Early Childhood Educators provide an important role in our Community.


Early Childhood Educators provide opportunities and experiences that create the conditions for healthy brain development, to learn and build relationships and to form healthy lifestyles. Early Childhood Educators are caring, reflective and resourceful professionals that foster diversity and inclusive social and cultural experiences for children and their families. Early Childhood Education sets the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviour and health.

Early Childhood Educators focus on physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development as well as their interaction with the world around them. Early Childhood Educators are compassionate, adaptable, innovative, and knowledgeable in child and family relations. Every day, Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) provide Ontario’s children with safe, responsive, and caring interactions that build a strong foundation for their development and well-being. Children who participate in high-quality learning environments experience increased verbal communication, reading, math, and science skills, as well as a host of other benefits.


This video shows the benefits of being an Early Childhood Educator in St. Thomas and Elgin County.


For information about living in St. Thomas and Elgin County, see Railway City Living (st-thomas.org)


Obtain your Early Childhood Education Diploma at Fanshawe’s Early Childhood Education Program


Fanshawe’s Early Childhood Education program, St. Thomas Campus will give you the skills and the hands-on experience to prepare you for a satisfying and in-demand career as an Early Childhood Educator.

Fanshawe’s early childhood education blends theory and coursework with real experience in the field, so you’ll graduate with all of the skills necessary to begin your career. You’ll develop your knowledge and professional skills in child development. Additionally, you’ll learn about your valuable and specialized role in the community, the importance of play in children’s learning, family involvement, and curriculum design and implementation on your way to securing your diploma in Early Childhood Education.


Financial Assistance with your ECE qualifications


If you are currently working in the child care field and would like to upgrade your qualifications, funding may be available. The objective of the Early Childhood Educators Qualifications Upgrade Program is to financially support individuals studying in the field, who work in Early Years settings, to obtain an ECE diploma and become eligible to apply for membership with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE).