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How Do I Become an Early Childhood Educator?

Early childhood educators must have a college diploma in early childhood education (ECE) or have a bachelor’s degree.

Other requirements may include:

  • a clear criminal record check
  • current first aid and CPR certifications

Early childhood educator assistant may require completion of an early childhood education assistant certificate

In BC, certification as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) or an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) is available through the Early Childhood Educator Registry, administered by the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certificate Requirements

Three types of certificates are available:

  • ECE Certificate (‘5 year’): completion of an ECE program from a recognized educational institution PLUS 500 hours under the supervision of a Canadian certified early childhood educator
  • ‘One Year ECE Certificate’ for early childhood educator without 500 hours of supervised work experience
    • requirements: graduation from a recognized basic and/or post-basic ECE program
    • One-Year ECE Certificate allows a person to act in the position of a fully-certified ECE while working towards their 500 hours – it can only be renewed once.
  • Infant & Toddler and/or Special Needs Educator: completion of all requirements for ‘Five year ECE’ PLUS completion of an Infant & Toddler and/or Special Needs program from an approved educational institution

Application for First Time ECE Certificate

Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) Certificate Requirements

As a first time applicant you must have completed, within the previous five years:

  • one course of a basic early childhood education program in either child development, child guidance or child health, safety and nutrition through a recognized educational institute

Renewal of the certificate is required every five years; at renewal, applicants must have completed 400 hours of relevant work experience.

Useful Websites

Useful Website Description

BC government program that provides funding to support individuals who are entering or graduating from recognized ECE post-secondary programs.

Useful Website Description

For information on evaluation of ECE education received outside Canada