How do I become an early childhood educator?

Itching to find work at a daycare? Want to become an early childhood educator? Here's how to plan for a career in early childhood education in Canada.

To become an early childhood educator or caregiver, it goes without saying that you have to love spending time with children. However, many other qualities are essential for working in this field. You need patience, openness, good organization skills and creativity. But what about the education and training you’ll require? And what exactly do early childhood educators do?

When you become an early childhood educator, you won’t be limited to working in daycare centres, home daycares and after-school programs.

• You may also be able to work at a preschool or for a community or non-governmental organization that provides child-oriented services.

A college diploma in early childhood education is generally a requirement for you to become an early childhood educator in a regulated daycare centre. A bachelor's degree may increase your chances of attaining a senior position in administration or policy-making. For assistant educators in regulated facilities, a high school diploma is usually required.

Here are some of the main tasks of early childhood educators:

• Provide basic care and ensure the health and safety of the children for whom they are responsible.

• Build affectionate relationships with each child and establish a relationship of trust with parents.

• Play a role in the integration of children with disabilities or special needs.

• Organize and lead activities that promote the intellectual, physical and emotional development of the preschoolers and school-age children in their care. This may involve reading stories, teaching songs and nursery rhymes, showing how to use craft supplies and playing games.

• Teach children good habits around eating, dressing and personal hygiene.

• Assess children’s needs, skills, abilities, interests and stage of development. This may include being able to identify learning disabilities or emotional challenges and assess children's progress for reporting to parents and supervisors.

• Work with health professionals in the community and other service providers for children.

No matter what level you’re aiming for, experience working with children is essential. If you have done some babysitting, and have a first-aid course under your belt, you’re on your way. Programs that offer training vary by region, but they all cover the basic stages of child development and how to promote learning and social development in children.