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.
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.
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.
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.
Some of the benefits of operating your own child care business include:
If you are
The following are the minimum requirements set out by the Ministry of Education:
Please note: each agency may have additional requirements
Contact one of the three Licensed Home Child Care Agencies below to complete an application.