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Early Childhood Educators carry more than lesson plans, program planning, snack schedules, documentation, and classroom routines. It is the quiet weight of caring deeply. We carry children emotionally. We carry their stories, their behaviours, their fears, their progress, and sometimes even their silence. It is giving comfort while your own heart is tired.
Child Honouring is an invitation to give children the experience of being seen and loved for who they are, to build the communities they deserve, and to recognize that in doing so, we are also becoming more fully ourselves. For ECEs, who have chosen a path of caring for children, this philosophy deepens and grounds the work you’re already doing.
“If I could offer one piece of advice to those entering the field, it would be simple: don’t wait to
Learn meaningful mentoring techniques that build confidence and agency. See how supporting new ECEs contributes not only to their growth, but also to your own professional development and to the strength of the entire field.
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:
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.
