Career Options
Early Childhood Studies is an excellent foundation for a range of careers working with young children, as well as their families.
Careers in Early Childhood Education and Care
What They Do
Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE) work directly with infants, toddlers and preschool children in early learning and child care programs and with school-age children in before and after school programs. Research confirms the value and importance of well-educated early childhood educators in the provision of high-quality early childhood education and care programs.
Requirements
To work as an early childhood educator in Ontario, graduates must register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (external link, opens in new window) .
Where They Work
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Programs, EarlyON Child and Family Centres (external link, opens in new window) , Family Resource Programs, Parenting and Literacy Centres
RECE in Full Day Kindergarten Programs
Certified teachers and registered early childhood educators work together as an educator team in Ontario full day kindergarten programs. These educators bring complementary knowledge and skills that create a rich early learning environment for four and five-year-old children. School boards are responsible for the hiring of RECEs for full day kindergarten programs.
Alumni Profile
Careers Working with Young Children with Disabilities and their Families
What They Do
School of Early Childhood Studies’ graduates are qualified along with relevant experience in the ECEC field to work as Resource Consultants in Ontario. Resource Consultants (sometimes referred to as Resource Teacher, Early Childhood Consultant or Resource Consultation Staff) support licensed early learning and care programs in their work to include all children and to monitor and promote the optimum development of young children who require extra support. Resource Consultants also help families access a range of services within the community.
Where They Work
ECEC Programs, Home ECEC Programs, Community Agencies, Specialized ECEC Programs
Alumni Profile
What They Do
Home Child Care Consultants provide a variety of supports to licensed home child care providers, including curriculum development and resources for children with disabilities.
Where They Work
What They Do
Early Interventionists provide direct services—in the home or center-based programs—for children with a range of specialized needs (i.e. sensory, physical, cognitive, medical). Early Interventionists work closely with families and in an interprofessional team (occupational/physical therapists, social service-providers, and medical personnel) in planning, delivering, and evaluating interventions that support and enhance a child’s development.
Where They Work
- York Region Early Intervention Services (external link, opens in new window)
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (external link, opens in new window)
- Mothercraft (external link, opens in new window)
- Surrey Place (external link, opens in new window)
- Centre Francophone du Grand Toronto (external link, opens in new window)
Our graduates can be found working with children with a variety of extra support needs (i.e. children who are deaf and hard of hearing; children on the Autism spectrum, children with complex and developmental challenges) in a range of settings such as:
- Surrey Place (external link, opens in new window)
- Lumenus (external link, opens in new window)
- Strides (external link, opens in new window)
- Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (external link, opens in new window)
- Silver Creek Pre-School (external link, opens in new window)
- Yes I Can! (external link, opens in new window)
Other Requirements
Some positions require post-degree additional qualifications such as certification in deaf education (external link, opens in new window) or Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) training (external link, opens in new window) .
Alumni Profiles
Careers in Early Childhood Research, Policy and Advocacy
Our graduates assume positions that focus on early childhood research, policy and advocacy.
What They Do
Professional associations in Ontario such as the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (AECEO) (external link, opens in new window) and Association francophone à l’éducation des servicesà l’énfance de l’Ontario (Aféseo) (external link, opens in new window) promote the interests of their members and the early childhood education profession and support ECEs through professional development and networking opportunities.
The Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care (external link, opens in new window) and the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada (external link, opens in new window) collect and develop research to advocate for a system of publicly funded and delivered ECEC services.
Where They Work
Graduates also work in the areas of early childhood research and public policy in research institutes, the Ministry of Education and municipal planning and development.
Alumni Profiles
Teaching, Leadership and Administration
As the early learning and care field is vast and constantly changing, there are always opportunities that come for an array of positions in teaching, leadership and administration. Some of these positions combine front line work with administrative duties; others focus solely on administration in various ways. Careers in teaching, leadership and administration may include:
What They Do
One of the many responsibilities of Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors and Lecturers in ECE/ECS programs include the design and delivery of courses that are needed in order to work with children from birth to 12 years of age.
Where They work
Colleges or Universities offering programs in Early Childhood Education/Studies.
Alumni Profile
What They Do
ELC managers are responsible for the direct operations of an Early Learning Centre (ELC), including staff management, ensuring all ministry program criteria are met, liaising with municipal and provincial licensing specialists, curriculum design, budgeting, and enrollment of families.
Assistant supervisors, supervisors or directors of Early Childhood Education Care (ECEC) programs play an important role in pedagogical leadership and building effective teaching teams.
Where They work
Early Learning Centres (remove link) or they may serve on local committees focused on ECEC services or as advisors for professional organizations and government.
Alumni Profile
What They Do
Field Education Coordinators facilitate the organization of the field education component of students’ ECE/ECS program. They liaise with field education sites, students and faculty. Field Education Coordinators also mentor students regarding career opportunities in the ECS field.
Where They Work
Universities or Colleges offering Early Childhood Studies programs.
What They Do
Licensing specialists are employed in both municipal and provincial governments to ensure ELC programs are adhering to government regulatory criteria. They are responsible for visiting ELC programs and collaborating with the ELC manager to ensure the provision of high quality ELC programs.
Where They Work
Municipal and provincial (external link, opens in new window) levels of government.
What They Do
Executive Directors (EDs)/Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) oversee the direct operations of multi service agencies serving children and families.
Agency programs may include children with disabilities, early learning and care centres, research initiatives, family support programs, and/or children’s mental health services. Responsibilities may include, curriculum development, management of staff, drafting budgets, producing grant proposals, liaising with the public, the Agency’s Board of Directors, and various levels of government.
Where They Work
Multi service agencies.