Early Childhood Educator post-secondary program recognition

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) play a critical role in providing education and care for young children. ECEs have specialized knowledge, skills and training required to work in this field, providing care, connection and safe, inclusive learning environments for children at one of the most important times in their lives.

We cannot achieve our goals under ChildCareBC without a qualified workforce, and demand for early childhood professionals is expected to continue growing as more affordable child care spaces become available to families across the province.

The Province acknowledges the sector’s commitment to providing quality education, preparing students for a rewarding career in child care.

On this page

• Role of the Registry in ECE program recognition
• Support for early childhood professionals

Role of the Registry in ECE program recognition

The Early Childhood Educator Registry regulates British Columbia's ECE workforce, as established in the Community Care and Assisted Living Act and the Child Care Licensing Regulation. The registry assesses proposed ECE program applications from educational institutions against B.C. Child Care Sector Occupational Competencies and recommends recognition to the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

For more information, contact the registry at 1-888-338-6622 (Option 3) or email ECERegistry.Programs@gov.bc.ca.

Support for early childhood professionals

We know that improving access to child care for B.C. families requires long-term sustainable growth along with growth in the ECE workforce capacity to provide these important services. Learn more about how government is taking action to recruit and retain early childhood professionals and lift up the child care sector on the Support for Early Childhood Professionals web page.