Celebrating Our Child Care Assistant Training Program Graduates

On June 9, 2026, staff at the Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre, along with family, friends and community partners, proudly recognized the dedicated adult learners who completed the Child Care Assistant Training Program. After 18 weeks of full-time study, including nine weeks of hands-on placement in childcare centres, graduates earned their certificates and are now ready to begin meaningful careers supporting and educating young children.

As class valedictorian Saleema so beautifully expressed, “Today is not just about finishing a program. Today, we are proud - proud of what we studied, and proud of who we are becoming.” She reminded her classmates of the impact of their work, noting that Early Childhood Assistants are “the reason a child smiles when they walk into daycare” and play a powerful role in creating safe, caring environments for young children and families. Her words captured the sense of purpose and pride shared by this graduating class.

Offered twice a year, with intakes each September and February, the program equips adults aged 18 and older with the foundational knowledge and practical experience needed to gain employment in the childcare sector. This year’s graduates have already begun receiving job offers - a reflection of their hard work and the ongoing demand for qualified childcare professionals.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Region of Durham’s Child Care and Early Years Division for their valued partnership and for funding the material fees for our students, helping to remove financial barriers and support learner success. 

Congratulations to all graduates, and a special congratulations to the learners who also earned their high school diploma through this program!