Overview
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, day-care 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.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Early childhood educator assistants
Support early childhood educators in carrying out programs that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children
Engage children in activities by telling stories, teaching songs and preparing crafts
Prepare snacks and arrange rooms or furniture for lunch and rest periods
Assist with proper eating, dressing and toilet habits
Submit written observations on children to early childhood educators or supervisors
Maintain daycare equipment and assist in housekeeping and cooking duties
Attend staff meetings to discuss progress and problems of children
May assist early childhood educators or supervisors in keeping records.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$37,541
$45,883
$60,482
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
6,855expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
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.
Additional information
Progression to senior positions, such as daycare supervisor, is possible with several years of experience or with experience and advanced ECE qualification levels.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certifications to practice as Early childhood educators and assistants in B.C.
- Early Childhood Educator Assistant Certificate
- Early Childhood Educator One Year Certificate
- Early Childhood Educator Five Year Certificate
Early Childhood Educator Assistant Certificate
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as an early childhood educator assistant in B.C., you must register for the Early Childhood Educator Assistant Certificate. To achieve eligibility, you'll need successful completion of a basic early childhood education program recognized by the ECE registry or equivalent, and a good character reference.
Early Childhood Educator One Year Certificate
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as an early childhood educator in B.C., you must first register for the Early Childhood Educator One Year Certificate. To achieve eligibility, you'll need successful completion of a basic early childhood education program recognized by the ECE registry or equivalent, and a good character reference.
Early Childhood Educator Five Year Certificate
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as an early childhood educator in B.C., you can register for the Early Childhood Educator Five Year Certificate. To achieve eligibility, you'll need successful completion of a basic early childhood education program recognized by the ECE registry or equivalent, a good character reference, and 500 hours of work experience under a Canadian certified Early Childhood Educator.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.