childhood Assistant program standard and verify current details with the institution.
Counselling workflow
Compare the learning experience before the application.
Define your goal
Discuss your education background, interest in childcare, preferred schedule, budget, location, and timeline.
Check the program
Verify the provider, credential, curriculum, delivery method, field placement, and current admission information.
Compare options
Build a shortlist using requirements, costs, schedule, location, student support, and next-step questions.
Prepare to apply
Organize academic records, requested documents, deadlines, and information that the institution must confirm.
Important: The Admission Council provides education counselling and application support. TAC does not deliver the ECA program, issue the credential, arrange or control field placements, or make admission decisions.
Related support
Connect the program choice to the application.
Common questions
Before choosing an ECA program.
Do I need a study permit if I am on a work permit?
Possibly. IRCC has a temporary policy for people with a valid work permit studying a program of 6 months or less. Your permit must remain valid until you finish, and IRCC decides eligibility, so please confirm on the official IRCC page. We can tell you the exact length of each program.
How long is the ECA course?
The program we place students in runs 6 months: about 4 months of theory followed by a 2-month internship. Other providers vary, so we confirm the length and next intake for each option in writing.
Is an internship included?
Yes. The internship is part of the program, so you finish with hands-on experience in a Canadian childcare setting. The institution confirms placement details before you enrol.
Can I study ECA on a work permit or PGWP?
Many of our students hold an open work permit, PGWP or spousal open work permit and study around their jobs. Your permit conditions decide what you can do, so check them first; we then match you to a program whose schedule fits your work hours.
Does The Admission Council teach the ECA program?
No. TAC provides education counselling and application support. The selected institution delivers the program, manages field placements, and issues the credential.
Is an ECA program the same as an ECE program?
Not necessarily. Program titles, credentials, curriculum, duration, and graduate outcomes can differ. Confirm the exact program and credential with the institution.
Do you help people who already live in Canada?
Yes. TAC supports local students, newcomers, and adult learners across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and the GTA who want to compare ECA education options. Each institution must confirm its own admission and field-placement requirements.
Can you compare ECA courses and programs across Ontario?
Yes. Comparisons can include provider information, credential, curriculum, format, field placement, requirements, costs, intakes, and student services, with local support available in Toronto and Mississauga.
Does counselling guarantee admission or a childcare job?
No. Institutions control admission, and employment depends on the credential, employer requirements, experience, and other factors.
Speak to an advisor
Get help choosing your ECA program.
Free one-on-one consultation with a Mississauga-based advisor. We compare Ontario programs, explain the real costs, and handle the application with you.
- 6-month program, internship included
- Installment payment options available
- Free one-on-one consultation
- 4.7 stars from 230+ students
Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM EDT