Early Childhood Educators and Assistants

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

Early childhood educators:

• 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:

• High school is required.
• 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. Movement to senior positions like daycare supervisor, is possible with several years of experience or with experience and advanced ECE qualification levels.

Regulations

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