Early childhood education:
careers that matter

Whether you're considering this career or are already on your path to becoming an early childhood educator (ECE) or an early childhood educator assistant (ECEA), this page will guide you through everything you need to know. Explore the sections below to start your journey in early childhood education!

Top reasons to work in early childhood education

1. Job outlook: early childhood educators and assistants are in demand throughout Canada. Over 100,000 new job openings are anticipated between now and 2031^{Footnote 1}
   Explore current and future job prospects in your province, territory and region
2. Choice of job settings: you can work in different environments such as child care centres, daycares, preschools, kindergarten classrooms, home-based child care, child welfare organizations and other settings where early childhood education services are provided
3. Dynamic work environment: early childhood education offers an active career in an enriching and stimulating environment. Indoor and outdoor play-based learning allows you to showcase your creativity and can provide you with unforgettable experiences
4. A chance to make a difference: with their skills and expertise, early childhood education staff support children and help them to develop their full potential. They not only prepare them for a smoother transition to grade school, but also equip them for the future

Early childhood educators and assistants work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or school-age children. They:

• interact with children, listen to their needs and are attentive to their development
• set up the learning space and choose materials adapted to children's needs, interests and level of development
• discuss with parents about active learning and play for their child to promote their overall development

What's the difference between ECEs and ECEAs

ECEAs

• Provide support: they work alongside ECEs to support children's development through engaging activities and provide guidance, playing a vital role in children's daily learning experiences
• Participate in hands-on activities: they participate in story time, crafts and snack preparation, creating a fun and dynamic environment that encourages children to participate and build self-confidence
• Work as a team: they contribute to team efforts, attend meetings and provide feedback, helping to ensure that each child's needs are met

ECEs

• Strengthen development: they plan, organize and implement enriching programs that promote children's motor skills and physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development, which has a lasting impact throughout their lives
• Demonstrate creative leadership: they lead engaging activities like storytelling, sport and art, helping children express themselves and discover their interests in a safe and nurturing environment
• Ensure collaboration and provide support: they build strong relationships with families, colleagues and community service leaders, thus ensuring a complete support system that promotes children's development

Learn more about what ECEs and ECEAs do by visiting the Job Bank website.

Requirements: ECEA

• A high school diploma
• Experience in child care (may be required)
• Completion of an early childhood education assistant certificate program or post-secondary courses in early childhood education (may be required)
• Accreditation by a provincial or territorial association as an early childhood educator (may be required)

Requirements: ECE

• Requirements for training, certification, registration or classification as an early childhood educator vary depending on the province or territory and the early childhood educator level being pursued
• Before enrolling in any courses or programs, first make sure they are recognized or approved for early childhood educator certification by the province or territory where you want to work
• Post-secondary training may include specific courses, a college certificate or a 2 to 4-year program

Check out the certification requirements in your province or territory:

Available jobs

Find available positions in your area:

1. search for early childhood education jobs across Canada on the Job Bank website
2. select your province or territory to consult available jobs in your region:
   • Alberta
   • British Columbia
   • Manitoba
   • New Brunswick
   • Newfoundland and Labrador
   • Northwest Territories
   • Nova Scotia
   • Nunavut: contact child care centre directly
   • Ontario
   • Prince Edward Island
   • Quebec
   • Saskatchewan
   • Yukon

Discover funding and tools that can help you build a career in early childhood education:

• financial support: learn about financial support in your province or territory
  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nova Scotia
  • Nunavut 
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Québec
  • Saskatchewan
  • Yukon
• student grants and loans: learn about support for students to help pay tuition fees and other expenses
• foreign credential recognition: learn about your occupation and how to get your credentials recognized (candidates are encouraged to review specific requirements for each province and territory)
• taking training while on Employment Insurance (EI): find out if you're eligible to take training while receiving EI benefits
• education planning tools and estimators: plan how you can pay for education and training
• budget planner: use the budget planner to build a personalized plan to help manage your finances
• other specific financial supports and tools:
  • Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program
  • Lifelong Learning Plan
  • education funding for persons with disabilities