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Active play is part of the way children grow and learn

Physical Activity & Play

Physical activity and play are necessary for a child’s healthy development. Active play is part of the way children grow and learn. Play is how children experience their world and bring meaning to it. It models the social framework that builds relationships for life and kindles the imagination. Play gives children the chance, in a world where so many carry heavy burdens, to simply be children. It is through play that children learn best. Furthermore, play is a child’s right.

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Physical Activity & Play

The importance of active play in the early years

Learn from outdoor play experts how to provide opportunities for children to develop physical skills through active play and the lifelong benefits to children. Develop evidence-based active play program strategies for early educators, administrators and parents to Introduce engaging active play programming in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor settings for young children.

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risky-play-ece-webinar
Webinar

Risky Play

Watch the free replay now! Learn strategies in this webinar from outdoor play experts to help think through the risks and benefits involved in outdoor play. Gain confidence in your ability to navigate risky play in your programs.

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Moving and Growing

In response to growing concern about type 2 diabetes in children in Canada, the CCCF, and the Canadian Institute of Child Health (CICH) have joined together to review and update CICH’s popular physical activity series, Moving and Growing, first published in 2020.

The Moving and Growing series is designed to help you and your child develop lifelong habits of physical activity. Each illustrated booklet outlines the benefits of physical activity, how to choose appropriate activities, how to encourage physical activity and children’s developmental skills by age group.

Quality Environments and Best Practices
to Support Physical Activity in the Early Years

Four evidence-based resource sheets developed by CCCF are available for free download here.

1. Supporting your child’s physical activity
Activity is an important part of children’s physical, mental and emotional development. Providing opportunities for them to develop physical skills reaps benefits in every aspect of their development, for the rest of their life. A positive attitude towards active play at an early age positively affects their later involvement in physical activity and fitness. Download the copy here.

2. Bringing Back Physical Activity Play in Childhood
Most early learning and child care programs support a child’s developing physical domain by including active play daily. However, like any program component, physical activity playtimes need to be regularly reassessed. Download the copy here.

3. Supporting Children to Learn Through Play
Play is how children experience their world and bring meaning to it. It models the social framework that builds relationships for life and kindles the imagination. Play gives children the chance, in a world where so many carry heavy burdens, to simply be children. It is through play that children learn best. Download the copy here.

4. The Value of Play for Young Children
Some early learning and child care practitioners may not be fully aware of the valuable contribution that physically active play makes to child development. However, most recognize the innate physical need for children to be physically active. Download the copy here.

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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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