Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
Not published
Time to earn it
about 2 years
Issued by Provincial early childhood education registries (for example the College of Early Childhood Educators in Ontario)
Required to start: Most provinces require early childhood educators in licensed child care to be registered or certified.
About
A Registered Early Childhood Educator, often called an RECE or ECE, plans and leads play-based learning for babies, toddlers and preschool children. You support their growth, build safe routines and work closely with families.
Each province and territory sets its own rules and keeps its own registry. In Ontario, for example, the College of Early Childhood Educators issues the licence and handles complaints and standards of practice. Being registered shows employers and parents that you meet the required level of training and follow a professional code of conduct.
This credential is useful for many roles, including early childhood educator, childcare worker, preschool teacher, daycare director and childcare centre director. Some nannies also hold it to show they have formal training, although nanny roles in private homes are often not regulated.
How to get it
Check your province's rules
Find the registry or regulator for the province or territory where you want to work. Read what education and other requirements it sets for new applicants.
Complete an approved program
Finish an early childhood education diploma or an equivalent program that your regulator recognizes. These programs are usually offered by colleges and take a couple of years of full-time study.
Gather your documents
Collect your transcripts and proof of your identity. You may also need a police record check, a first aid and CPR certificate, and proof of immunization, depending on your province.
Apply to the registry
Submit your application and pay the application and registration fees. If you trained outside the province or country, your education may be assessed to see if it matches local standards.
Receive your registration
Once approved, you are added to the public register and can use the protected professional title. You can then apply for jobs in licensed child care.
Keep your registration active
Pay your fees on time and meet any ongoing requirements, such as professional learning. Follow the rules of conduct set by your regulator.
The exam
In most provinces, you do not need to pass a written exam to become registered. Your approved education program is the main way you show you are qualified. Some regulators may ask you to complete a short assessment or review if your training came from another jurisdiction, so check with your own registry.
Licensed by each province
Each province and territory issues this itself, under its own rules. For example — Ontario: College of Early Childhood Educators. Each province and territory has its own name for the credential, its own standards and its own process. Some call it registration, while others call it certification or classification. The required education, the extra documents and the renewal rules can all differ. If you plan to move, ask the registry in your new province how your current credential will be recognized.
Keeping it
You must renew your registration on a regular schedule and pay a renewal fee. Many regulators also expect you to keep learning and to keep your first aid and CPR certificate current. If you let your registration lapse, you may not be allowed to work in licensed child care until it is restored.