Your ECE community
The value of Early Childhood Educators (ECE)
Why ECEs Matter
Early childhood educators just like you, are the backbone of our community. Our members are some of the most dedicated ECEs on the planet. ECEs play a key role in helping to set the foundation for a child’s development and learning. They do this by involving the child wholeheartedly, allowing the child to be their true self and be in charge of their own learning.
ECEs relate to children and the individual needs of the child so that they can grow to be the best versions of themselves and be true to who they are. We’d like to offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone committed to helping children around the world. To read about our 2024 Vision for Child Care in Canada please click here.
Adults who spend time working with young children are important
“Early Childhood Educators have that kind of raw power that can change the course of a life.”
Impact of Good Child Care on a Nation
The body of evidence is clear: Investment in child care pays for itself. It has compounding positive effects on women’s employment and pay. And it goes even further for low-income families, because it can move generations of children toward increased earnings, better jobs, improved health, more education and decreased criminal activity as adults.
Often so much so that gaps in language, comprehension, and numeracy can often disappear by the start of kindergarten. According to some studies, the very best programs can produce effects that reach far beyond those early years, increasing the rates of high-school completion and post secondary attendance among participants.
Early Childhood Educators Are Instrumental in Positive Outcomes in Children
Children who get quality child care have a better start in life — they are secure in themselves, curious and ready to learn when they get to school and to embrace a lifelong learning mindset.
Recognition and Awards in Child Care - Are You Up to the Challenge?
One of the ways we honour and recognize early childhood educators and show them the respect they deserve is through Awards and Recognition programs.
Since 1993, the Canadian Child Care Federation’s Award for Excellence in Child Care honours individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the field of child care and is presented biennially.
Contributed to a higher quality of child care, locally, provincially or nationally
Advocated on behalf of children, families or caregivers
Made a recognized contribution to the profession
Assumed a high level of responsibility
Demonstrated commitment and creativity
Prime Minister Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education
The CCCF has collaborated with Industry Canada’s Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education have honoured outstanding early childhood educators since 2002, with almost 300 educators honoured to date. Recipients are honoured for their leadership, exemplary early childhood education practices, and their commitment to help build the foundation children need to make the best possible start in life.
CCCF Members enjoy annual conferences, community engagement, voicing our concerns within our thriving community in CCCF’s Facebook discussions and calls for ideas and opinions on child care issues and practices important to you. Join the conversation with your fellow ECEs all across Canada!