What Does an Early Childhood Educator Do?

Early Childhood Educators plan and organize activities for preschool and school age children. They lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth.        

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • caring for infants and toddlers
  • develop and implement daily activities for children
  • lead children in activities by telling or reading stories, teaching songs, demonstrating the use of musical instruments, preparing craft materials and demonstrating their use, providing opportunities for creative expression through art, dramatic play, music and physical fitness
  • guide and assist children in the development of proper eating, dressing, and toilet habits
  • working in a sometimes hectic environment
  • observing children's social development and play
  • communicating with parents and other staff members
  • continuously learning about new teaching methods and childcare theories

To view the Essential Skills necessary to work in this occupation, click on the following link and scroll down to NOC code 6473:

http://srv600.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/esrp/english/general/all_profiles.shtml

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

In order to indenture as an apprentice, you must be at least 16 years of age or older in the province of Ontario and have completed Grade 12 or equivalent. High school courses in English, Business Communications would be helpful, and enrolment in cooperative education in this field would be advisable. Completion of this type of apprenticeship will take 4,000 to 6,000 hours and will include theory classes at a community college and experience on-the-job. Graduates of the ECE program can choose to specialize in childcare practices for children with disabilities by entering a 3,000 hour Inclusive Practices Early Childhood Education program.

What’s Your Future as an Early Childhood Educator?

Most of the Early Childhood Educators working in this field are female, with @ 30% working part-time hours. Most work in licensed day care establishments, and with experience may progress to senior positions as Supervisors or Directors. Apprentices in this field may choose to take additional post-secondary education to become Elementary School Teachers. Typical ECE employers include: 

  • Municipal governments
  • Day Care Centres
  • Nursery Schools
  • Personal and Household service firms
  • Private households
  • Pre-school sections of hospitals and schools
  • Social Service organizations
  • Self-employed

Wage Rate

The wage rate in this field varies depending on the employer, childcare setting and experience in the occupation: from a low of minimum wage to a high of $17.00/hr. 

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as an Early Childhood Educator for You?

Do you enjoy working with infants/toddlers?

Yes     No

Do you have good reading, writing, analytical and problem-solving skills?

Yes     No

Can you plan, organize and implement interesting indoor or outdoor activities for young children?

Yes     No

Are you able to bend, stretch, kneel, stand, carry and lift children up to 30 lbs in weight?

Yes     No

Are you interested in gaining knowledge of child development theories and teaching methods?

Yes     No

Do you enjoy working in a hectic team environment interacting with co-workers and parents?

Yes     No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, Early Childhood Educator may be for you!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Educational Assistant
  • Personal Support Worker
  • Adolescent & Youth Worker
  • Nanny