Early Childhood Education Job Description

Early childhood educators play a critical role in the development of young children, specifically those between the ages of 3-12. They promote learning in young children through play-based learning which encourages them to explore, learn and grow. Early childhood educators promote the intellectual, physical, and emotional development of young children.

What would I do?

The routine tasks of an early childhood educator include:

• Developing programs to support the physical, mental, social, and emotional development of children. They also implement these programs. 
• Using various forms of media such as storytelling, arts and crafts and music to teach.
• Observing and assessing the development of children to determine progress and development. 
• Identifying and addressing behavioural concerns with parents and other teachers.
• Assessing children for learning disabilities and behavioural issues. Report any such issues to caretakers. 
• Teaching children in developing critical skills such as dressing, eating, etc.
• Planning and organizing activities and school trips. 
• Collaborating with other early childhood educators and teachers.
• Carrying out administrative tasks.

Am I suited for this Job?

Individuals with the following characteristics may be ideal for this role:

• Individuals with good organizational skills.
• Individuals who can adapt to constantly changing environments.
• Individuals who work well in a team environment and interpedently.
• Personable individuals who are able to interact with various audiences, specifically young children,
• Individuals who are able to think quickly.
• Individuals who enjoy teaching.
• Individuals who are able to simplify complex concepts and make them easier to understand.
• Individuals with a calm demeanour.
• Individuals who have excellent management skills.
• Individual with good planning skills.
• Individuals with good conflict resolution skills.
• Individuals who work well in fast-paced environments. 
• Individual with excellent communications skills. 

A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR 

TYPICAL WAGE

Per the Government of Ontario, the minimum wage for early childhood educators has increased from $19 to $23.86 per hour and is to continue to increase over the next few years, till 2026. The table below illustrates the projected increase in wage. 

There are also grants in place to support wage growth. For example, licenced childcare programs are eligible for wage grants. 

BENEFITS 

Benefits for early childhood educators vary depending on place of employment. Some early childhood educators enjoy the following benefits:

• Health insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Paid time off.
• Paid sick time off.

JOB OUTLOOK IN OTTAWA AND ONTARIO

 The job outlook for early childhood educators in Ontario is good as the government is working to create child care places, enhance opportunities for professional development and improve wage pursuant to the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreement. Further the agreement grants licensed childcare program funding which consequently improves the job outlook.

Per the Government of Canada the job outlook for the Ottawa region is also good with projected growth in the number of jobs over the next few years.

HOW DO I BECOME A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER?

Per the Government of Ontario to become a registered early childhood educator one must first obtain an early childhood education diploma after completing their high school education. This is typically done through a 2-year program. Most programs require an Ontario high school diploma and completion of Grade 12 English. It is also recommended that individuals interested in becoming an early childhood educator gain hands on experience through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.

Here are a few early childhood education diploma programs in Ontario:

• Early Childhood Diploma at the University of Guelph-Humber
• Early Childhood Education at Mohawk College
• Early Childhood Education at Centennial College
• Early Childhood Education at Algonquin College

Please refer to this list for an extensive list of programs approved by the College of Early Childhood Educators. Some of these approved programs are bachelor’s degrees rather than diplomas, such as the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies at the Toronto Metropolitan University.

Upon completion of a diploma in early childhood education, one must apply to the College of Early Childhood Educators and obtain a registration certificate. To apply, there is a one-time application fee of $245, after that you must pay an annual $160 to maintain registration. It is important to note that you must be registered to be an early childhood educator, you cannot do so without being registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators.

WHERE WOULD I WORK?

Early childhood educators can work in various settings such as:

• In a licensed day care.
• Kindergarten.
• Classrooms settings.
• Home day cares (unlicensed).
• Programs delivered through EarlyON centres and other family programs.
• Postsecondary institutions.
• Women’s shelters and shelters for women escaping domestic violence.
• Healthcare institutions, such as hospitals.
• Government. 

Per the Government of Canada 76% of early childhood educators work in the social assistance sector whereas 18% work in schools. 

In the Ottawa region specifically, 72% of early childhood educators work in care facilities and social assistance, whereas 24% work in education (source: Government of Canada)

HOW DO I FIND A JOB?

Early childhood educators can work in various settings. There are numerous opportunities available which can be found through:

• Government of Canada Job Bank 
• Google Job Board 
• Websites for institutions (such as schools, day care websites).

Early childhood educators are not limited to existing jobs and can also opt to start their own childcare program by opening their own childcare centre and licenced or unlicensed childcare program.

APPLYING FOR A JOB

When applying for a role as an early childhood educator you should make sure to highlight the following in your application: 

• Education and relevant certifications.
• Teaching experience.
• Experience working with children.

You should also highlight these in your cover letter, without being repetitive. You should use your cover letter as an opportunity to convince the reader why you are ideal for the job. You should highlight why you would be good as an early childhood educator and make sure to highlight qualities and experiences that may make you stand out from other candidates.

Further, having experience working with children in any capacity may boost your application. Be sure to highlight any experience of this nature. Be sure to weave lessons from this experience into your interview answers and overall narrative.

Prior to your interview prepare a list of questions that you may be asked and have an idea of your answers. You should also be sure to research the institute to ensure you have all necessary knowledge and are not asking questions regarding things on their website. Be sure to research the institution itself and the interviewers, if possible. Demonstrate this prior research into your answers subtly. This shows interest and will increase your chances of a follow up- interview. Be sure to also have some questions prepared for your interview, having questions shows interest and effort to the interviewer.

WHERE CAN THIS JOB LEAD?

Within their industry early childhood educators with time can take on supervisory roles.

Early childhood educators may be able to pivot into numerous different roles and professions. However, this may require additional training and experience. Some roles may not require further education.  

Early childhood educators may be able to pivot into more elevated teaching roles with some further training and education. 

They may also be able to pivot into roles such as:

• Social Work. 
• School counsellor. 
• Educational consultant.