Early Childhood Education

Posted May 28, 2026

Happy Early Childhood Education week at Academy Canada!

Studies have shown that children who learn in a safe and supportive environment at a young age go on to become successful in their teen years and later into adulthood.

We're celebrating our ECE students and future leaders across the province.

You can also read about "ECE Week 2026" at https://www.academycanada.com/ece-week-2026.

To learn more about Academy Canada's Early Childhood Education program, please click here.

Read about what drew them to the childcare field!

Posted June 16, 2025

Early Childhood Education (ECE) week is celebrated annually in May. Research supports the strong value and importance of Early Childhood Education in child development.

From May 25, 2025 to May 31, 2025, we're celebrating the contributions made by Early Childhood Educators in Newfoundland and Labrador, specifically the wonderful students and faculty involved in our ECE program.

For more information about Early Childhood Education week, please visit our "ECE Week 2025" page at https://www.academycanada.com/ece-week-2025.

Posted May 31, 2024

Posted May 30, 2024

As part of our Early Childhood Education week celebrations, we would love to send a big shoutout to the incredible team at our childcare centre, Creative Beginnings.

Your hard work, dedication, and passion for your field have impacted countless young lives and helped transform them into confident, happy, and curious learners.

Thank you all for everything you do!

Please take a moment to check out this post to learn more about our wonderful group of Early Childhood Educators.

Posted May 30, 2024

Academy Canada are thrilled to congratulate Carla S. for her Joanne Juteau Early Childhood Education scholarship achievement.

Carla's passion is the prime example for children and their development.

Through her studies, volunteer work, and family life, she has demonstrated her dedication to the importance of Early Childhood Education, and more importantly the positive experiences that lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

We couldn't be more proud of you, Carla!

Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador "Minister Howell Recognizes Early Childhood Educators’ Week and Announces Scholarship Recipient" - https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2024/education/0527n03/

Posted May 30, 2024

Posted May 28, 2024, Updated May 31, 2024

Posted May 27, 2024

Posted February 6, 2024

The importance of retention in the ELCC (Early Learning and Child Care) workforce has been consistently and repeatedly documented.

Focusing on the well-being of ECEs (Early Childhood Educators) to enhance workforce retention starts a domino effect of improving the quality of the early learning environment which then improves the outcomes for the mental and physical health of children. These outcomes provide the foundation for children to go on to become adults with healthy lifestyles. The investment in the ELCC workforce, therefore, is linked to the return seen through the improved educational outcomes, increased labour force participation, and decreased health costs once those children become adults.

Check out the Early Childhood Educators Human Resources Council website resources at https://www.ecehrc.ca/, including articles such as “Why ECE Retention Matters,” “Economic Benefits of ELCC,” and “Universal Benefits of ELCC” to learn more!

Source:  Early Childhood Educators Human Resources Council

Posted December 17, 2023

Early Childhood Educators Human Resources Council provides fantastic resources to learn more about this rewarding field.

According to the Early Childhood Educators Human Resources Council, Education is essential to a person’s development.

The education that an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) receives impacts the programming quality they provide to children. This is why it is important that the broader community supports this sector.

The domino effect of educated ECEs ensuring quality education for early learners.

Numerous fantastic post secondary institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador with Early Childhood Education programs that seek to educate compassionate, forward thinking, engaged ECEs, and there are a myriad of study paths to suit different lifestyles. It is the quality of the post secondary learning that ensures ECEs are ready and capable of providing quality early learning and care to children.

A good ECE is patient, kind, and helps a child along their journey of self discovery. They work hand in hand with children, making them aware of their importance and worth.

Children may not always remember their specific ECEs, but every one of them has a lasting impact on them for the rest of their lives.

Academy Canada seats available online and in-person classes in our Early Childhood Education program this January - get in touch to learn more!

Posted September 19, 2023

On September 19, 2023, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced a new incentive program to new and current Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) get their certification.

The Department of Education's Early Childhood Educator Recruitment and Retention Grant will provide funding to recruit and retain Level I to IV ECEs to become certified and work in regulated child care services.

