Become an RECE

Are you passionate about early childhood development?
Becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) is a rewarding and in-demand career. While working as an RECE, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to positively impact young children, their families, and the community. RECEs are caring and resourceful professionals who support early learning and development. They set the foundation for lifelong growth. With ever increasing demand for high-quality child care, this career offers both fulfillment and opportunities.
Pathways to Becoming an RECE
Become an RECE while working in the sector
You can become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) while you’re already working in the child care sector. Some things to consider:
Enroll in a Recognized RECE Program: Many colleges in Ontario offer diploma programs in Early Childhood Education. These programs usually take about two years to complete and are offered both full-time and part-time, and include placements.
Meet Admission Requirements: Ensure you meet the admission requirements for the RECE program you choose. This typically includes having a high school diploma, Consider a prior learning assessment to determine if you meet certain requirements prior to registration.
Seek Financial Assistance: Some employers may offer finical assistance for courses or paid leave while you are completing schooling. Look into ECE grants for additional funding opportunities. Many Ontario colleges also offer scholarships and bursaries.
Apply for Field Placement: As part of your diploma program, you’ll need to complete field placements in different early learnign and care settings. These placements are usually arranged through your college program.
Register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE): Once you complete your diploma, you must register with the CECE to practice as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in Ontario.
Consider an Apprenticeship: The Child Development Practitioner Program offers practical experience while also learning about child development.
By balancing work and study, you can gain practical experience while completing your educational requirements. Some employers may even offer flexible hours or support for further education if you already work in a child care setting.
Re-enter the RECE workforce
Re-entering early childhood education can be incredibly fulfilling. Here’s why:
Impact on Children: You’ll shape children’s futures, helping them develop important social, emotional, and academic skills that can benefit them for life.
High Demand: There’s a steady need for early childhood educators, which means good job security and growth opportunities.
More Support and Improved Wages: There are more resources, better training, and improved working conditions now, making the job easier and more rewarding. Many organizations are now offering better pay for early childhood educators, reflecting the growing recognition of the value of your work.
Variety of Roles: Early childhood education offers many career paths from teaching to policy work.
Personal Joy: Watching children grow and learning alongside them can be deeply satisfying.
Strong Community: You’ll connect with other passionate professionals and be part of a supportive network.
Make a Difference: You can help improve policies and practices for children and educators while supporting families and communities with economic growth.
Grow Professionally: Returning to the field can help you develop new skills and stay updated with the latest methods.
If you love working with kids and want to make a lasting impact, re-entering early childhood education could be a great choice.
Become an ECE from high school
You can become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) directly from high school.
Talk to your guidance Counsellor about:
Take a related co-op or seek a volunteer opportunity in child care
Register for a dual credit in child care
Consider taking the following courses:
Families in Canada – (HHS4U/C)
Human Development Throughout the Lifespan (HHG4M)
Working with Infants and Youth Children (HPW3C)
Raising Healthy Children (HPC3O)
Working with School-Age Children and Adolescents (HPD4C)
Consider which post-secondary program might be right for you.
Some local options include:
Fanshawe College: www.fanshawec.ca
Lambton College: www.lambtoncollege.ca
Conestoga College: www.conestogac.on.ca
Online with Contact North: www.studyonline.ca
All other Ontario Colleges: www.ontariocolleges.ca/en
Note: Individuals working in the child care sector will require First Aid/CPR-C and a Vulnerable Sector Police Check.
Working in the Early Childhood Education Sector
RECE Skills
Passionate and Energetic: If you are passionate, energetic, creative, and organized, early childhood education may be for you.
Warm and Empathetic Approach: A warm, responsive, and empathetic approach is essential for building positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and community partners.
Effective Communication: Strong communication skills help in fostering positive, reciprocal relationships with those you interact with.
Value Learning Through Play: Recognize the importance of learning through play and have a passion for lifelong learning.
Reflective and Inclusive: Be a reflective practitioner who values diversity and inclusion and possesses critical thinking skills.
Dynamic and Growth-Oriented: Early childhood education offers dynamic, ever-changing experiences with opportunities for continual learning, professional development, and creative problem-solving.
Career Opportunities in the Child Care Sector
- Child Care Centre Educator working with children birth to age 4
- Early Childhood Assistant
- Before and After School Educator working with children ages 4 to 12
- EarlyON Child and Family Facilitator
- Resource Consultant (additional qualifications required)
- Child Care Center Supervisor or Director
- Home Child Care Provider
- School-based educator in kindergarten or educational assistant
- Respite Worker for children and families with additional needs
- Ministry of Education Program Advisor
- Child Care Centre Owner/Operator
- Early Learning and Care Administration
- Early Literacy Specialist
- Child Care Centre Cook
- And more
Educational Opportunities
Local Post Secondary Schools offering ECE Programs
Most programs offer full-time, part-time, fast-track, and online options. Most child care programs offer unpaid high school and post-secondary co-operative education placement opportunities.
Fanshawe College – www.fanshawec.ca
Lambton College – www.lambtoncollege.ca
Conestoga College – www.conestogac.on.ca
Online: Contact North – www.studyonline.ca
All other Ontario Colleges – https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en
Apprenticeship Programs
Ontario Apprenticeship Child Development Practitioner https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/child-development-practitioner/
*Note: Additional education is required after completing an apprenticeship program to acquire an ECE diploma.
College of Early Childhood Education
The College of Early Childhood Educators (the College) oversees Ontario’s Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) to protect the public interest. Established in February 2009 under the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, it is one of Ontario’s largest professional regulatory bodies with over 57,000 members. The College sets and enforces registration requirements, ethical and professional standards, and continuous learning requirements, and manages complaints and disciplinary actions for misconduct or incompetence. Graduates with an Early Childhood College diploma and working within this scope of practice are required to be members of the College of ECE.
**Note – College of ECE will only recognize students who have completed an early childhood education diploma program from an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology to meet the education requirement for registration. https://www.college-ece.ca/applicants/ece-diploma-programs-from-ocaats/
Funding Opportunities
Ontario ECE Grants: https://ecegrants.on.ca
Fanshawe ECE Bursary for Huron County Residence – https://fanshawe.academicworks.ca/opportunities/10661
Become an RECE Recruitment Brochures and Posters

Become a Home Child Care Provider Poster
