Frequently Asked Questions – For Students and the Workforce

Child Care Assistant and Early Childhood Educator Classification | Training and Other Supports | Internationally Educated Applicants

How do I find out more about a career in the Early Childhood Education sector?

To learn more about a career in Early Childhood Education, please read the Careers in Early Learning and Child Care page or contact Child Care Information Services at 204-945-0776, 1-888-213-4754 toll-free or cdcinfo@gov.mb.ca, for more information. 

What are the different types of classification in Early Childhood Education in Manitoba?

To find out about the different types of classification in Early Childhood Education, see Information on the Classification of Early Childhood Educators and Child Care Assistants 

I am worried about sending my original transcripts through the mail. Do I have other options?

Yes. You can go in person to 102 – 114 Garry Street, Winnipeg and ask to see the Early Learning and Child Care Division classification staff. Staff will photocopy your transcripts while you wait and return them to you.
If you choose to mail original documents, including transcripts, the Early Learning and Child Care Division will return them to you.

How long is the classification process?

The process takes approximately four to six weeks for applications submitted by individuals with Manitoba credentials. If you have completed your education from outside of Manitoba, please go to the frequently asked questions for Internationally Educated Applicants.

Are there any fees required for the classification process?

No. the Early Learning and Child Care Division will process your Early Childhood Education application for free. However, if the Early Learning and Child Care Division has required that you get a credentials assessment, you will need to pay a fee. Visit the agency websites for fees. Keep your receipt.  It may be possible to get a reimbursement of the credential assessment fees in the future.  A list of Canadian agencies can be found at Canadian  Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).

What happens if I do not qualify for an Early Childhood Education classification?

The Early Learning and Child Care Division may classify you as a Child Care Assistant and mail you a Child Care Assistant classification certificate, as well as a letter that explains why you do not qualify for classification as an Early Childhood Educator.

Will I need to complete any background checks once I am employed at a licensed child care facility?

To work at a licensed facility, you need to be classified. Your employer will also ask you to obtain and submit your criminal record check with vulnerable sector search and child abuse registry check results. 

I’m not sure if my post-secondary education qualifies for classification as an Early Childhood Educator. Where can I find information about courses available in Manitoba?

Go to the Information on the Classification of Early Childhood Educators and Child Care Assistants , which lists the recognized education programs in Manitoba.

I was classified as a Child Care Worker 1 prior to 1995. Am I still classified?

Yes. The Early Learning and Child Care Division recognizes Child Care Worker I and Child Care Assistant as equal classifications. 

Is my Montessori diploma equal to Early Childhood Educator II?

No. Montessori education focuses on only one model of early learning and child care and does not meet the Manitoba standards for an Early Childhood Education program. Therefore, you would be classified as a Child Care Assistant.
If your Montessori diploma was obtained over two years full time, and you have worked for two years in a licensed Manitoba child care centre, you may become eligible to apply for the  ECE II Assessment Program (including Competency Based Assessment/Prior Learning Assessment (CBA/PLA). This program will allow you to upgrade to an Early Childhood Educator II classification.

Is my Bachelor of Elementary Education equal to an Early Childhood Educator II?

No. A Bachelor of Education focuses mainly on children aged five years and older. An Early Childhood Educator II classification requires an educational background that focuses on developmental theories and practices related to children aged 0 – 5 years old. Therefore, you would be classified as a Child Care Assistant.
If you have worked for two years in a licensed Manitoba child care centre, you may become eligible to apply for the ECE II Assessment Program (including Competency Based Assessment/Prior Learning Assessment (CBA/PLA). This program will allow you to upgrade to an Early Childhood Educator II classification.

Who can I contact to find out how to become classified?

To find out how to become classified, you can contact Child Care Information Services at 204-945-0776, 1-888-213-4754 toll-free or cdcinfo@gov.mb.ca, and ask to speak to Qualification staff.

 

Training and Other Supports

How do I apply for the 40-hour course required for Child Care Assistants and licensed home-based child care providers in Manitoba?
Early Learning and Child Care does not offer a 40-hour course. There are several ways to obtain the 40-hour course requirement. The most common two are:

If you are new to Manitoba / Canada, start by reading this information for Internationally Educated Applicants.

I have been classified as a CCA. How do I complete my 40 hours of approved child care training within the first year of employment?
There are many options available to fulfill the 40-hour training requirement. Please read 40 Hour Course Options for Child Care Assistants and Family Child Care Providers.
You may also want to check with your employer to see if a course you have taken in the last eight years can be approved for the 40-hour course and to learn about your training options.
If you are new to Manitoba / Canada, start by reading this information for Internationally Educated Applicants.

Can I work and study to become an Early Childhood Educator at the same time?
Yes. You can work and study by enrolling in continuing education, online and distance education, or an early childhood education workplace program. 
Non-profit centres can access a staff replacement grant for employees who are enrolled in an approved Early Childhood Education workplace program, which allows them to study for two full days per week. The grant covers the cost of a substitute employee while you attend school.
If you have completed post-secondary education that is directly related to early learning and child care, you may be eligible to apply for the ECE II Assessment Program. The ECE II Assessment Programs is an RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) program that offers participants the opportunity to upgrade to an ECE II classification by completing a specific process based on their education, experience and professional development. Please contact ELCC Division at CDCcertificate@gov.mb.ca for more information.  

Is there financial support for students interested in enrolling in early childhood education to become an Early Childhood Educator working in a licensed facility?
Yes. Tuition support may be available to you. To learn more, visit section on ECE Tuition Supports

Is there a scholarship for students interested in becoming an Early Childhood Educator?

Yes. Scholarships may be available if you are enrolled in an early childhood education diploma program. To learn more, contact your school's awards office.

Are there incentives for Child Care Assistants and Early Childhood Educator IIs who want to upgrade their classification?
Yes. Licensed, non-profit centres, nursery schools and home-based providers can access the annual training grant of up to $400 per calendar year for employees who are Child Care Assistants and Early Childhood Educator IIs and enrolled in approved early childhood education courses to upgrade their classification. You can ask your facility to access the annual training grant application form by logging in to Child Care Online for centre and home providers.

Early Learning and Child Care Program 210-114 Garry Street, Winnipeg MB R3C 4V4

Email: cdcinfo@gov.mb.ca

Phone: 204-945-0776 Toll-free: 1-888-213-4754 Fax: 204-948-2625 TTY: 204-945-3724

Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m