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What Is an Early Childhood Educator?


Do you have a love for young children? What if I told you that you could work with them every day (and also earn an income while doing that)?

young childhood educator with student

If your eyes lit up at the thought of that, then a career in early childhood education could be right for you.

Before you dive into the career, you obviously want to know what it’s about, what it entails, and what you have to do to be qualified – and we’ll cover all of that below. 

What Is an Early Childhood Educator (ECE)?

The first few years of a child’s education and development are some of the most critical years. In fact, 90% of brain growth happens before the age of 5. Because of this, the impact Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) have on a child’s success in growth and development are incredibly important.

Like the name suggests, Early Childhood Educators are educators, also known as teachers, who specialize in working with young children – specifically those who are 2 ½ to 5 years old. These educators work with young students to create a positive and nurturing environment for them to grow up and feel comfortable in.

On a wider scope, Early Childhood Educators lead children in various activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical, and emotional growth – which fosters their security and well-being.

The Tasks and Responsibilities of an Early Childhood Educator (ECE)

As previously mentioned, Early Childhood Educators play an important role in the growth of a young child. Because of this, their daily responsibilities help carve the minds of young children every day.  

young childhood educator with student

On a daily basis, you will find ECEs leading interactive activities with children like telling or reading stories, teaching songs, taking them to local points of interest, and even providing opportunities to express creativity through platforms like art, dramatic play, music, and physical activities. These activities foster curiosity, creativity and develop the whole child while building trust with responsible, caring educators.

While engaging in all of these interactive activities, ECEs will also observe children for signs of potential learning or behavioural problems that may hinder their development. If any signs are recognized, the ECE will relay that information to the parents, guardians, and/or supervisors.

In addition to these responsibilities, ECEs will also develop and implement child-care programs that support and promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of these young minds.

How to Become an Early Childhood Educator (ECE)

In British Columbia, in order to work as an Early Childhood Educator, you need to complete a basic early childhood education training program from an approved institution. Fortunately for you, Sprott Shaw College is one of those approved training institutions.

Sprott Shaw’s Early Childhood Education Basic program is based on the curriculum approved by the Ministry for Children and Family Development, who ensure that children and youth in BC live in a safe, healthy, and nurturing family and become strongly connected to their communities and culture. Students who complete this program will develop a wide range of soft and hard skills through the study and practice of certified courses.

At Sprott Shaw, the Basic program involves working with preschool students; while the Post-Basic programs prepare students to specialize and work with infants and toddlers as well as children with exceptionalities.

To learn more about the program and how you can become an Early Childhood Educator, contact one of our advisors below!

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Interested in taking a program at Sprott Shaw? 

Interested in taking a Program at Sprott Shaw?