Occupational Standards for Early Childhood Educators

The Occupational Standards for Early Childhood Educators describe the knowledge, skills and abilities early childhood educators (ECEs) need to do their job effectively. Originally published by the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF) in 2003, the standards have been updated through a Child Care Human Resources Sector Council (CCHRSC) project to ensure that they reflect the developments and changes in the sector and that the skills, knowledge and abilities required of ECEs are current and accurate. These new standards have been developed and validated by front-line ECEs from across Canada and they focus on the following areas: child development and care; equipment and facilities; family and community relations; professional relationships; personal and professional development; and record keeping.

The standards reflect best practices in early childhood education and care settings and can be used in a variety of ways:

• Early childhood educators and students can use the standards to define and understand the key tasks and responsibilities
  of ECEs, as well as to identify areas for professional growth and development;
• Trainers can use the standards as a basis for evaluating and improving curriculum, training and professional development;
• Employers can use the standards to develop tools to recruit early childhood educators, evaluate their day-to-day work,
  and access professional development requirements; and
• Governments will be provided with a nationally recognized set of best practices that can be used when developing,
  licensing or delivering child care programs and training.

To order your copy of the Occupational Standards for ECEs,  simply download and print out the order form below, and mail it (along with  your cheque or  money order) to:

Child Care Human Resources Sector Council
151 Slater St., Suite 714
Ottawa, ON, K1P   5H3