Child Care Assistant and Early Childhood Educator Classification

• Classification as a Child Care Worker Application (PDF)

Anyone seeking paid employment in a child care centre in Manitoba may apply for classification. Classification levels are based on completed post-secondary education. Volunteers may also apply for classification. There are three levels in Manitoba:

• Child Care Assistant (CCA)
• Early Childhood Educator II (ECE II)
• Early Childhood Educator III (ECE III).

The process of classification must be completed before beginning employment at a licensed child care centre. Licensed family home-based child care providers do not require classification. There is no charge to apply for classification in Manitoba. However within the first year of employment, all Child Care Assistants and licensed family home-based child care providers are required to complete the Forty Hour Couse- see section below.

For more information about Early Learning and Child Care classification in Manitoba and how to apply see section Information on the Classification of Early Childhood Educators and Child Care Assistants.

Education and Training

40-Hour Course

In Manitoba, all Child Care Assistants (CCAs) and licensed home-based child care providers are required to complete a 40-hour course related to early learning and child care within the first year of employment. Click here for a list of eligible post-secondary institutions that offer ECE programs and course options in Manitoba.

Diploma and Degree Progams

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing more than $24 million to develop and expand early childhood educator (ECE) and child-care assistant (CCA) training programs at Manitoba’s post-secondary institutions over the next three years. Additional seats will be available at Assiniboine Community College, the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, Red River College Polytechnic, University College of the North and the Université de Saint-Boniface. Learn more about the educational opportunities.

In Manitoba, Early Learning and Child Care Educators (ECE II and ECE III) are required to complete an Early Childhood Education diploma or degree program.

(ECE) II Assessment Program (incl. Competency Based Assessment and Prior Learning Assessment (CBA\PLA) Programs)

The (ECE) II Assessment Program provides an opportunity to eligible child care employees working in licensed centres to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and judgment according to required standards. Successful completion results in an Early Childhood Educator II (ECE II) classification level.