If you’re planning to work as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) in Ontario, Canada — whether you’re from another Canadian province or overseas — the first and most crucial step is ensuring your education aligns with Ontario’s standards.
Before you can become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), you’ll need to complete an approved ECE program. This blog guides you exactly where to get that education, through recognized, reputable, and CECE-approved institutions, so you can confidently move one step closer to becoming licensed to teach in Ontario.
Why ECE Education Matters
If you want to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in Ontario, you have to register after completion of the program offered by colleges through the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)—this is the official licensing body in the province. If your education doesn’t meet their standards, your application will not be accepted.
Whether you are just beginning your journey or have international training that needs to be updated or matched to Ontario’s standards, choosing the right school is key. Studying at an approved program helps you avoid delays, saves money, and reduces the stress of repeating courses later.
The Official List of Approved ECE Programs
The College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) provides a full list of approved Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs in Ontario.
View the CECE Approved ECE Programs List
Why is this list important?
To become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in Ontario, you must graduate from a program that is approved by CECE. If your program or college is not on this list, it will not count—no exceptions.
Before applying to any ECE program, check this list to make sure your education will lead to registration.
Find the Right ECE College Program for You
If you’re looking to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in Ontario, it’s important to choose the right college program. OntarioColleges.ca is the official website where you can explore all Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs offered by public colleges in Ontario.
On this site, you can:
● Search for ECE programs by college name, location, or program start date.
● Learn about each program’s details, such as duration, admission requirements, and whether it’s offered online or in person.
● Apply directly to the programs you’re interested in.
This resource is especially helpful for both local and international students who want to find a program that fits their needs and schedule.
Explore ECE Programs on OntarioColleges.ca
Some Top Ontario Colleges Offering ECE Programs:
You can choose from many well-known colleges in Ontario that offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs. Each college has its own strengths and unique features. Here are some examples:
George Brown College: This college is well-known for its strong partnerships with childcare centers, giving students good practice (work placement) opportunities.
Humber College: Offers a clear path if you want to continue your studies and earn a degree after completing your diploma.
Seneca College: Has several campuses and also provides online learning options, making it more flexible for students.
Sheridan College: Combines classroom learning with real-life experience in the field to help students gain practical skills.
Each college may have different application steps, admission requirements, and class formats (in-person or online). It’s important to visit their official websites to find the most updated and detailed information before applying.
Want to Earn While You Learn? Try the ECE Apprenticeship Pathway
Ontario also offers an ECE Apprenticeship Program — a practical and affordable option if you want to work while studying.
Ontario’s ECE Apprenticeship Info
Why it matters:
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Apprenticeship Program in Ontario is a great option if you want to learn while you work. This pathway lets you get real job experience in a childcare setting while also attending classroom training part-time. You will earn money as you learn, and your work will count toward your education.
This option is perfect for:
● Adults who are changing careers
● People who prefer hands-on learning
● Those who need to work and study at the same time
It’s a flexible and affordable way to start your journey toward becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE).
Additional Information for International Applicants
If you are planning to study Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Ontario as an international student, here are some important things to consider before applying:
Study Permits
To study in Canada, you need a study permit. You can learn more by visiting the official IRCC—Study in Canada Guide.
Tip: Be sure to apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)—all public colleges in Ontario are DLIs and meet the requirements for international students.
Credential Assessment
Before you can register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE), you may need to have your previous education assessed. Organizations like WES Canada or other members of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC) can do this.
Tip: This process shows if your education from another country is equal to Canadian standards or if you need to take more courses in Ontario.
Learn About the Ontario Education System
To better understand how your experience fits in, visit the CICIC Overview of Ontario Education. The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) also provides a full ECE Career Profile to help you compare your background with the requirements in Ontario.
Quality Matters: Choose Only Recognized Schools
To make sure you don’t choose a fake or unapproved school, check the:
Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities—Recognized Institutions
Not all schools are the same. To make sure your education is accepted in Ontario, you must choose a program from a recognized college or institution.
Before you apply, check the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities website. This official site lists all public colleges and licensed private schools that are legally allowed to offer Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs in Ontario.
Only students who graduate from these approved programs can apply to become Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs). This helps protect you from wasting time or money on unrecognized or low-quality schools.
After Graduation: What Comes Next?
When you finish an approved Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, the next important step is to apply for registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE). This registration is required if you want to work as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in Ontario.
The CECE checks your education, documents, and other requirements before giving you a license to practice. It’s a good idea to review their official guide early, so you know what to prepare ahead of time.
Visit CECE’s official page: How to Apply for Registration
Understanding Job Prospects in Early Childhood Education
Are you wondering if becoming an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) is a good career choice? According to the Canadian Job Bank, the answer is yes.
ECE Job Market Trends – Canada
There is a high demand for qualified Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) in the province of Ontario. This is especially true in licensed childcare centers and school-based early learning programs.
The growing need for RECEs means that graduates have strong chances of finding stable and meaningful jobs in the field.
Don’t Just Take Any Course—Choose the Right One
Selecting the right ECE program is a crucial step in building a strong and successful career. It’s not just about studying — it’s about starting your journey in a profession that’s meaningful, in-demand, and stable.
Here’s how to get started:
Check the CECE list of approved programs to make sure your education will qualify for registration.
Use OntarioColleges.ca to compare schools, locations, and course formats that suit your needs.
If you’re an international student, review the steps for WES credential assessment and the IRCC study permit to plan your move confidently.
By following the right steps now, you’re not only meeting the requirements, you’re preparing yourself for success as a future Early Childhood Educator in Ontario.