Under this grant, ECEs who meet the eligibility requirements will get $2,500 on certification and further grants of $2,500, up to $7,500 — will be awarded following each three-year certification renewal.

According to Newfoundland and Labrador's Education Minister, Krista Lynn Howell, says the Association of Early Childhood Educators will handle the process on their behalf.

For more information about the Early Childhood Educator Recruitment and Retention Grant, please send an e-mail to ecebursary@aecenl.ca or call 709-726-3044.

If you're an Academy Canada ECE student or graduate wishing to upgrade their ECE Levels, take advantage of this opportunity today.

Source: VOCM "Province Announces New ECE Recruitment, Retention Measures" - https://vocm.com/2023/09/19/province-announces-new-ece-recruitment-retention-measures/

Posted July 16, 2023

There are many misconceptions about working in the Early Childhood sector, and we are here to debunk some of those for you!

Myth #1 - Anyone can do it

Fact: Not quite. Sorry to break it to you, but the idea that working in this sector is a ‘piece of cake’ is far from the truth. It takes a compassionate, empathetic, intelligent and open-minded person to make a truly wonderful ECE. These educators prepare students for school and for life. It is an incredibly important job.

To earn a diploma as an ECE, you’ll need to pass courses in child development and psychology, health and safety, communication, teaching children from diverse backgrounds, and behavioural management. It requires dedication and passion to make a committed ECE - could this be you?

Myth #2 - There aren’t many jobs in this field

Fact - Thankfully, this isn’t the case! ECEs can work in lots of places, both in person and online. In Newfoundland and Labrador, there is huge demand for skilled ECEs. We need more passionate people to enter the sector, to mold the young leaders of tomorrow, today. ECEs as a result have fantastic job prospects across NL and Labrador, as well as across Canada and the world. There is ample opportunity for you to find the perfect fit.

Myth #3 - You don’t need to be skilled

Fact - Again, wrong! People who aren’t aware of the complexities of the field sometimes compare ECEs to glorified babysitters. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. ECEs work with children during their most critical developmental years. As a result, ECEs need to be highly skilled at teaching, understanding, and supporting young people. ECEs are responsible for leading children through an array of new discoveries, such as reading and writing, language and communication, gross and fine motor skills, social skills, numeracy, problem solving, managing emotions, and many more.

Stay tuned for some exciting truths about being an ECE!

Posted July 16, 2023

The Newfoundland and Labrador Government wants more passionate people like you in the Early Learning and Child Care sector!

It is important that the right people are coming to, and staying in, this important field. As a result, there are important bursary programs for you to know about.

The Early Childhood Education Graduate Bursary Program

• Seeks to alleviate your student debt
• Offers assistance of up to $7,500 for graduates of a recognized 2-year ECE diploma program in the province
• Allows you to commit to working full or part-time for at least 3 years in a regulated child care service in the province

The Early Childhood Education On-Campus Field Placement Bursary Program

• Provides financial support for students attending on-campus field placement as part of their distance education program
• Eligible candidates can receive up to $2,500
• Application must be completed within 6 months of field placement completion

Early Childhood Education Trainee Bursary Program

• Supports Trainee (Entry) Level candidates undertaking ECE courses to upgrade their certification to Level 1
• Provides students with $250 per successfully completed required post-secondary ECE course
• Candidates must hold valid Trainee Level Child Care Services certification
• Candidates must be working in regulated child care services in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Candidates must complete the courses through distance or online delivery from a provincially recognized post-secondary ECE program

Are you ready to begin your journey? For more information about our bursaries, take a look at our website today!

Posted June 28, 2023

Did you know that becoming a qualified ECE only requires a 1-year Certificate or a 2-year Diploma program?

The Early Childhood Educators Human Resources Council, also known as ECEHRC, believes in the importance of an educated ELCC workforce.

There are affordable and efficient options to gain the education you need that save you from having to undertake an expensive 4-year degree and bear its associated student loan costs. These certifications are delivered at fantastic post–secondary institutions across Newfoundland and Labrador.

If finances are causing you stress - there’s support! The Newfoundland and Labrador Government offers grants and bursaries for eligible students, in order to assist them in their progress through post-secondary programs. Moreover, there are options for "earn while you learn" programs, meaning you can be financially supported while studying.

