Becoming an Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
Turn your love of children into an exciting career!
What is an ECE?
Early Childhood Educators (ECE) specialize in the learning, developmental, social, and physical needs of young children. These educators provide a safe and comfortable environment in which young children can learn not just early academics, but social, motor, and adaptive skills. An ECE helps children adjust to the world outside their family circle and prepares them for the next stage of structured learning. They are responsible for creating a safe, fun and interactive learning environment where children can become lifelong learners. The ECE is a knowledgeable, caring, reflective and resourceful professional. They are valuable contributors engaged in meaningful work during the most important years of a child’s life.
With your ECE Diploma you could work in any of these settings/programs:
Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School age rooms in childcare centres and EarlyON centres.
Early learning programs such as EarlyON centres that offer a variety of opportunities for families including parenting, pre/post-natal, recreational activities
Before/after school care
Home Child Care
Special Needs programming
Quality Assurance programs
There are many job opportunities within the field such as:
Childcare Site Supervisor
Childcare Center Director
Children’s Services Supervisor
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Camp Counsellor
Child Care Worker
Lead Educator
Early ON Program Facilitator
Home Child Care Provider
Home Child Care Consultant
Resource Consultant
Your journey begins
Programs and pathways to becoming an ECE in Sault Ste. Marie:
SAULT COLLEGE: Early Childhood Education
https://www.saultcollege.ca/programs/community-services/early-childhood-education
Learn more about what makes a great ECE and how to select an ECE course and program that is right for you here
Support for getting there:
Grants and Funding Opportunities:
ECE grants: Education grants, travel grants, training allowance.
Current Childcare Employment Opportunities:
Current postings for careers at Social Services can be found here:
www.socialservices-ssmd.ca/about/careers
Current postings for careers with Childcare Algoma can be found here:
https://childcarealgoma.ca/about/careers/
Current postings for careers with the YMCA Childcare programs can be found here:
https://ssmymca.ca/about/careers/
Current postings for THRIVE Child Development Centre can be found here: