For Early Childhood Educators
Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) help children learn, grow and feel supported. Whether you are thinking about becoming an ECE, already work in early learning and child care, or are looking for professional resources, you can find information and supports here.
Quick links:
Become an Early Childhood Educator
Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) play an important role in creating high-quality, inclusive early learning and child care.
ECEs:
- Create child-centred, play-based learning experiences
- Support children's development and well-being
- Build relationships with children, families and communities
- Create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces
There are several ways to become an ECE, and financial assistance may be available to help with your education.
Become an ECE in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County
If You are in High School
Learn about education, financial support and pathways to becoming an ECE:
- Become a Registered Early Childhood Educator
- Indigenous Education Institutes
- Fleming College Early Childhood Education program
- Durham College Early Childhood Education pathways
- Canada Student Loan Forgiveness
- Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
If You are Considering a New Career
Interested in moving into early learning and child care? Explore education and training options:
- Fleming College Early Childhood Education program
- Child Development Practitioner apprenticeship
- Durham College Early Childhood Education pathways
- Indigenous Education Institutes
- Canada Student Loan Forgiveness
- Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
If You Already Work in Early Learning and Child Care
If you are already working in the sector, there may be options to help you become a Registered Early Childhood Educator while continuing to work.
Explore:
Professional Learning and Resources
Ongoing learning helps early learning professionals build their skills, stay current and provide high-quality programs for children and families.
The City of Kawartha Lakes funds the Early Learning Quality Initiative (ELQI) to support quality in local early learning and child care programs.
ELQI offers:
Find a Job in Child Care
Looking for work in early learning and child care? Visit local child care providers to explore current employment opportunities.
Become a Licensed Home Child Care Provider
Provincial Resources for Early Learning Professionals
Canada-Ontario Early Years and Child Care Agreement: Learn about Ontario's work to create a high-quality, inclusive and affordable early years and child care system.
Child Care and Early Years Act: The Child Care and Early Years Act sets the rules for child care in Ontario, including requirements related to licensing, health, safety and compliance.
Think, Feel, Act: Lessons from Research about Young Children: Explore research and practical strategies related to early childhood development and learning.
How Does Learning Happen? Ontario's professional learning resource supports educators in thinking about children's learning, development and well-being.
ELECT: Explore foundational information from Early Learning for Every Child Today, Ontario's framework for early childhood settings.
Children's Services Connections Newsletter
Read our and subscribe to our quarterly newsletter, the Children's Services Connections Newsletter to get updates and information about all things Early Learning in Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton.
Get future newsletters delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing to the newsletter:
More Resources
- Lakelands Public Health: Information about child care outbreaks, cleaning, immunizations and nutrition for child care centres
- College of Early Childhood Educators: Information on RECE registration process, Continuous Professional Learning and professional resources
- Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario
- Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care
