your ece journey
ECE Guide by Province or Territory
We designed this page to allow ECEs from anywhere in Canada to find important information in their respective province or territory.
This page also outlines some key information on child care certification and education for ECEs.
- Please click your desired province or territory for information
ECE Data by Canadian Provinces and Territories
1. I want to Work in Yukon’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?
Child care services — Yukon Government
2. Do I need any first aid training?
Yes….The Canadian Red Cross offers Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR in all regions of Canada —
Duration: Minimum 8 hours in-class.
A basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements.
Find a course in your region.
St.Johns Ambulance also offers first-aid training focused on giving you the necessary skills and confidence to save a life at work, home and play.
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements – www.redcross.ca/firstaidlegislation
3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in the Yukon?
Early Learning and Child Care Yukon College
Level 1, 1A
Level 2, 2A
Level 3
4. What colleges and universities offer ECE programs and courses?
Follow this ECE programs link
ECE Salary Ranges Yukon
Professional Associations
A provincial/territorial child care association is a member-based, not-for-profit organization, which seeks to further the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) profession, their professional development and interests while supporting the rights of children and families to access high-quality ELCC services in their communities.
5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?
“CHILD CARE ACT LOI SUR LA GARDE DES ENFANTS “(starts on page 30)
Guidelines and Policies for Child Care and Family Dayhome Programs
Regulatory Guidelines for Child Care and Family Dayhome Programs
1. I want to work in NWT’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?
2. Do I need any first aid training?
Yes….The Canadian Red Cross offers Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR in all regions of Canada —
Duration: Minimum 8 hours in-class.
A basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements. Find a course in your region.
St.Johns Ambulance also offers first-aid training focused on giving you the necessary skills and confidence to save a life at work, home and play.
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements – www.redcross.ca/firstaidlegislation
3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in NWT?
NWT Licensed Dayhomes and Daycares — program consultant and information
NWT Licensed Dayhomes and Daycares
4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?
Northwest Territories ECE Courses and Programs
Professional Associations
A provincial/territorial child care association is a member-based, not-for-profit organization, which seeks to further the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) profession, their professional development and interests while supporting the rights of children and families to access high-quality ELCC services in their communities.
5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?
NWT Licensed Dayhomes and Daycares
Family/Home/Group Child Care Program
Benefits such as group insurance, RRSP contributions (or regulated pension) provided by ELCC employers in your province/territory
Provincial or organizational conference(s) in 2020
Professional Development in 2020 for your ELCC sector
Provincial/Territorial demand and need for educated and qualified ECEs (ie: formal college, university or other
More information ELCC workforce
1. I want to work in Nunavut’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?
Early Learning and Child Care are highly valued in Nunavut. We want our children to become active learners who are grounded in their language and culture so they have the confidence to challenge themselves to keep learning in school and beyond. This division is responsible for childcare programs for pre-natal children up to age twelve.
UNDERSTANDING NUNAVUT’S CHILD DAY CARE REGULATIONS
2. Do I need any first aid training?
Yes….The Canadian Red Cross offers Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR in all regions of Canada —
Duration: Minimum 8 hours in-class.
A basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements. Find a course in your region.
St.Johns Ambulance also offers first-aid training focused on giving you the necessary skills and confidence to save a life at work, home and play.
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements – www.redcross.ca/firstaidlegislation
3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in Nunavut?
Early Childhood Educators — Resources and Training,
Resources and Links — government of Nunavut
Nunavut’s regulations do not specify that staff working in licensed early childhood facilities must have formal training – only that they are at least 19 years of age, have a general understanding of normal child development, are in good health, have their immunizations up to date, have a satisfactory criminal clearance check and have their First Aid and CPR (or be willing to take the first available course in their community)
4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?
Nunavut ECE Courses and Programs
Professional Associations
A provincial/territorial child care association is a member-based, not-for-profit organization, which seeks to further the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) profession, their professional development and interests while supporting the rights of children and families to access high-quality ELCC services in their communities.
5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?
Understanding Nunavut’s Child Day Care Regulations: A manual for early childhood programs
Licensed Facilities –
Eligibility and Licensing
1. I want to work in Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?
Alberta.ca child care staff certification
2. Do I need any first aid training?
Yes….The Canadian Red Cross offers Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR in all regions of Canada —
Duration: Minimum 8 hours in-class.
Basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. Course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements. Find a course in your region.
St.Johns Ambulance also offers first-aid training focused on giving you the necessary skills and confidence to save a life at work, home and play.
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements – www.redcross.ca/firstaidlegislation
3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in Alberta?
Alberta.ca child care staff certification
4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?
Alberta ECE Courses and Programs
Professional Associations
A provincial / territorial child care association is a member based, not-for-profit organization, which seeks to further the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) profession, their professional development and interests while supporting the rights of children and families to access high quality ELCC services in their communities.
Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta (AECEA)
Alberta Family Child Care Association (AFCCA)
5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?
1. I want to work in Saskatchewan’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?
2. Do I need any first aid training?
Yes….The Canadian Red Cross offers Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR in all regions of Canada — Duration: Minimum 8 hours in-class.
A basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements. Find a course in your region.
St.Johns Ambulance also offers first-aid training focused on giving you the necessary skills and confidence to save a life at work, home and play.
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements – www.redcross.ca/firstaidlegislation
3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in Saskatchewan?
Early Childhood Education – Certificate
4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?
Saskatchewan ECE Courses and Programs
ECE Salary Ranges Saskatchewan
Professional Associations
A provincial/territorial child care association is a member-based, not-for-profit organization, which seeks to further the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) profession, their professional development and interests while supporting the rights of children and families to access high-quality ELCC services in their communities.
Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association (SECA)
5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?
Licensed Family Child Care Home Application | Managing a Child Care Business
1. I want to work in Manitoba’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?
Careers in Early Learning and Child Care – Manitoba.ca
2. Do I need any first aid training?
Yes….The Canadian Red Cross offers Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR in all regions of Canada — Duration: Minimum 8 hours in-class.
A basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements. Find a course in your region.
St.Johns Ambulance also offers first-aid training focused on giving you the necessary skills and confidence to save a life at work, home and play.
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements – www.redcross.ca/firstaidlegislation
3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in Manitoba
Early Learning and Child Care Program – Manitoba
Manitoba Child Care Association
4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?
Manitoba ECE Courses and Programs
Professional Associations
A provincial/territorial child care association is a member-based, not-for-profit organization, which seeks to further the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) profession, their professional development and interests while supporting the rights of children and families to access high-quality ELCC services in their communities.
Manitoba Child Care Association (MCCA)
5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?
Becoming a Licensed Home-Based Child Care Provider – Government of Manitoba
1. I want to work in Ontario’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?
What to expect from a career as an Early Childhood Educator — Ontario Colleges
2. Do I need any first aid training?
Yes….The Canadian Red Cross offers Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR in all regions of Canada — Duration: Minimum 8 hours in-class.
A basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements. Find a course in your region.
St.Johns Ambulance also offers first-aid training focused on giving you the necessary skills and confidence to save a life at work, home and play.
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements – www.redcross.ca/firstaidlegislation
3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in Ontario?
College of Early Childhood Educators
Child Care Licensing Resources – Government of Ontario
Information on Child Care and the Early Years — Government of Ontario
Early Childhood Education — Ontario Colleges
4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?
Ontario ECE Courses and Programs
Professional Associations
A provincial/territorial child care association is a member-based, not-for-profit organization, which seeks to further the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) profession, their professional development and interests while supporting the rights of children and families to access high-quality ELCC services in their communities.
Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (AECEO)
Home Child Care Association of Ontario (HCCAO)
Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care
5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?
Home Child Care Association of Ontario
Information on Child Care and the Early Years— Government of Ontario
Child Care Licensing Resources – Government of Ontario
Frequently Asked Questions Child Care Licensing – Government of Ontario
1. I want to work in Quebec’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?
2. Do I need any first aid training?
Yes….The Canadian Red Cross offers Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR in all regions of Canada —
Duration: Minimum 8 hours in-class.
A basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements. Find a course in your region.
St.Johns Ambulance also offers first-aid training focused on giving you the necessary skills and confidence to save a life at work, home and play.
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements – www.redcross.ca/firstaidlegislation
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Ai-je besoin d’une formation aux premiers secours?
Oui . . . La croix rouge canadienne offre Secourisme d’urgence et RCR ‒ Soins aux enfants dans toutes les régions du canada — Durée: Minimum de 8 heures en classe
Cours de base d’une journée permettant au personnel des services de garde d’acquérir des techniques vitales en matière de secourisme et de réanimation cardiorespiratoire (RCR). Le cours répond aux exigences législatives provinciales et territoriales relatives à la sécurité dans les garderies et les services de garde pour enfants. Trouvez un Cours de secourisme et de RCR dans votre région
*Veuillez consulter la législation pour connaître les exigences et les lignes directrices en matière de certification, de validité des certificats et de renouvellement des certificats de secourisme pour votre région.
Devenir éducatrice ou éducateur (Become and early educator)
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3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in Quebec?
Guide concernant la Classification et la rémunération du personnel salarié (Classification and Pay Guide ECE – Québec)
Formation Services de Garde (Training and Qualification – Child Care – Quebec )
4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?
Quebec ECE Courses and Programs
Professional Associations
A provincial/territorial child care association is a member-based, not-for-profit organization, which seeks to further the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) profession, their professional development and interests while supporting the rights of children and families to access high-quality ELCC services in their communities.
5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?
Ouverture d’un service de garde — Opening a family child care.
Provincial or organizational conference(s) in 2020
N/A
Professional Development in 2020 for your ELCC sector
N/A
Enough Provincial/Territorial educated and qualified ECEs (ie: formal college, university or other)
No.
Deficit of qualified available CPE en 2017-2018 : 433
- For the l’ensemble des SGÉ (CPE et garderies) le deficit is : 3160
- The CPE’s are are in a situation of RELATIVE RARITY of qualified child care staff for replacements.
More information ELCC workforce
1. I want to work in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?
2. Do I need any first aid training?
Yes….The Canadian Red Cross offers Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR in all regions of Canada —
Duration: Minimum 8 hours in-class.
A basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements. Find a course in your region.
St.Johns Ambulance also offers first-aid training focused on giving you the necessary skills and confidence to save a life at work, home and play.
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements – www.redcross.ca/firstaidlegislation
3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in Newfoundland
Education and Early Childhood Development – Education and Early Childhood Development Government of Newfoundland
Family and Child Care Connections – Come Grow With Us!
4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?
New Foundland ECE Courses and Programs
ECE Salary Ranges Newfoundland & Labrador
Professional Associations
A provincial/territorial child care association is a member-based, not-for-profit organization, which seeks to further the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) profession, their professional development and interests while supporting the rights of children and families to access high-quality ELCC services in their communities.
Association of Early Childhood Education Newfoundland (AECENL)
Family and Child Care Connections – Come Grow With Us!
5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?
Family and Child Care Connections – Come Grow With Us!
Education and Early Childhood Development – Education and Early Childhood Development
1. I want to work in NB’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?
2. Do I need any first aid training?
Yes….The Canadian Red Cross offers Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR in all regions of Canada — Duration: Minimum 8 hours in-class.
A basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements. Find a course in your region.
St.Johns Ambulance also offers first-aid training focused on giving you the necessary skills and confidence to save a life at work, home and play.
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements – www.redcross.ca/firstaidlegislation
3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in New Brunswick?
Early Childhood Development – Education and Early Childhood Development – Government of New Brunswick
Early Childhood Care & Education New Brunswick – Child Care Association in NB
4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?
New Brunswick ECE Courses and Programs
ECE Salary Ranges New Brunswick
Professional Associations
A provincial/territorial child care association is a member-based, not-for-profit organization, which seeks to further the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) profession, their professional development and interests while supporting the rights of children and families to access high-quality ELCC services in their communities.
