SECASaskatchewan Early Childhood Association

EARLY CHILDHOODEDUCATOR

“It is honestly the most rewarding, amazing job I’ve ever had… it makes me feel so happy every single day just seeing their faces. If you’re interested in doing it, do it! It’s just so amazing.” – Andrea Spirito, ECE Level I.

The Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association (SECA) is a non-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to high quality learning, in partnership with all those invested in the growth and development of children.

SECA’s mission is to:• Provide support services for our membership;• Promote professional development opportunities;• Create unification provincially; and• To advocate for children and families; high quality learning; and all those working within the profession.

Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association1015 Railway AvenueWeyburn, SK S4H 2V5

306-842-1209seca.executivedirector@gmail.comseca.officemanager@gmail.com

www.seca-sk.ca

ECE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• More than 300 Licensed Child Care Centres across the province

• Licensed Family Child Care Homes

• Child Care Centre Director

• Preschools

• Before and After School Programs

• Casual Recreation and Camp Programs

According to Saskatchewan’s Early Years Plan 2016-2020, since 2008 there has been a 23 per cent increase in the number of children aged four and younger in Saskatchewan. An increase in infants and toddlers directly correlates to an increase of child care spaces in the province.

HOW DO I BECOME AN ECE?

FLEXIBLE TRAINING OPTIONS:

• Full-time and part-time programs• In-class• Distance (print-based)• On-line• Evening courses• High school dual credit courses (www.saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/dual-credit.aspx)

Institutions include: Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Institute of Indian Technologies (SIIT), regional colleges and universities.

CERTIFICATION:The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education provides ECE certification for those that have completed course work that has led to an ECE orientation, certificate or diploma or have finished an equal combination of education from a recognized post-secondary institution.

There are three categories of ECE Certification:

ECE Level I is awarded after completing nine credit units (three courses) that are related to early childhood, including one course from each of three areas: Child Development, Programming and Relationships or after you have finished an ECE orientation from a recognized post-secondary institution.

ECE Level II is awarded after you have completed a one-year ECE certificate program from a recognized post-secondary institution or after you have finished an equivalent amount of post-secondary coursework.

ECE Level III is awarded after you have finished a two-year ECE diploma program from a recognized post-secondary institution or after you have finished an equivalent amount of post-secondary coursework. For more information go to: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/education-and-child-care-facility-administration/become-an-early-childhood-educator

WHAT DOES AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR (ECE) DO?

• Supports the holistic development of children

• Plans programming for children

• Guides children’s behavior

• Maintains a safe environment

• Provides an inclusive environment

• Builds meaningful relationships with families

• Conducts self professionally

PERSONAL QUALITIES OFECEs INCLUDE:

• Passion for Educating Young Children/Love

of Learning

• Sound Judgment

• Flexibility

• Respect

• Creativity

• High Energy

• Sense of Humour

WHY SHOULD I BECOME AN ECE?

• Rewarding to work with children. Nurturing social, physical, emotional and academic development of children provides them with the opportunity to reach their potential.

• By fostering a natural play-based learning environment children learn new skills and build their self-esteem in their early learning and child care centre or program. (Canadian Child Care Federation, Resource Sheet #77)

• During the earliest years of life, a child’s brain is developing the foundation upon which all further learning is built. (Saskatchewan’s Early Years Plan 2016-2020, Government of Saskatchewan)

• Typically Monday – Friday

• Flexible work hours

• Weekends and statuary holidays off

• Professional development opportunities

• Stable career choice

• Team-based work environment