Early Childhood Education opportunities

Early Childhood Education opportunities

This is an exciting time to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE). As child care costs go down, it is expected that more families will access child care. A growing system needs a growing skilled workforce. If you are interested in earning a diploma in Early Childhood Education and becoming a RECE, financial help may be available.

RECEs play an important role in helping to create a high-quality early learning and child care system that is inclusive for all families. They also play an important role in the early years of a child's development. As a RECE, individuals provide the foundation for children's learning and success. 

What an Early Childhood Educator does:

• Designs child-centred, play-based learning.
• Enhances child and family well-being.
• Builds caring relationships with children, families, and communities.
• Creates safe, engaging, and inclusive learning spaces.

Finding the right education program in early childhood education

To become a RECE, individuals need a diploma of equivalent education. There are a variety of pathways, programs and financial support opportunities available. Whether you are a high school student, mature learner, newcomer, or career changer, ontariocolleges.ca can help you find the right early childhood education program for you. 

Early Childhood Education and Leadership Grant Programs

Do you qualify for the Ontario Early Childhood Educator Qualification Upgrade Program?

Educators with six months of past or current experience working within a formal early learning program, licensed child care, and unlicensed home child care environment may qualify for financial support for tuition, travel and associated costs to complete an Early Childhood Education diploma (full-time and part-time) at an approved Ontario College for Applied Arts and Technology. 

Individuals who identify as Francophone, First Nation, Métis or Inuit are exempt from the required six months work experience if they have a minimum of one day of employment within an eligible agency.

General Education courses under the Child Development Practitioner (CDP) Apprenticeship program are eligible for funding under the Early Childhood Educators Qualifications Upgrade program.

Visit ECE Grants – Education Grant for more information regarding eligibility, qualifying programs and how to apply.

Did you know Ontario offers employed RECE leadership education grants in eligible fields of study?

Currently employed RECEs with at least two years of experience may qualify for leadership education grants to cover part-time tuition costs in an eligible field of study at a recognized Ontario College for Applied Arts and Technology.

Individuals who identify as Francophone, First Nation, Métis or Inuit are exempt from the required two years of experience if currently employed with an eligible agency.

 Eligible fields of study include:

• Pedagogical leadership in Early Childhood Education

• Early Childhood Education administration and management

• Facilities management

• Financial management, responsibility and child care governance

• Human resources, employment standards and labour relations

 Visit ECE Grants – Leadership Grant for more information regarding eligibility qualifying programs and how to apply.