early childhood educator (ECE)

Work setting

• Child care centre

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Bathe, diaper and feed infants and toddlers
• Develop and implement child-care programs that support and promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children
• Assist early childhood educators in carrying out programs that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children
• Lead activities by telling or reading stories, teaching songs and taking children to local points of interest
• Order supplies and equipment
• Assist early childhood educators or supervisors in keeping records
• Engage children in activities by telling stories, teaching songs and preparing crafts
• Guide and assist children in the development of proper eating, dressing and toilet habits
• Prepare snacks and arrange rooms or furniture for lunch and rest periods
• Observe children for signs of potential learning or behavioural problems and prepare reports for parents, guardians or supervisor
• Submit written observations on children to early childhood educators or supervisors
• Discuss progress and problems of children at staff meetings
• Knowledge of licensing regulations
• Establish guidelines for behaviour
• Attend staff meetings to discuss progress and problems of children
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with co-workers and community service providers working with children
• Plan and maintain an environment that protects the health, security and well-being of children
• Plan and organize activities for school-age children in child-care programs before and after regular school hours
• Supervise and co-ordinate activities of other early childhood educators and early childhood educator assistants

Credentials

Certificates, licences, memberships, and courses 

• Child development assistant (ECE level 1)
• Child development worker (ECE level 2)
• Emergency child care first aid and CPR
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate

Experience and specialization

Target audience

• Children

Specialization or experience

• Specialized environmental skills and knowledge

Additional information

Security and safety

• Basic security clearance
• Criminal record check
• Child Abuse Registry check
• Vulnerable sector check

Transportation/travel information

• Own transportation

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Repetitive tasks
• Physically demanding
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking
• Bending, crouching, kneeling

Personal suitability

• Punctuality
• Excellent oral communication
• Flexibility
• Reliability
• Team player
• Ability to multitask

Benefits

Health benefits

• Dental plan
• Disability benefits
• Health care plan
• Vision care benefits

Financial benefits

• Life insurance

Long term benefits

• Long-term care insurance