Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
(NOC 4214)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesEarly childhood educators plan, organize and implement programs for children between the ages of infancy and 12 years. Early childhood educator assistants provide care for infants and preschool- to school-age children under the guidance of early childhood educators. They work for regulated child-care centres, family home day care agencies, pre-primary programs, early intervention programs, family resource centres, and other settings where early childhood education services are provided. Supervisors of early childhood educators and assistants are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Early Childhood Educators and Assistants most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The provincial pre-primary program rollout concluded in October 2020, having created around 850 new positions for ECEs. Some vacancies were created in the private child care system as workers moved to the pre-primary program. The implementation of the Canada-Nova Scotia Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement over the next few years is expected to result in a further substantial increase in the number of certified ECE positions. As this is a large occupation, with opportunities spread throughout the province, there tends to be a steady number of job opportunities, particularly on a casual/part-time basis.
Hourly Pay
$13.60
Minimum$17.00
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$3,119
Minimum$20,817
Median$35,707
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$16.30
Minimum$30.00
Median$51.30
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Early childhood educators plan, organize and implement programs for children between the ages of infancy and 12 years. Early childhood educator assistants provide care for infants and preschool- to school-age children under the guidance of early childhood educators. They work for regulated child-care centres, family home day care agencies, pre-primary programs, early intervention programs, family resource centres, and other settings where early childhood education services are provided. Supervisors of early childhood educators and assistants are included in this group.
Job duties
Early childhood educators:
- Plan, implement, and assess developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environments for young children.
- Design programs based on an in-depth knowledge of child development and the observed needs of children.
- Create and carry out a daily routine that incorporates child-directed activity, care routines and transition times.
- Help children express themselves by listening and responding with questions or comments that extend conversations.
- Use a variety of teaching techniques that include modelling, observing, questioning, demonstrating, and reinforcing.
- Use knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate strategies to guide children’s behaviour.
- Plan and carry out experiences that promote an understanding of a variety of cultures and value systems.
- Provide play materials and experiences that promote diversity and acceptance in interactions and attitudes.
- Participate in short- and long-term program planning and evaluation.
Early childhood educator assistants:
- Support early childhood educators in carrying out programs that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children.
- Engage children in activities by telling stories, singing, and preparing activities.
- Prepare snacks and arrange rooms or furniture for lunch and rest periods.
- Help with proper eating, dressing and toilet habits.
- Discuss observations on children with early childhood educators or supervisors.
- Maintain daycare equipment and assist in housekeeping and cooking duties.
- Attend staff meetings.
- May assist early childhood educators or supervisors in keeping records.
Sample job titles
- childcare staff
- daycare director
- daycare teacher
- daycare worker
- early childhood assistant
- early childhood education worker
- early childhood educator (E.C.E.)
- early childhood educator assistant
- nursery school teacher
- preschool helper
Skills
- You should have an interest in child development and enjoy working with children. Good health and physical stamina are needed. You must be patient, imaginative, resourceful, and have the ability to work cooperatively with a team. The ability to communicate ideas in a clear, concise, and pleasant manner is also necessary.
Job requirements
- Array
- Array
Other considerations
- Self-employment and part-time work are both relatively common for this group. Experience in child care is required for early childhood educator assistants. Movement to senior positions like daycare supervisor, is possible with several years of experience or with experience and advanced ECE qualification levels.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$20,965 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$18,947 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$24,201 median annual incomeSouthern
$20,154 median annual incomeCape Breton
$23,434 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health care and social assistance
Educational services
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration
Retail trade
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
15-24
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$25,081 median annual incomeHigh school
$13,311 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,337 median annual incomeLess than high school
$6,297 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$22,251 median annual incomeCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor
$45,929 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$35,398 median annual incomeMaster
$71,043 median annual incomeHigh school
$29,055 median annual incomeDoctorate
$100,443 median annual incomeEducation & training
Child Development
College or University ProgramThis program engages students in practical training and theoretical explorations in child and youth work, early childhood education, as well as early intervention and inclusive development.
Institutions providing this program
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
College or University ProgramThis program prepares students to work with young children ranging in age from birth to 12 years, in a variety of early learning and childcare settings.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
Sydney, NS
Various, NS
Truro, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Special Requirements: The Day Care Regulations identify training qualifications for this job in Nova Scotia. A license to practice (classification) is a legal requirement to work in a licensed childcare centre, family home day care agency or pre-primary program.