Why Become an Early Childhood Educator
1
Job Security
The demand for Early Childhood Educators is high. While other job markets may shrink, the need for RECEs will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. London/Middlesex has a dynamic, robust child care community with ongoing opportunities for leadership, collaboration and professional development. Opportunities for career growth in early childhood education are extensive.
2
Purposeful Work Culture
RECEs are part of a meaningful, collaborative work culture. People in this field of work are open to new ideas and supportive strategies, encouraging children to learn through play, exploration, collaboration and curiosity. We strive to create an environment that supports the whole child and sets the foundation for lifelong learning.
3
Diverse Workplace
A diverse, inclusive workplace fosters a sense of belonging in children as they’re able to see themselves represented in the people who care for them. In London/Middlesex there are multiple workplaces that support culturally responsive and first languages such as French-first language and Indigenous languages. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities regardless of religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race and related grounds, age, nationality, disability, family and marital status, or veteran status (The Ontario Human Rights Code, 2021).
4
Variety of Working Hours
A career in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector offers a variety of working hours that meets an individual's needs. Working hours in the ECEC sector are fairly regular schedules, offering quality time outside of work hours to explore other passions, interests, and hobbies that bring joy to one’s life.
5
Your Choice of Work Locations
There are many local licensed child care centres, before and after school programs and EarlyON child and family centres in both rural and urban settings. There is also the option of providing licensed home child care within the comfort of your own home. With so many locations and types of work positions for RECEs to find employment, there’s bound to be a right fit near you.
6
Autonomy
Registered Early Childhood Educators are granted significant autonomy because of their professional expertise, their ability to work collaboratively with children, families, and colleagues, and their adaptability to the dynamic nature of Early Childhood Education and Care. This autonomy allows RECEs to make decisions that best meet the needs of each child to create a safe, warm, welcoming, nurturing, and supportive learning environment.
“Educators are lifelong learners. They take responsibility for their own learning and make decisions about ways to integrate knowledge from theory, research, their own experience, and their understanding of the individual children and families they work with.” (Ontario. Ministry of Education. (2014). How Does Learning Happen?, Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years, 7).