Childcare Aide Option
In partnership with Kwantlen’s Family Child Care Program, the VST Child Care Aide option prepares students to work as assistants in a variety of child care settings.
The program is full time and runs for 10 months from September to June.
Applicants must:
- Attend intake interviews
- Provide evidence of 100 hours experience working or volunteering with children in a child care setting
- Have a minimum Grade 5 reading/writing level
- Complete a “Child Care Aide” questionnaire to the satisfaction of the intake panel
- Provide documentation of their disability
- Be observed by APPD staff while performing duties in a child care setting
- Provide a doctor’s note indicating the applicant is mentally and physically able to work with children
- Provide two reference letters indicating the applicant’s suitability for child care
- Attend the Family Child Care Program orientation
- Provide a criminal record check upon acceptance to the program
Training includes:
- Orientation to Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Participation in the Family Child Care Program with tutorial support
- Class activities and assignments related to practical application of new skills
- Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR, FoodSafe and WHMIS certification
- Employability Skills Classes
- Participation in work experiences
Academic Content:
Family Childcare Program 6 core courses:
- Child Development
- Health and Safety
- Guiding Children’s Behavior
- Supported Childcare
- Managing a Family Childcare
- Planning Children’s Experience
Specialty Workshops: The Early Years, Child Abuse and Mini Musicians
Practical Component:
Students practice new skills during five work experience placements in a variety of settings such as a preschool, group daycare centre, family daycare, special needs daycare, before and after school care and child minding centre. Each placement is approximately 5 weeks long and a minimum of 15 hours per week. Students work under the supervision of the employer with support and monitoring by APPD staff.