Becoming an Early Childhood Educator

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Why should I consider a career as an Early Childhood Educator?

There has never been a better time to consider a career as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE). Through the recently announced Federal-Provincial Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan, actions are underway to improve ECE wages and increase the number of qualified ECEs working in the provincial child care sector. Actions include:

  • Work is ongoing to introduce a wage grid for ECEs by January 1, 2023, with changes to the Operating Grant Program to incorporate the current income supplement as part of the wages paid to ECEs.

  • With these changes it is expected that many ECEs will receive a wage increase that reflects their important work and which will help with recruitment and retention. For example, Level II ECEs are expected to receive a combined wage in the $25-26 per hour range.

  • Adding approximately 700 additional seats in post-secondary early learning and child care programs at College of the North Atlantic, Keyin College and Academy Canada.
The Department has set a benchmark of increasing the percentage of fully certified ECEs working in the sector to at least 60 per cent by 2025-26. We would like for you to be a part of it.

Is there financial support available for my training?

There is extensive funding support available to support those entering the sector and those looking to continue their professional learning. Click here to see some of the bursaries that are available to students in early childhood education programs.

Where can I do my training?

Follow the links below to visit the program websites at our various educational partners to learn more:
CNAAcademy CanadaKeyin College
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