Careers in Child Care
Early childhood educators play a vital role in supporting children's learning, development, and well-being. Careers in child care offer opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children and families while building a rewarding career in a growing sector.
Local licensed child care operators are actively hiring for full-time, part-time, and casual positions across Lambton County. Read on to learn about career options, training and education pathways, available financial supports, and how to find local employment opportunities. Visit the Local Child Care Operators page to connect directly with local employers.
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of opportunities available in the early years and child care sector, including:
- Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)
- Early Childhood Educator (non-registered)
- Child care assistant
- Support and program staff positions
- Licensed home child care provider
RECEs work in a variety of settings, including licensed child care centres, schools, family support programs, and other early learning environments.
Visit the College of Early Childhood Educators website to learn more about the different practice settings available to RECEs.
What do these roles look like?
Hear directly from local professionals working in the early years sector about their roles, responsibilities, and experiences working with children and families in Lambton County.
Becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)
A Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) is a member of the College of Early Childhood Educators and is authorized to use the protected titles Early Childhood Educator (ECE) and Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE).
Why Registration Matters
The profession of early childhood education is regulated in Ontario under the Early Childhood Educators Act. Registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators is required to practice as an RECE in Ontario.
Pathways to Becoming an RECE
There are several pathways available to become a Registered Early Childhood Educator:
College Programs
- Lambton College – Early Childhood Education Diploma
- Visit the Program Advising webpage for support
- Collège Boréal – Éducation en services à l'enfance
- First Nations Technical Institute – Early Childhood Education (Virtual Delivery)
For information about ECE programs across Ontario, visit OntarioColleges.ca.
Alternative Pathways
- Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship
- Fast-track ECE programs available through Ontario colleges
- Next Level Skills for Early Childhood Educators Certificate (The WorkPlace Group and Lambton Kent District School Board)
Learn More
- Paths to Become a RECE (en français)
- Ontario Ministry of Education – Become a Registered Early Childhood Educator
- College of Early Childhood Educators
Financial Supports
Financial assistance may be available to help you complete your education and pursue a career in child care.
For Current Early Years Professionals
Through ECE Grants Ontario, eligible applicants may qualify for:
- Education Grant
- Travel Grant
- Training Allowance
- College of ECE Registration Reimbursement
- Leadership Grant
For Students
Additional supports may be available through:
Licensed Home Child Care
Interested in operating child care from your home?
Licensed home child care is a unique career option that allows providers to offer child care in a home setting with the support of a licensed home child care agency.
You do not need to be a Registered Early Childhood Educator to work as a licensed home child care provider. The agency provides the support you need to be successful.
If you are interested in working with children and have a passion for watching them grow and thrive, contact one of the agencies listed below.
Lambton Rural Child Care
1-800-265-0257
www.LRChildCare.com
Wee Watch
519-336-7948
www.weewatch.com
Ska:na Family Learning Centre
www.skanaflc.com
Employment and Career Resources
Lambton Works Centre
The Lambton Works Centre can help you:
- Explore careers in the early years sector
- Search for job opportunities
- Prepare resumes and applications
- Connect with local employers
- And more!
Contact the Lambton Works Centre by phone, email, or by visiting their Resource Centre at the Lambton Shared Services Centre on 162 Lochiel Street in Sarnia.
Additional Resources
- Download our Early Years fact sheet (en français)
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for career information, events, and job opportunities
- Sign up for more information about careers in child care through our Google Form
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