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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.

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.

Yukon Child Care Association

5. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?  

Opening a Family Day Home

“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.

Early Learning and Child Care

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

ECE Salary Ranges Nunavut 

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 BC’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?

Become an Early Childhood Educator – BC

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.

*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 BC-

Become an Early Childhood Educator – BC — Early Childhood Educator Certification

Early Childhood Education — certificate – University of the Fraser Valley

4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?

BC ECE Courses and Programs

5. What is the range of salaries and benefits in the AB ELCC sector?

ECE Salary Ranges British Columbia

6. 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 Educators BC

British Columbia Family Child Care Association (BCFCCA)

Child Care Resource and Referral Centres – Province of British Columbia

7. I am interested in opening a family/home/group child care program. Where can I find more information?

Open a Child Care Business – Province of British Columbia

Course Info & Registration | British Columbia Family Child Care Association

Providing Child Care – For Professionals | WCCRC

Care facility licensing — Vancouver Coastal Health

Child Care Licensing Regulation

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

ECE Salary Ranges Alberta 

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?  

Become an approved family day home

Alberta Family Child Care Association

1. I want to work in Saskatchewan’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector–What Do I Need to Know and Do?

Get Early Childhood Educator Certification | Educational Institutions and Child Care Facility Administration

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

Information on the Classification and Certification of Early Childhood Educators and Child Care Assistants in Manitoba

Manitoba Child Care Association 

4. What colleges and universities offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and courses?

Manitoba ECE Courses and Programs

ECE Salary Ranges Manitoba 

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

ECE Salary Ranges Ontario

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

 —

 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 enfant
s. 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)

3. What education do I require to be certified to work in the sector in Quebec?

Guide concernant la Classification et la r̩mun̩ration du personnel salari̩ (Classification and Pay Guide ECE РQu̩bec)

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

ECE Salary Ranges Quebec 

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

 Learn more about Child Care Services Certification in Newfoundland and Labrador! – Association of Early Childhood Educators 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?  

Operator Manual Full-time and Part-time Early Learning and Childcare Centres – New Brunswick Government

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

ECE Salary Ranges PEI

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

ECE Salary Ranges Nova Scotia 

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?  

Licensing – Day Cares & Family Home Day Cares

Information for Regulated Child Care Settings | Early Years | NS Dept of Education & Early Childhood Development

You Matter
We value everyone who devoted themselves to helping children. You matter to us!
Purposely Planned, Properly Funded
We at the CCCF also believe in a licensed, regulated ELCC sector. The care and education of our children cannot be left up to chance. It must be purposely planned, and properly funded.
High Quality ELCC
High quality ELCC is subject to guidelines, oversight, and inspection. This is done for the benefit of our children, their families, our educators, and the community.
You are the Bedrock of the ELCC Workforce
The bedrock of quality is a trained and educated ELCC workforce. There is no replacing experience and a solid foundation on which ELCC services are built. To find out more about what quality child care means, please follow this link.

Child Care Certification and Education

One of the most important choices you will make in choosing a career in early childhood education is to:

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. 

ECE Salary Information

Salary Information Where you Work

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For Every Stage In Early Learning

Discover information from all over our site on this page
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Discover Canadian ECE Programs

Programs Sorted Regionally

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Supporter membership rate $45 CAD. Join now!

Annual Membership rate $0 CAD with the code from your local affiliate. Join now!

Anyone working in licensed child care has to apply for certification. You will find certification information for your province or territory on our child care certification page.

With your resume and cover letter ready (we’ll provide guides for this soon), contact child care centres and introduce yourself! You can call, email, or even message them on social media. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a reply. Try again a few days later to give them your resume in person. Remember that due to safety reasons you need to call first. Tell them you live in their area, and that you’re looking for a position.

On our provincial and territorial map we link to child care associations in your area. Follow the link to your association and join today. The associations provide valuable information to anyone starting out in their career. Even experienced ECEs can benefit. You’ll also enjoy valuable member benefits like discounts, meet other ECEs, and become a part of the child care movement in Canada.


If you join your provincial or territorial affiliate, you’re automatically also a member of the CCCF.

All licensed and regulated quality child care programs in Canada require these for the safety and security of children and families.

If you’re just starting out:

  1. Get certified!
  2. Find the requirements for your province or territory
  3. Write your resume and begin your job search. We’ll provide tips on this soon. 
  4. Get your vulnerable sector check and first aid training

Join our Facebook Group and meet other ECEs who may be able to answer your questions

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) are incredible professionals that have rewarding, important and demanding careers. They work with young children (and their families), ages 0-12, nurturing and educating them, observing and planning for their growth and development while ensuring that they are healthy. They create interactive and dynamic learning environments where children develop social skills, develop cognitive skills and foster lifelong learning. ECEs work in child care centres, classrooms, home child cares, preschool, and parent drop-in programs. You do not need a teaching degree to be an ECE, but you do need your ECE diploma.

Annual Membership rate $90 CAD.
Join now!

Annual Membership rate $65 CAD.
Join now!

Annual Membership rate $65 CAD.
Join now!

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