Thursday, June 19, 2025
As Canada accelerates its commitment to affordable, accessible, high-quality childcare through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) plan, the demand for Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) has never been higher.
In British Columbia alone, the province anticipates there will be more than 10,000 job openings for Certified ECEs and Assistants in the coming decade.(BC Gov News 2022) This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling to shape future generations, like Dr. Stuart Shanker, Self-Regulation Expert once stated —" Early educators don’t just teach children – they build the architecture of our society’s future. "
At Vancouver Career College, we’re here to guide you through every step of becoming a Certified ECE in Canada.
What Does an Early Childhood Educator Actually Do?
RECEs are far more than caregivers—they’re skilled professionals who:
- Design play-based learning activities targeting cognitive, social, and emotional development.
- Observe and document children’s progress using tools like BC’s Early Learning Framework.
- Collaborate with families and specialists (e.g., speech therapists) to support inclusive education.
- Ensure safety, nutrition, and well-being in settings like daycares and preschools.
Key Traits of Successful ECEs: Patience, creativity, adaptability, and a deep respect for diversity.
Bonus Read: What is an Early Childhood Educator?
Step-by-Step Guide: Become a Registered Early Childhood Educator
Step 1. Educational Requirements: Building Your Foundation
To become certified, you’ll need:
1. Graduate from a Provincially or Territorially Recognized Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program:
At Vancouver Career College, the Early Childhood Education Certificate Program is recognized by the ECE Registry of British Columbia, ensuring that you meet all educational criteria required for provincial certification.
The curriculum at Vancouver Career College includes:
- Child Growth and Development (from Infancy to Early Childhood)
- Play-Based Curriculum Design
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- Communities, Families and Support Networks
- Guidance, Caring and Behaviour Management
- Daycare Administration
- Inclusive Practice and Diversity
- Multiple Practicum Courses (Placements at Licensed Childcare Centres)
2. Supervised Work Experiences:
Most ECE programs include mandatory practicum hours where students work directly with children under the guidance of licensed ECEs. Early Childhood Educators must be flexible, resourceful, and quick on their feet.
At Vancouver Career College, honing in on these skills with a series of five and six week practicum placements (vary by program). Giving them real world exposure to daycare environments and the confidence to enter the workforce upon graduation.
3. A Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check:
To ensure child safety, all aspiring RECEs must complete:
- Criminal record check
- Vulnerable sector screening
This step is typically done prior to practicum placements and again when applying for certification.
Step 2. The Certification Process: Your Roadmap to Registration
1. Apply to Your Provincial Regulatory Body
2. Submit Documentation
- Application Form
- Academic Transcripts
- Criminal Record Check + Vulnerable Sector Screening
- First Aid/CPR Certification (mandatory in most provinces)
- Proof of Practicum Hours
- Application Fee
After approval, you will receive your RECE designation and license to work in your region.
Step 3: Maintain Certification
Certification isn’t a onetime task it requires:
- Renewal every 1 to 5 years (depending on province)
- Ongoing professional development such as workshops, courses, and seminars
- Adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice set by your regulatory body
How Does Vancouver Career College Help You to Become a Registered ECE?
We support children’s intellectual, physical, and emotional growth during the most crucial years of development through organizing, planning, and implementing programs during the ages of infancy to twelve.
Program Features:
- Choose between our 44-Week Certificate Program - with options to advance your education with post-basic training in Infant/Toddler or Special Needs Education - or choose our longer and fully-integrated 72-Week Diploma option.
- Once training is complete, graduates can be recruited by quality child care centres.
- Our career employment specialists assist with job placements while our students are still enrolled. Many of them are hired before graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the difference between the Certificate and Diploma options?
The ECE Certificate is a basic certification that still requires additional training to specialize in Infant/Toddler or Special Needs Education. The ECE Diploma option includes the Infant/Toddler Educator nd the Special Needs Educator Specialties.
2. Where can I work after I graduate?
Graduate with a number of marketable skills, so you can work in a variety of settings including preschools, after school care centres, and/or owning and administering your own daycare centre.
Ready to Start Your Journey at Vancouver Career College?
Becoming a RECE is a transformative career move aligning purpose with Canada’s childcare expansion. With unprecedented demand and competitive wages, your skills will shape futures while building financial stability.
Explore Vancouver Career College’s ECE Program – BC-accredited with practicum placements. We have campuses in Vancouver, Burnaby, Abbotsford, Coquitlam, and Surrey. Start paving your way to make an impact on future generations today!
