Profession

Become a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)

Are you interested in becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)? There is a shortage of RECEs across Ontario.

This rewarding profession focuses on working with children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Some of your career opportunities include:

  • Daycares and Before/After school programs
  • Kindergarten classrooms
  • Home child care
  • EarlyON programs
  • Working with children with special needs

Several colleges across Ontario offer the Early Childhood Education program. The course ranges from 42 weeks to 4 years. You can attend in class or on-line and chose to learn through a diploma program, a degree program or an apprenticeship program.

If you currently work in child care and would like to receive your ECE diploma you may qualify for a grant program that will help with tuition, cost of books and more. You can read more about the grant program on the Provincial ECE Grant website.

 

Early Childhood Education (ECE) Academic Support Funding

Lanark County Children’s Services is offering Academic Support Funding to support individuals pursuing post-secondary education in Early Childhood Education (ECE). This funding is intended to help cover education-related costs and strengthen the Early Years workforce within Lanark County.

Funding may be used for eligible expenses such as tuition, mandatory fees, and required learning materials associated with an approved ECE program.

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible if you:

  • Live in Lanark County and/or currently work in the Early Years sector
  • Are enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, an accredited ECE program
  • Are committed to working in the Early Years sector in Lanark County after completing your education

No prior experience is required. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to working locally in the field.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Lanark County ECE Academic Support Application in full
  2. Prepare the required documents:
    • Proof of enrolment in an accredited ECE program
    • Tuition invoice or fee schedule
    • Resume
    • Personal and/or professional reference letter
  3. Submit your completed application as a PDF by email to cs@lanarkcounty.ca

 

Applications are accepted from May 1, 2026, to November 30, 2026.

 

Need More Information?

For questions or support with the application process, please contact Children’s Services at cs@lanarkcounty.ca or call 613-267-4200 ext. 2306

Professional Development and Pedagogical Support

Lanark Early Learning Child Care Association is a committee made up of Early Childhood Educators (ECE) that work in Lanark County. The association is responsible for choosing relevant and current training opportunities.

Those who are welcome to attend training sessions include:

  • Registered ECEs
  • Students enrolled in an ECE program within Lanark County
  • Playgroup facilitators
  • Licensed home child care operators
  • Unlicensed home child care operators
  • All educators and child care workers working in early years settings
  • Principals
  • Kindergarten education teams

 

Past topics include:

  • Extending Curriculum Outdoors
  • Using Loose Parts for Play
  • How Visuals Can Help: Using Visuals to Support the Four Foundations of How Learning Happens
  • Understanding behaviours

Those interested in training opportunities can contact cs@lanarkcounty.ca to be connected to our Early Years Specialist to add your name to the mailing list.

For additional information on becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator or on upgrading your Education, please see the Becoming a Registered Childhood Educator in Lanark County brochure.

How Does Learning Happen?

“How Does Learning Happen?” is Ontario’s pedagogy for the early years, emphasizing the holistic development of children through four foundational conditions: Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression. These foundations highlight the importance of nurturing relationships among children, families, and educators. Learning is seen as an evolving process that occurs within the framework of supportive and responsive interactions.  Children thrive in settings where they experience a sense of belonging, participate in meaningful activities, and have the freedom to express themselves.

For more information, including resource guides for educators, leaders and home child care providers, please visit: How does learning happen: Ontario’s pedagogy for the early years | ontario.ca