Become an ECE or Provider
A career in early childhood can be very rewarding, providing the opportunity to influence and shape the lives of young children and their families. Early childhood education equips children with the skills and capacity to be effective and engaged learners through school and beyond.
BECOMING AN ECE
There is an increased demand in the district for qualified early childhood educators. If you are interested in becoming an ECE, there are two local colleges that offer a 2-year Early Childhood Education diploma program, in English and in French.
If you are not able to attend school full-time, they also offer an apprenticeship program which allows you to continue working in the field while completing formal education via distance education. This Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship Certificate can be completed in as little as three years.
Click on the links below for more details about each of their programs and admission requirements.
- Canadore College – ECE Diploma or Apprenticeship Certificate
- Collège Boréal – ECE Diploma or Apprenticeship Certificate
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
DNSSAB is pleased to provide early childhood apprentices working in an EarlyON or licensed child care setting the opportunity to receive financial support as they embark or continue their journey to becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator. The available funding is for up to $3,000 per apprentice (up to $1,500/year of program). Ask your employer for more details! Requests for reimbursement can be made by your employer using the Request for Reimbursement Form, which should be submitted to Nancy McIntyre-Daly, Administrator of West Ferris Day Nursery, at wfdn@bellnet.ca.
The Grant Assistance Program also offers two specific grants: The Early Childhood Educators Qualifications Upgrade and the Leadership Certification. Additional information can be obtained on their website at ecegrants.on.ca.
Be your own boss
WHAT IS LICENSED HOME CHILD CARE?
Licensed Home Child Care is child care that is provided in the private residence of a caregiver who is contracted by home child care agencies that are licensed by the Ministry of Education.
Home child care providers may offer full-time or part-time care, before and after school care, extended hours and/or overnight care.
WHY BECOME A PROVIDER?
Some of the benefits of operating your own child care business include:
- Becoming an entrepreneur
- Earning an income from the comfort of your own home
- Building strong relationships with children and families
- Having the independence and flexibility to set your own hours and activity schedules
- Having the support of an experienced agency
- Ability to stay home with your children while working
- Becoming more connected with your community
- Ability to offer flexible hours to meet the demands of families in the District
HOW TO BECOME A PROVIDER?
If you are
- caring, nurturing and energetic,
- 18 years of age or older,
- interested in starting a business,
- and have a clean Criminal Record Check
The following are the minimum requirements set out by the Ministry of Education:
- Clear criminal record check with vulnerable sector check for provider and residents of home (18+)
- Premise must be smoke free
- Up-to-date immunizations required for all family members (including pets)
- House insurance to cover home business required
- Vehicle insurance which covers transporting children (required if transporting children to activities, outings, etc.)
- Standard First Aid Level C CPR (including infant and child)
- Compliance with Fire and Health inspections
- Must adhere to the Child Care and Early Years Act regulations
Please note: each agency may have additional requirements
Contact one of the three Licensed Home Child Care Agencies below to complete an application.
