Discover a career in early childhood education

Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) play an essential role in children’s healthy growth and development and in Ontario’s early years and child care system.

In Haldimand and Norfolk counties, our goal is to promote awareness of the field, encourage local workforce development, and help community members learn more about becoming an RECE in Ontario.

As a Registered Early Childhood Educator, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Foster curiosity, creativity and confidence
• Create engaging learning experiences through play
• Build strong relationships with children and families
• Support children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development
• Contribute to inclusive and welcoming learning environments
• Help children develop skills that last a lifetime

Your work matters. Your impact lasts forever.

To become a Registered Early Childhood Educator in Ontario, individuals typically complete an Early Childhood Education diploma or equivalent recognized education and apply for membership with the College of Early Childhood Educators.

Many Early Childhood Education diploma programs are offered through Ontario colleges. Programs may be available in full-time, part-time, online, in-person, internship, accelerated or flexible formats.

Explore Early Childhood Education diploma programs through Ontario Colleges.

Financial support may be available to eligible individuals pursuing Early Childhood Education studies or professional learning in Ontario.

Ontario ECE Grants

The Ontario ECE Grants program offers education grants, travel grants and training allowances for eligible applicants, including individuals working toward an Early Childhood Education diploma or leadership certification.

Learn more about Ontario ECE Grants.

Canada Student Loan Forgiveness

Eligible Early Childhood Educators may also be able to access Canada Student Loan Forgiveness if they work in a rural or remote community. The program includes Early Childhood Educators as an eligible occupation and may provide loan forgiveness on the federal portion of Canada Student Loans.

Applicants must meet the program’s requirements related to occupation, community eligibility, in-person service hours, repayment status and application timelines.

Learn more about Canada Student Loan Forgiveness.

Funding availability, eligibility criteria, application timelines and program details may change. Review current information from official program sources before applying.

High-quality early learning and child care benefits children, families, employers and communities. RECEs help support healthy child development, school readiness, family well-being and a strong local workforce.

The relationships, environments and learning experiences RECEs provide can contribute to children’s lifelong learning and development. By learning more about the profession, residents can discover meaningful career opportunities that make a lasting difference close to home.

How does learning happen?

Ontario’s pedagogy for the early years, How Does Learning Happen?, focuses on learning and development through relationships. It includes four foundations:

• Belonging
• Well-being
• Engagement
• Expression

As an Early Childhood Educator, you will:

• Create a sense of belonging through relationships and connections
• Create environments and experiences for learning through play and inquiry
• Support children’s sense of self, well-being and health
• Support positive self-expression and communication

• College of Early Childhood Educators
• Ontario ECE Grants
• Affiliated Services for Children and Youth
• Explore programs through Ontario Colleges
• Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
• Become a registered early childhood educator in Ontario
• Canada Student Loan Forgiveness