Activity 1.2 | Managing and Leading in the ECE sector
Classification, Regulatory Compliance and Licensing
National Classification and Licensing
The Government of Canada classifies all national occupations.
Early Childhood Educators are classified within unit #42202, "Early childhood educators and assistants."
According to this classification:
"Early childhood educators plan, organize and implement programs for children between the ages of infancy and 12 years. Early childhood educator assistants provide care for infants and preschool- to school-age children under the guidance of early childhood educators. Early childhood educators and assistants lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth and ensure their security and well-being. They are employed in child-care centres, day-care centres, kindergartens, agencies for exceptional children and other settings where early childhood education services are provided. Supervisors of early childhood educators and assistants are included in this unit group".
As a refresher from Activity 1.1, British Columbia (BC) has four different types of child care: (1) licensed, (2) registered license-not-required, (3) license-not-required and (4) in a child's own home.
The two primary types of programming where ECE management and leadership are required are (1) licensed programs and (2) registered license-not-required programs.
Once again, here are the descriptions of these two primary types of childcare as defined in BC:
1. Licensed child care facilities
Licensed childcare facilities are monitored and regularly inspected by regional health authorities. They must meet specific requirements for health and safety, staffing qualifications, record keeping, space and equipment, child-to-staff ratios, and programming.
2. Registered license-not-required
These are unlicensed care providers. They must have registered with a Child Care Resource and Referral Centre. To register, operators must have completed:
- Criminal record checks (for everyone over age 12 living in the home)
- Character references
- A home safety assessment
- First aid training
- Childcare training courses or workshops
Registered care providers also have access to support, training, resources and group liability insurance.
As an ECE manager in British Columbia, you are classified nationally and provincially and are expected to adhere to all associated regulations and policies.On the following page, you will test your knowledge of basic regulations and policies.