Become an Early Childhood Educator

The demand for early years programs has greatly increased in recent years, and so has the need for growth in the workforce. This page provides details on the opportunities for those interested in joining the early years workforce, as well as the unique opportunities in Waterloo Region.

It is widely recognized that high-quality early years and child care programs have long-lasting and wide-reaching positive benefits on education, social, and emotional development of children. Every day, Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) provide children in Waterloo Region with safe, responsive, and caring interactions that build a strong foundation for their development and well-being.

The first five years of a child's life strongly influence their brain and overall development. Children who participate in high-quality learning environments experience increased cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development.

High quality child care programs also support families to maintain or seek employment or pursue education or training opportunities, which contributes to the local economy and boosts labour force participation, especially for women. In addition, EarlyON Child and Family Centres provide free play and inquiry based programming and services for children ages 0-6, and their parents/caregivers, while supporting parents/caregivers in their role as their child’s first educators, and connecting families to community resources and services.

Uncover the facts about the many ways ECEs benefit children, families, and the growth of our economy in Waterloo Region. Download our High-Quality Licensed Child Care Fact Sheet for more information.

Early Childhood Education Opportunities

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) are highly skilled professionals. Their ability to educate and nurture young children provides the foundation to improve children's health and overall wellbeing. This is an exciting time to become an ECE. There are new government investments to make child care more affordable and increase the number of child care spaces available through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system.

A growing child care system needs an increase in skilled workforce to support it. In Waterloo Region, we have a goal to increase the number of licensed child care spaces by 3,725 by the end of 2026. There is also a need of about 900 ECEs to join the workforce to support this increase.

Becoming an ECE in Waterloo Region will provide:

• access to local wage increases;
• continuous quality improvement supports;
• professional learning resources through the Early Childhood Professional Resource Centre; and
• other community resources.

Join our growing community today and start making a difference in children's lives!

Early Childhood Education in Waterloo Region

There are many opportunities for ECEs in our Region. Watch this video about what Waterloo Region has to offer:

Become an Early Childhood Educator in Waterloo Region!

Want to explore a new career path or upgrade your skills? Excited to make a difference for the next generation? Learn more be watching this video:

An Early Childhood Educator's Role

As the need for early childhood professionals continues to grow, job opportunities for individuals looking for a rewarding career are also increasing. Early Childhood Educators support children at the most critical stage of their development, and are responsible for:

• nurturing children's healthy development and support their growing sense of self;
• providing environments and experiences to engage children in active, creative and meaningful exploration, play, and inquiry;
• cultivating authentic, caring relationships and connections to create a sense of belonging among and between children, adults, and the world around them; and
• fostering communication and expression in all forms.

Source: How Does Learning Happen? Ontario's Pedagogy for the Early Years (2014)

Early Childhood Educators work in a variety of settings and can support children from birth to age 12. Examples of work place settings include:

• Licensed child care programs (e.g. educator, assistant supervisor, supervisor)
• EarlyON Child and Family centres
• Home visitors for licensed home child care agency
• School board-operated Kindergarten programs
• Before and After school programs
• Special Needs Resourcing programs and child development centres*
• Pedagogical and curriculum consulting
• Federal, provincial or municipal governments or agencies involved in early learning and child care
• Social services organizations serving children (e.g. development services, Children's Aid Societies, public health units and hospitals)*
• Children's programming in various settings (e.g. public libraries, museums, art galleries)*
• Indigenous early learning and child care programs
• Francophone licensed child care
• Immigrant and refugee services
• Teaching in colleges or universities*
• and many more!

*These programs may require an ECE diploma in addition to specific certifications and/or credentials.

ECE: A Professional Designation

The Early Childhood Educators Act defines the practice of early childhood education as the planning and delivery of inclusive play-based learning and care programs for children to promote the well-being and holistic development of children, and includes:

• Delivery of programs to children 12 years or younger
• Assessment of the programs and of the progress of children in them
• Communication with parents or guardians to improve the development of the children, and other activities as may be prescribed by the regulations

Only members of the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) can practice the profession of early childhood education and use the protected titles Registered Early Childhood Educator (éducatrice/éducateur de la petite enfance inscrite) or Early Childhood Educator (éducatrice/éducateur de la petite enfance), along with the professional designations RECE (EPEI) or ECE (EPE).

The purpose of a protected title is to assure the public that any person who uses it has met the educational and other requirements needed for entry into the profession. The protected title also assures the public that any person who uses it is accountable to practice the profession of early childhood education in accordance with the ethical and professional standards set by the College.

Finding the Right Education Program

The Early Years and Child Care System needs skilled educators interested in working with children to increase the number of child care spaces in our community. Whether you are a high school student, mature learner, newcomer or second career learner, ontariocolleges.ca can help you find the right early childhood education program for you.

Most college programs offer full-time, part-time, fast track, in-person, hybrid, and online courses, as well as in-person practicums to offer valuable experience in the field. The following are examples of local educational pathways:

• Early Childhood Education Diploma – A two-year program with 20+ courses, three electives, and 180 to 250 hours of placement. A one-year fast track option is also available.
• Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship – A certificate under the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. It is also a pathway to becoming an ECE. Complete 17 courses and six placements (40 to 96 hours each). Apprentices can bridge into the ECE Diploma by enrolling in four additional General Education credits.
• Bachelor of Early Learning Program Development (Honours) – A four-year, paid co-op degree program.
• Bachelor of Child Studies – A four-year program with a blend of lecture and practicum placements.
• Early Childhood Education certificate programs and Leadership Grant programs – Micro credential programs for ECE graduates to improve leadership in pedagogical leadership, resource consultant, administration, and more.

A list of education programs outside of the Region approved by the College of Early Childhood Educators can be found on their website.