Early childhood educator (ECE)

Work setting

• Child care centre

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Develop and implement child-care programs that support and promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children
• Storytelling
• Lead activities by telling or reading stories, teaching songs and taking children to local points of interest
• Order supplies and equipment
• Assist early childhood educators or supervisors in keeping records
• Engage children in activities by telling stories, teaching songs and preparing crafts
• provide opportunities to express creativity through the media of art, dramatic play, music and physical activity
• Guide and assist children in the development of proper eating, dressing and toilet habits
• Maintain daycare equipment and assist in housekeeping and cooking duties
• Prepare snacks and arrange rooms or furniture for lunch and rest periods
• Observe children for signs of potential learning or behavioural problems and prepare reports for parents, guardians or supervisor
• Submit written observations on children to early childhood educators or supervisors
• Discuss progress and problems of children at staff meetings
• Knowledge of licensing regulations
• Assess the abilities, interests and needs of children and discuss progress or problems with parents and other staff members
• Attend staff meetings to discuss progress and problems of children
• Plan and maintain an environment that protects the health, security and well-being of children
• Plan and organize activities for school-age children in child-care programs before and after regular school hours

Credentials

Certificates, licences, memberships, and courses 

• Emergency child care first aid and CPR
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate

Additional information

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Attention to detail
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking
• Bending, crouching, kneeling

Personal suitability

• Punctuality
• Dependability
• Efficient interpersonal skills
• Flexibility
• Interpersonal awareness
• Judgement
• Reliability
• Team player
• Values and ethics