Still not quite right? You can also become a certified Trainee through AECENL, working in a regulated child care setting while completing online early childhood educator courses. You can upgrade your skills over time, undertaking further ECE certifications which lead to more career opportunities and higher salaries.

Curious about the options available to you?

Visit their website to work out which early childhood education journey is best catered to you and your future.

Posted June 3, 2023

As Early Childhood Education Week comes to a close, we would like to give one final important shout out. Last but certainly not least, thank you to our incredible network of employment partners. Each of these organizations has recently hosted a student for a practicum in their centre. Practicums are an essential part of a student's training, giving them a real-world opportunity to apply the skills they learned in the classroom under the guidance of knowledgeable and experienced professionals.

By welcoming students into your classrooms, you are helping to nurture and grow the next generation of Early Childhood Educators! Thank you for supporting student success.

We would also like to send a special thank you to the staff at our childcare centre in Corner Brook, Creative Beginnings! Beyond supporting students as a practicum host, our team of ECEs there work hard to provide excellent care to children year-round. Thank you for all you do!

Posted May 29, 2023

Annette is one of the talented instructors in our Early Childhood Education department. She joined us after 27 years of working in the field and now shares her knowledge and expertise with the future Early Childhood Educators of NL!

Read on to see what Annette has to say about the important work being done in Early Childhood Education. Thank you for all you do, Annette!

"With almost three decades in the field, I have witnessed the evolution of this exciting sector. The profession has shifted from caregivers that work for families to educators who work with families. Research in child development supports the value and importance of Early Childhood Education in society. So much is learned in the first five years, so it is crucial that children get a good start with caring, trained and knowledgeable educators.

ECEs work in diverse settings such as regulated childcare centres, schools, family resource centres, or operate home-based childcare. We are essential to the community; we support economic growth and provide care for the province's most valuable resource, our children.
It is such an exciting time for ECEs with the introduction of a newly released wage grid and financial incentives for educators to pursue higher learning. Learn more: https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2023/education/0328n01/.

Over the years, I have worked with many wonderful educators who influenced my life and for whom I am truly grateful. The opportunity to mentor, guide and educate the next generation of ECEs is an amazing experience. A big thank you to the childcare centers who welcome our students and enrich their academic experience with hands-on learning. There is no greater time to join the profession and become a trained, certified ECE; we make a difference. Happy ECE week to one and all!"

Posted May 29, 2023

Santana is another of the amazing instructors in our Early Childhood Education program. She completed training in both education and nursing, including ten years of experience working as an Early Childhood Educator. We are lucky to have her on our team to bring her knowledge and experience into the classroom. Fun fact: Santana has also worked at Creative Beginnings, Academy Canada's childcare centre in Corner Brook!

We asked Santana some questions about her career in Early Childhood Education - check it out!

Question: If you could give a piece of advice to someone looking to start a career in Early Childhood Education, what would it be?

Answer: My advice to anyone who would like to begin a career in Early Childhood Education would be to work hard and show compassion to those who put their trust into you. The hard work will be rewarded in so many ways, from being a building block of a child's learning journey, providing the family support that everyone needs, becoming an important community member, and helping shape the Early Childhood Education industry for the future. This program is life-changing for everyone that is involved.

Check out the rest of Santana's interview here: https://www.academycanada.com/santana-billard/

Thank you for all you do, Santana!

Posted May 29, 2023, Updated May 31, 2023

Early Childhood Educators play a crucial role in a child's development and have a significant impact on their overall well-being.

They introduce children to early academic concepts, such as literacy and numeracy, as well as promote essential skills like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

Beyond academic skills, they also play an important role in social and emotional development and shaping the lives of children as a whole.

To celebrate this week, we'll be sharing information about this rewarding career as well as spotlights of some of our amazing ECE faculty members and students.

Our students are excited to join this field to help Newfoundland and Labrador's children and future leaders!

Learn more about our Early Childhood Education program's students training to be tomorrow's nurturers and leaders at https://www.academycanada.com/ece-students.