Search
Close this search box.

menu

Outdoor play is an essential component of children’s lives

Exploring Nature With Children

Getting back to nature and incorporating elements of our natural world is an emerging topic in early childhood education. Outdoor play is an essential component of children’s lives. The adults who surround them have a huge influence on how children connect to nature and express their desire to engage in active outdoor play.

Articles

Child Health Safety and the Environment

Toxic Plant List

The following plants may cause toxic symptoms when ingested or dermatitis when handled. In addition to toxic plants, be aware that plants treated with pesticides, insecticides or herbicides are toxic.

Read More »

Learn from Canadian experts and outdoor play advocates about how outdoor play is important to quality early learning and child care. Click on the links below to access the two free webinars co-hosted by the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada (CNAC) and the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF).

Learn from Canadian child care experts and outdoor play advocates about how outdoor play–and risky play–is important to quality early learning and child care. Panelists include:

  • Marlene Power, Executive Director, Child & Nature Alliance of Canada
  • Kim Hiscott, Executive Director of Andrew Fleck Children’s Services in Ottawa
  • Debra Hardwood, Brock University
  • Louise Zimanyi, Professor, Early Childhood Education, Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Learn from Canadian child care experts and outdoor play advocates about how outdoor play–and risky play–is important to quality early learning and child care. Panelists include:

  • Marlene Power, Executive Director, Child & Nature Alliance of Canada
  • Mike Lough, FCIP, CRM, Vice President, Specialty Programs & Associations, Frank Cowan Company
  • Mariana Brussoni, PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit, The University of British Columbia

Enjoy Some Of Our Past Content On Exploring Nature with Children

1. Children at Play in the Great Outdoors
Children of all ages love to be outside. Here are some simple activities that children can choose and enjoy when outdoors. Download the copy here.

2. When Jack Frost Comes Nipping
As a parent or caregiver, make sure the child dresses in warm layers for winter activities.
Download the copy here.

3. Sunshine – Approach with Caution
Parents and child care providers need to be cautious about exposing children – and themselves – to the sun. Download the copy here.

4. Exploring Nature with Children
Children who participate in activities with an environmental theme, will more likely develop a strong appreciation of the environment. Download the copy here.

5. Outdoor Play Environments
A natural or traditional outdoor play space should be open and large enough for children to run, roll, skip, ride, climb, jump, sit and even daydream. Download the copy here.

6. Growing a “Green” Garden Organic Gardening in a Child Care Setting
Children and organic gardening are meant for each other. Download the copy here. 

Browse Online Courses for ECEs

Learn at Your Own Pace online

The CCCF and its partners offer a variety of online ECE training courses
Learn More

Join One Of Our Webinars

Join us for interactive discussions

CCCF Members can rewatch webinars any time
Join a Webinar

Discover our Early Learning Articles

New articles Published Regularly

Covering over 15 topics
Explore Now
Click to access the login or register cheese
Scroll to Top

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!

Search