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 are employed in 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 significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key 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 median employment income for 46% of Early Childhood Educators and Assistants who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $29,141. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$14.66
Median$20.89
MaximumAnnual Pay
$3,119
Minimum$20,817
Median$35,707
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$26.88
Median$46.15
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 are employed in 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 perform some or all of the following duties:
- Plan, implement, and assess developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environments for young children.
- Using an in-depth knowledge of child development, design programs based on the observed needs of children.
- Establish and carry out a daily routine that incorporates child-directed activity, care routines and transition times.
- Assist children to 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 foster 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 perform some or all of the following duties:
- 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.
- Assist 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
For these jobs, 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
Early childhood educators:
- Completion of a two-year college program in early childhood education or a bachelor's degree in child development is required.
- Licensing by the Department of Education & Early Childhood Development is required for work in regulated child care in Nova Scotia.
Early childhood educator assistants:
- Completion of high school is required.
- Completion of an early childhood education assistant certificate program or post-secondary courses in early childhood education may be required.
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. Progression to senior positions, such as 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
Annapolis Valley
Northern
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health Care and Social Assistance
Educational Services
Other Services
Other Industries
Public Administration
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
15-24
45-54
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$36,794 median annual incomeHigh school
$33,204 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$42,361 median annual incomeLess than high school
$35,228 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$36,476 median annual incomeCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor's degree
$43,533 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$28,183 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$35,978 median annual incomeHigh school
$25,801 median annual incomeDoctorate
$60,991 median annual incomeEducation & training
Child development
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This 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
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Early childhood education and teaching
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This 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
6208 Quinpool Road, 2nd Floor
Halifax, NS B3L 1A3
(902) 423-7114
721 Alexandra Street
Sydney, NS B1S 2H4
(902) 564-6112
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
Unit 37, 115 Chain Lake Drive
Halifax, NS B3S 1B3
(877) 491-6774
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 child care centre, family home day care agency or pre-primary program.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.