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NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants

NOC Version: NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Position Summary for NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants

Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202) play a vital role in the early development and well-being of children from infancy to age 12. They design and deliver age-appropriate programs that promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth. Daily responsibilities include leading storytelling, creative arts, music, and play activities, while maintaining a secure, supportive environment. These individuals also monitor children’s behavior, communicate progress with parents and team members, and may take on supervisory tasks within the facility.

Support staff work alongside lead program facilitators by preparing materials and snacks, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting with routines like eating, dressing, and toileting. They may also contribute observations to progress reports and participate in staff meetings.

Employment can be found across various settings such as nurseries, kindergartens, community agencies serving children with special needs, and other educational or care-focused institutions. Licensing or certification—often required by government regulations—may be necessary, depending on the province or territory. Those looking to access this career path should search local and provincial government or business resources for training and certification requirements. For further details or to verify qualifications, it’s recommended to contact the relevant provincial body directly.

Job Titles Specific for NOC 42202

Early Childhood Educators (ECE)

  • Early Childhood Educator (ECE)

  • ECE – Preschool

  • ECE – Infant and Toddler

  • Early Childhood Supervisor

  • Daycare Teacher

  • Nursery School Teacher

  • Early Childhood Education Worker

  • Educator Assistant – Junior Kindergarten

  • Early Childhood Program Facilitator

  • Preschool Teacher

  • Preschool Supervisor

  • Child Development Worker

  • Kindergarten ECE (in full-day kindergarten programs, especially in Ontario)

Early Childhood Educator Assistants

  • Early Childhood Educator Assistant

  • Early Childhood Assistant

  • Daycare Worker

  • Daycare Helper

  • Child Care Worker Assistant

  • Preschool Helper

  • Early Childhood Program Staff Assistant

  • Childcare Aide

  • Teacher’s Aide – Preschool

  • Infant Care Assistant

  • Toddler Room Assistant

These job titles are commonly used in job postings, employment settings, and educational institutions across Canadian provinces and territories.

Main Responsibilities common for NOC 42202

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs):

  • Develop and implement programs to support the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children.

  • Lead activities such as storytelling, singing, crafts, and play to encourage creativity and learning.

  • Plan safe and nurturing environments that promote children’s health, safety, and well-being.

  • Observe and assess children’s behavior, abilities, and interests to tailor learning experiences.

  • Communicate with parents and staff regarding children’s progress, challenges, and needs.

  • Guide children in daily routines, including eating, dressing, hygiene, and toilet habits.

  • Identify and report signs of potential learning or behavioural issues.

  • Collaborate with co-workers and community service providers working with children.

  • Supervise assistants and other staff, when in a senior or lead role.

  • May organize before- and after-school programs for school-aged children.

Early Childhood Educator Assistants:

  • Support ECEs in program delivery, helping to engage children in planned activities.

  • Assist with storytelling, crafts, songs, and games to promote child development.

  • Help prepare meals and snacks and set up areas for rest, meals, and activities.

  • Support children with eating, dressing, and toileting routines.

  • Maintain cleanliness of toys, rooms, and daycare equipment.

  • Record and report observations about children’s behavior and development to ECEs or supervisors.

  • Attend staff meetings to share insights and updates on children’s progress.

  • Assist in keeping documentation and records, under the guidance of ECEs or supervisors.

These responsibilities may vary slightly depending on the specific setting (e.g., daycare centre, preschool, nursery school) and provincial regulations, but they broadly represent the role of professionals under NOC 42202.

Job Requirements for NOC 42202

Here are the job requirements for NOC 42202 – Early Childhood Educators and Assistants in Canada, separated by role:

For Early Childhood Educators (ECEs):

Education:

  • Completion of a two- to four-year college program in Early Childhood Education
    OR

  • A bachelor’s degree in child development or a related field

Certification/Licensing:

  • Licensing is required in Ontario

  • Certification is required in British Columbia

  • Licensing or certification is usually required in most other provinces and territories, often through a provincial regulatory body (e.g., College of Early Childhood Educators in Ontario)

Experience:

  • Experience working with children is often preferred or required by employers

For Early Childhood Educator Assistants:

Education:

  • Completion of secondary school (high school) is required

  • Completion of an ECE assistant certificate program or post-secondary courses in early childhood education may be required, depending on the province and employer

Experience:

  • Experience in child care or working with young children is typically required

Certification/Licensing:

  • Licensing by a provincial or territorial association as an early childhood educator may be required in some jurisdictions, especially when assisting in regulated childcare settings

Additional Requirements (All Roles):

  • First Aid and CPR certification is commonly required

  • A criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening is usually mandatory

  • Immunization records (e.g., TB test, MMR) may be required by employers or local public health guidelines

  • Strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to work effectively with children, parents, and coworkers

Meeting these requirements enables professionals to work in regulated early learning and child care environments across Canada.

Median Hourly Wages by Provinces

Canada-Wide Overview

  • Median Hourly Wage: $21.30

  • Range: $16.00 – $29.05

  • Reference Period: 2022–2023

  • Source: Labour Force Survey – Statistics Canada

Median Hourly Wages by Province/Territory

Province/TerritoryMedian Wage (CAD/hour)
Alberta$19.00
British Columbia$22.00
Manitoba$17.17
New Brunswick$20.00
Newfoundland & Labrador$17.00
Nova Scotia$18.50
Ontario$21.00
Prince Edward Island$19.00
Quebec$24.00
Northwest Territories$25.95
Nunavut$25.50

Note: Data for Saskatchewan and Yukon were not specified in the referenced sources.

Additional Provincial Insights

  • Ontario: The median wage for early childhood educators and assistants is $21.00 per hour.

  • British Columbia: The provincial wage grid indicates a median wage of $22.00 per hour for early childhood educators and assistants.

  • Manitoba: The Early Learning and Child Care Wage Grid for 2025–2026 outlines target hourly wages ranging from $19.40 for Child Care Assistants to $29.41 for ECE III Frontline Staff.

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