Every child deserves a strong beginning. Early Childhood Educators help build the foundation for learning, growth, and connection.
Ontario needs more Early Childhood Educators. See where you can get started.
Wherever you're starting from
Why it matters
Early Childhood Educators are trained professionals who support early stages of learning, confidence and belonging. Their work is grounded in child development science and takes place across child care, kindergarten and community programs. As demand for child care grows across Ontario, the need for skilled ECEs has never been greater.
Early childhood education is skilled, professional work - and it can lead to a range of roles, settings, responsibilities and earning opportunities over time.
- Early Childhood Assistant
- Child Care Assistant
- Before- and After-School Program Staff
- Program Staff
Ontario wage range: approximately $17.60–$31.00/hour
- Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)
- Early Childhood Educator
- Before- and After-School Educator
- Extended Day Program RECE
- EarlyON Educator
- Preschool Educator
Ontario wage range: approximately $17.60–$31.00/hour
- Program Lead
- Before- and After-School Program Lead
- Site Supervisor
- Preschool Supervisor
- Program Coordinator
Ontario wage range: approximately $17.60–$31.00/hour
- Child Care Centre Director
- Program Manager
- Early Years Manager
- Community Services Manager
Ontario management benchmark: approximately $30.00–$75.38/hour, with a median of $48.08/hour.
Wages vary by role, location, employer and setting. Some child care settings have provincially established wage requirements, while others may offer higher wages.
Ready to work?
Ontario communities are looking for skilled, passionate Early Childhood Educators right now. Your next chapter is waiting.
Knowing that I can make a child feel safe, loved, confident and heard is what makes this profession so special to me. The work may look like play, but behind that play is so much learning, intention and care.
Early Childhood Educators help build the foundation for children’s confidence, emotional well-being, social skills and love of learning. We support not only children and families, but also the workforce and economy that depend on access to quality child care.
Through the relationships we build, the environments we create and the support we provide, Early Childhood Educators help children develop confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. In everyday moments, we are helping shape capable, confident and resilient humans.