Learn about the types of Early Childhood Educator (ECE) certificates and which one you may qualify for.
Last updated: February 4, 2022
Certified educators are qualified to work with children birth to 5 years old and must meet the legal requirements and occupational competencies to practice in B.C. as outlined in the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, the Child Care Licensing Regulation, and the Occupational Competencies.
Learn more about the legal requirements to qualify for and maintain certification.
There are 3 main certificate types that you may be eligible to apply for.
ECEs are able to work alone and/or as the primary educator in licensed child care programs for children 3 to 5 years of age and may work alongside an Infant Toddler Educator in licensed programs for children under 36-months.
Requirements
To demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to be an ECE, you must submit proof of at least one of the following:
And
This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.
ECEs are able to work alone and/or as the primary educator in licensed child care programs for children 3 to 5 years of age and may work alongside an Infant Toddler Educator in licensed programs for children under 36-months.
If you have not completed 500 hours of work experience under the supervision of a Canadian certified ECE, you can apply for an ECE One Year Certificate. This certificate:
Requirements
To demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to be an ECE, you must submit evidence of at least one of the following:
And
This certificate needs to be renewed within 1 year if you have not completed the 500 hours of supervised work experience to qualify for an ECE Five Year Certificate.
ECE Assistants work alongside ECEs and/or Infant Toddler Educators in licensed child care programs for children birth to 5 years of age.
Requirements
To demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to be an ECE Assistant, you must submit evidence of at least one of the following:
And
This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.
If you qualify for an ECE Five Year Certificate, you may also be eligible to apply for one or both of the specialized certificates. If you meet all the qualifications, you may apply for a specialized certificate at the same time as your ECE Five Year Certificate.
Infant and Toddler Educators (ITE) are able to work alone and/or as the primary educator in licensed child care programs for children birth to 5 years of age.
Requirements
To demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to be an ECE with ITE specialization, you must submit evidence of at least one of the following:
And
An ITE Certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.
Special Needs Educators (SNE) are able to work alone and/or as the primary educator in inclusive, licensed child care programs for children 3 to 5 years of age.
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