Early Childhood Educator (NOC 4214)

Description of the profession

Early childhood educators plan, organize and implement programs for children between 0 and 12 years of age. Early childhood educators engage children in activities to stimulate their intellectual, physical and emotional development while ensuring their safety and well-being. They work in early childhood centres, daycares, kindergarten, special education agencies and other settings where early childhood education services are provided.

Early childhood educators perform some or all of the following duties:

• Prepare and implement early childhood education programs that promote children’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social development;
• Direct children’s activities by telling them stories, teaching them songs, taking them to places of interest in the region and giving them the opportunity to express their creativity through art, role-play, music and physical activity.
• Plan and maintain an environment that protects the health, safety and well-being of children;
• Assess the children’s abilities, skills, interests and needs, and discuss their progress or issues with their parents and other staff;
• Observe children for learning disabilities or behavioural disorders and prepare reports for parents, guardians or the supervisor
• Guide and assist children to develop healthy habits with regard to eating, using the washroom and getting dressed.
• Build relationships and collaborate with colleagues and other community service providers for children;
• Plan and organize, as needed, activities for school-aged children enrolled in before-and after-school child care programs.
• Monitor and coordinate, as needed, the activities of other early childhood educators and assistants.