How to become an early childhood educator or assistant
Official title: Early childhood educators and assistants
Also called: Daycare worker assistant, Early childhood assistant, Baby-care worker assistant, Early childhood supervisor, Child care worker assistant, Early childhood educator (ece), Early childhood education worker, Early childhood program supervisor, Early childhood educator - preschool, Early childhood educator - kindergarten, Early childhood program staff assistant, Early childhood educator (ece) assistant
Early childhood educators plan, organize and implement programs for children between the ages of infancy and 12 years. Early childhood educator assistants provide care for infants and preschool- to school-age children under the guidance of early childhood educators. Early childhood educators and assistants lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth and ensure their security and well-being. They are employed in child-care centres, daycare centres, kindergartens, agencies for exceptional children and other settings where early childhood education services are provided. Supervisors of early childhood educators and assistants are included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Early childhood educators
- Develop and implement child-care programs that support and promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children
- Lead activities by telling or reading stories, teaching songs, taking children to local points of interest and providing opportunities to express creativity through the media of art, dramatic play, music and physical activity
- Plan and maintain an environment that protects the health, security and well-being of children
- Assess the abilities, interests and needs of children and discuss progress or problems with parents and other staff members
- Observe children for signs of potential learning or behavioural problems and prepare reports for parents, guardians or supervisor
- Guide and assist children in the development of proper eating, dressing and toilet habits
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with co-workers and community service providers working with children
How to become one
Early childhood educators Completion of a two- to four-year college program in early childhood education or A bachelor's degree in child development is required. Licensing is required in Ontario and certification is required in British Columbia for early childhood educators. Licensing for early childhood educators is usually required in all other provinces and territories. Early childhood educator assistants Completion of secondary school is required. Experience in child care is required. Completion of an early childhood education assistant certificate program or post-secondary courses in early childhood education may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association as an early childhood educator may be required.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 49% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Human development, family studies and related services; Education, general; Teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods.
- Licence or registration: Licensing is required in Ontario and certification is required in British Columbia for early childhood educators. Licensing for early childhood educators is usually required in all other provinces and territories. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association as an early childhood educator may be required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $43,485 a year The middle half earn $37,050 to $52,494.
- About 246,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 356,900 are projected by 2033. (+44.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: strong risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Paralegals and related occupations
- Social and community service workers
- Instructors of persons with disabilities
- Religion workers
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Questions people ask
How do I become an early childhood educator or assistant?
Early childhood educators Completion of a two- to four-year college program in early childhood education or A bachelor's degree in child development is required. Licensing is required in Ontario and certification is required in British Columbia for early childhood educators. Licensing for early childhood educators is usually required in all other provinces and territories. Early childhood educator assistants Completion of secondary school is required. Experience in child care is required. Completion of an early childhood education assistant certificate program or post-secondary courses in early childhood education may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association as an early childhood educator may be required.
How much does an early childhood educator or assistant earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $43,485 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $37,050 to $52,494.
Is an early childhood educator or assistant a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 45% by 2033, from about 246,800 to about 356,900 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an early childhood educator or assistant?
Usually not. Only 23% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03