ECEs
as Professionals

What does it mean to be a professional in early childhood education?

ECE practitioners are passionate and creative professionals in the field of early childhood education and human development. Reflective practice and ongoing learning are cornerstones of ECE professional development, and there are many career pathways through early childhood education as a field. ECEs support each others’ career development through peer mentorship and communities of practice.

In Atlantic Canada, just under 10,000 early childhood educators provide care and learning services for more than 60,000 children. The vast majority of ECE professions in Canada are women, and the same is true in Atlantic Canada. A decade ago fewer ECEs working in Atlantic Canada had newcomer backgrounds, and on the whole the Atlantic provinces had less racial and cultural diversity represented among the ECE workforce compared to the national average. However, these trends are changing as overall regional demographics shift and the ECE workforce adapts and grows.

Early learning and care

Systemic challenges, resourceful ECEs

Developing an ECE practice

ECEs as professional learners

Developing an ECE practice

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The quality of ECE practice is developed through both formal and informal learning. ECEs develop pedagogical and practical skills through certification programs and ongoing professional learning. They also develop collaboration skills, positive working habits, and the ability to apply theory to practice through peer and workplace mentorship. These professional skills increase ECEs’ ability to earn higher wages and progress in their careers, which contribute to ECEs’ wellbeing.

The single most critical factor affecting the quality of early learning and care programs is the knowledge, skills and the stability of the early childhood workforce.

Early Learning for Every Child Today. Best Start Expert Panel, Ontario, 2007.

Well, I found that school taught you the ideal childcare situation, but then the placements would give you a realistic view, it would balance it out. Like here’s what you’ve learned, but now here’s how you can put it into practice. I learned how to use what I learned properly. And then I had a good mentor at my last two placements. She was really helpful. Just to teach me, okay, you’re doing it right. But this is how you could do it even better.

An early childhood educator from Atlantic Canada

ECE practice is regulated differently in each province, and ECE credentials and professional learning are recognized differently as well. Every Atlantic province requires some type of foundational professional training to practice at designated early learning and childcare (ELCC) centres. Each province also requires ECEs to complete a number of ongoing professional learning hours to maintain their certification as an ECE.

ECE training programs are offered in each province. They include full certification programs for those just starting out in ECE as well as programs such as micro-credentials and certificates recognizing prior learning and experience for those already working in ECE. You can contact the institutions directly to learn more about their programs and how to apply.

ECE Training and Professional Development Resources

Prince Edward Island

Certification requirements and resources:

Professional Development requirements and resources:

ECE informal communities (social media) and communities of practice:

  • search Instagram and Facebook to join PEI ECE communities @ecdaofpei

Newfoundland & Labrador

Certification requirements and resources:

Professional Development requirements and resources:

ECE informal communities (social media) and communities of practice:

New Brunswick

Certification requirements and resources:

Professional Development requirements and resources:

Other information on ECE professional identity