Early Childhood Care & Education New Brunswick
5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?
1. I want to work in PEI’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?
Apply for Early Childhood Educator Certification PEI.ca
2. Do I need any first aid training?
Yes….The Canadian Red Cross offers Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR in all regions of Canada — Duration: Minimum 8 hours in-class.
A basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements. Find a course in your region.
St.Johns Ambulance also offers first-aid training focused on giving you the necessary skills and confidence to save a life at work, home and play.
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements – www.redcross.ca/firstaidlegislation
3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in PEI?
Early Learning and Child Care Act Regulations
4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?
Prince Edward Island ECE Courses and Programs
Professional Associations
A provincial/territorial child care association is a member-based, not-for-profit organization, which seeks to further the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) profession, their professional development and interests while supporting the rights of children and families to access high-quality ELCC services in their communities.
Early Childhood Development Association of PEI (ECDA of PEI)
5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?
Family Home Child Care – Prince Edward Island.ca
1. I want to work in Nova Scotia’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?
Consider the Field of Early Childhood Education in Nova Scotia- Future Students
2. Do I need any first aid training?
Yes….The Canadian Red Cross offers Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR in all regions of Canada —
Duration: Minimum 8 hours in-class.
A basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements. Find a course in your region.
St.Johns Ambulance also offers first-aid training focused on giving you the necessary skills and confidence to save a life at work, home and play.
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements – www.redcross.ca/firstaidlegislation
3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in Nova Scotia?
Classification, Training & Professional Development– Nova Scotia Government
Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education – Student Information
Nova Scotia community college
Mount Saint Vincent university
Island career academy
4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?
Nova Scotia ECE Courses and Programs
Professional Associations
A provincial/territorial child care association is a member-based, not-for-profit organization, which seeks to further the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) profession, their professional development and interests while supporting the rights of children and families to access high-quality ELCC services in their communities.
Association of Early Childhood Educators Nova Scotia (AECENS)
Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education
5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?
Child Care Certification and Education
One of the most important choices you will make in choosing a career in early childhood education is to:
- Complete an approved post-secondary education program and training or another approved certification process that is offered in your province/territory.
- Apply for certification in your province or territory
Graduates from an approved education program can work as an Early Childhood Educator once they apply to receive a certificate from their respective provincial or territorial government. You can find how to apply for certification on our child care certification page.
The Power of Higher Education and Certification in ECE
Educated and certified ECEs are valued professionals who have chosen to focus on other key areas in child care. Their focus could be on understanding the developmental, psychological, cognitive, social and emotional stages of children’s development. They skillfully combine play and curiosity into learning about science, nature, people, and the world.
ECEs establish a child’s foundation for learning for life–not just the early years. ECEs nurture children through the stages of learning about the world, and who they are in the world around them.
ECEs are compassionate and creative individuals, who see the world through a child’s eyes. They have an ability to be both a guide and a participant in the world of discovery, play and learning
A Question of Quality: Child Care Certification
Education and certification in early learning and child care not only raise your professional competency to work with children, but more importantly launch your ECE career into providing quality care in quality programs. You will make a meaningful difference for the betterment of children, families and society as a whole.
The Canadian Child Care Federation along with the child care community and sector across Canada advocates for quality in early learning and child care – certification is one of the cornerstones to achieving that quality. The length of your program in college, university and professional development training determines your level of expertise and professionalism as well as salary.
Provincial Jurisdiction Requirements For Child Care Certification
Professional certification and licensing requirements vary depending on the province or territory you wish to work in and the professional level you want to work in (assistant, child care provider, program director, home child care provider). Licensing by a provincial or territorial association for early childhood educators (ECE) is usually required.
A professional license from a regulatory authority or provincial/territorial child care association may be required before you can start working. Licensing can be compulsory or voluntary, depending on the occupation and region.
Maintaining and Renewing Child Care Certification
Once you have become a certified ECE qualified to work as an early childhood educator or assistant in your province, you may need to renew your certification and/or take professional development courses to maintain it. Your provincial child care regulator will determine any requirements.
