NOC 2021 · 42202 · TEER 2
NOC 42202: Early childhood educators and assistants
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
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, daycare 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.
TEER
TEER 2
Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of 2 or more years, or supervisory work
Median wage (Canada)
$22.30 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Not on the list
No high-wage CRS points
Express Entry categories
Education
Category-based draws (2026)
Express Entry
How NOC 42202 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: not eligibleNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 42202 is not one of IRCC's 186 high-wage occupations, so Canadian work or a job offer in it earns no high-wage points. Your usual Canadian work-length points still count.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
- Education
At least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equal part-time) in the past 3 years in one listed occupation, plus Express Entry eligibility and the round instructions.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Early childhood educators
- Develop and implement child-care programs that support and promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children
- Lead activities by telling or reading stories, teaching songs, taking children to local points of interest and providing opportunities to express creativity through the media of art, dramatic play, music and physical activity
- Plan and maintain an environment that protects the health, security and well-being of children
- Assess the abilities, interests and needs of children and discuss progress or problems with parents and other staff members
- Observe children for signs of potential learning or behavioural problems and prepare reports for parents, guardians or supervisor
- Guide and assist children in the development of proper eating, dressing and toilet habits
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with co-workers and community service providers working with children
- May plan and organize activities for school-age children in child-care programs before and after regular school hours
- May supervise and coordinate activities of other early childhood educators and early childhood educator assistants.
- Early childhood educator assistants
- Support early childhood educators in carrying out programs that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children
- Engage children in activities by telling stories, teaching songs and preparing crafts
- Prepare snacks and arrange rooms or furniture for lunch and rest periods
- Assist with proper eating, dressing and toilet habits
- Submit written observations on children to early childhood educators or supervisors
- Maintain daycare equipment and assist in housekeeping and cooking duties
- Attend staff meetings to discuss progress and problems of children
- May assist early childhood educators or supervisors in keeping records.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- child care worker assistant
- daycare helper
- daycare supervisor
- daycare worker
- early childhood assistant
- early childhood education worker
- early childhood educator - preschool
- early childhood educator (ECE)
- early childhood educator (ECE) assistant
- early childhood program staff assistant
- early childhood supervisor
- preschool helper
- preschool supervisor
All 33 job titles in NOC 42202
- baby-care worker
- baby-care worker assistant
- baby-care workers supervisor
- child care worker - daycare
- child care worker assistant
- daycare aide
- daycare attendant
- daycare coordinator
- daycare helper
- daycare supervisor
- daycare teacher
- daycare worker
- daycare worker assistant
- early childhood assistant
- early childhood education worker
- early childhood educator - junior kindergarten
- early childhood educator - kindergarten
- early childhood educator - preschool
- early childhood educator (ECE)
- early childhood educator (ECE) assistant
- early childhood educator assistant - junior kindergarten
- early childhood educator assistant - kindergarten
- early childhood program staff assistant
- early childhood program supervisor
- early childhood supervisor
- educator assistant - junior kindergarten
- infant daycare workers supervisor
- infants' daycare worker
- nursery school aide
- nursery school helper
- nursery school teacher
- preschool helper
- preschool supervisor
Also includes: daycare teacher, educator assistant - junior kindergarten, nursery school teacher.
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Early childhood educators
- Completion of a two- to four-year college program in early childhood education or A bachelor's degree in child development is required.
- Licensing is required in Ontario and certification is required in British Columbia for early childhood educators. Licensing for early childhood educators is usually required in all other provinces and territories.
- Early childhood educator assistants
- Completion of secondary school is required.
- Experience in child care is required.
- Completion of an early childhood education assistant certificate program or post-secondary courses in early childhood education may be required.
- Licensing by a provincial or territorial association as an early childhood educator may be required.
Additional information
- Progression to senior positions, such as daycare supervisor, is possible with several years of experience or with experience and advanced ECE qualification levels.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 42202 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $16.95 | $22.30 | $30.03 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.00 | $20.00 | $27.33 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Prince Edward Island | $16.50 | $21.55 | $31.33 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.50 | $21.49 | $28.21 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $16.90 | $23.47 | $25.60 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $18.00 | $24.00 | $30.03 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | $22.00 | $31.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | $18.00 | $25.90 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | $18.75 | $26.92 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $15.60 | $19.00 | $28.85 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $19.00 | $24.00 | $30.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nunavut | $19.00 | $25.00 | $41.39 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Ontario, Alberta, Northwest Territories.
Very goodPrince Edward Island
The employment outlook will be Very good for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Early Childhood Educators and Assistants in Prince Edward Island continue to be in high demand over the forecast period due to steady growth in child care spaces and persistent vacancies across the province. The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) agreement has driven major improvements in affordability and access, while also boosting wages for workers, making the profession more attractive. Despite these gains, some centres, especially in rural areas, may struggle to recruit and retain certified staff. For new graduates, this means strong prospects with little difficulty finding work, particularly for those holding a diploma in early childhood education. Additional skills such as bilingualism or experience with special needs children remain valuable assets that can improve employability and career advancement. With the province’s continued expansion of child care spaces and emphasis on workforce support, this occupation offers both stability and growth for those entering the field today.
Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in Prince Edward Island:
Approximately 1,350 people work in this occupation.
Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 94%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 83% compared to 84% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 17% compared to 16% for all occupations
52% of early childhood educators and assistants work all year, while 48% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
8% of early childhood educators and assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: less than 5% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: more than 95% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 30% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 11% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 44% compared to 25% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 11% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
Very goodNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Very good for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
There is very strong demand for early childhood educators (ECEs) related to the ongoing implementation of the Nova Scotia Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The number of ECE positions is expected to continue to increase through 2026 due to the planned creation of several thousand new child care spaces under the agreement. Qualified jobseekers should have little difficulty finding employment throughout the province.
Jobseekers with basic ECE certification may benefit from further professional development and upskilling through a variety of programs offered by the provincial government under the Nova Scotia Excellence in Early Childhood Education Workforce Strategy.
Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 5,500 people work in this occupation.
Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 75%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 20%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 83% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 17% compared to 18% for all occupations
49% of early childhood educators and assistants work all year, while 51% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
11% of early childhood educators and assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: less than 5% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: more than 95% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 18% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 44% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 20% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
GoodNewfoundland and Labrador
The employment outlook will be Good for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
As of July of 2025, the provincial government announced that 11,200 early learning and childcare spaces were operating under the $10-a-day childcare program and that a further 345 spaces would be created via 15 projects. However, a shortage of early childhood educators remains, with thousands of parents still having considerable difficulty finding childcare as it takes time to recruit and train the workers to fill the need.
Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Approximately 2,450 people work in this occupation.
Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 93%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 80% compared to 83% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 20% compared to 17% for all occupations
55% of early childhood educators and assistants work all year, while 45% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.
19% of early childhood educators and assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: less than 5% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: more than 95% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 24% compared to 27% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 17% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 47% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 14% compared to 14% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodNew Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Good for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Employers often prefer candidates with a diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education (or related programming). Having experience implementing programs and evaluating childhood development in a daycare setting will also be valuable. Additional duties may include coming up with creative and educational activities, preparing and serving snacks and maintaining a clean environment for the children.
Educators and assistants working with special needs students may require post-secondary education in a relevant field and may need to demonstrate additional skills such as knowledge of sign language, braille, assistive/adaptive devices, and special education techniques.
The Canada-New Brunswick Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement is leading to the creation of additional daycare and related spaces throughout the province, increasing demand for those who work in this field.
A criminal background and a vulnerable sector check are typically required to work in this field.
First Aid and CPR training are generally required.
Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in New Brunswick:
Approximately 5,500 people work in this occupation.
Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 91%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 81% compared to 84% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 19% compared to 16% for all occupations
44% of early childhood educators and assistants work all year, while 56% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
10% of early childhood educators and assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: less than 5% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: more than 95% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 30% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 40% compared to 23% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 14% compared to 16% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
GoodOntario
The employment outlook will be Good for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
The majority are employed in child day-care services
Elementary schools
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
Public sector investments in the child care system to create more day-care spaces and bolster the early childhood educator workforce
Generally, steady opportunities as more parents participate in the workforce
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
The College of Early Childhood Educators regulates early childhood educators in Ontario
Only registered members of the College can practise the profession and use the protected titles “registered early childhood educator” (RECE), or “early childhood educator” (ECE)
For early childhood assistants, there are two voluntary skilled trades available, namely, Child Development Practitioner, and Aboriginal Child Development Practitioner.
Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in Ontario:
Approximately 85,300 people work in this occupation.
Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 77%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 17%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 77% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 23% compared to 19% for all occupations
36% of early childhood educators and assistants work all year, while 64% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
10% of early childhood educators and assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: less than 5% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: more than 95% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 16% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 52% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 20% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
GoodAlberta
The employment outlook will be Good for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Due to population growth, and demographic trends there is strong demand for early childhood educators and assistants in Alberta, particularly in rural Alberta, due to labour shortages and a lack of access to childcare centres.
Employment is dependent on provincial and federal funding, which can lead to additional jobs in this occupation.
The Alberta government’s Budget 2025 outlines $2 billion to support and expand early learning and childcare systems.
Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in Alberta:
Approximately 25,350 people work in this occupation.
Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 90%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 74% compared to 80% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 26% compared to 20% for all occupations
32% of early childhood educators and assistants work all year, while 68% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 35 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
14% of early childhood educators and assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: less than 5% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: more than 95% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 27% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 10% compared to 9% for all occupations
GoodNorthwest Territories
The employment outlook will be Good for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
The Northwest Territories aims to create 300 net new childcare spaces by 2026, which should lead to job growth in this occupation.
The federal government announced in March 2025 that the Northwest Territories will receive $80M in extended child care funding to strengthen access to affordable early learning. The federal government is allocating the $80M over five years to support regulated childcare in the Northwest Territories, aiming to maintain the $10-a-day average. The funding accounts for inflation and increases the number of child care spots across the territory (
Cabin Radio, March 6, 2025
).
In addition, the NWT government has pledged a $3.5M boost in Dedicated Wage Funding and a permanent $664K increase in Flexible Funding to strengthen the licensed centre-based Early Learning and Child Care sector, raise educator wages by approximately $9/hour, and support staff recruitment, retention, and program sustainability (
Government of Northwest Territories, March 28, 2025
).
Local training is available.
The Government of the Northwest Territories offers a free Early Childhood Essentials Course for early childhood educators working in licensed programs.
Diploma programs in Early Childhood Development are offered in the Northwest Territories at Aurora College and at Collège nordique francophone.
Early Learning and Child Care Scholarships are available from the Government of Northwest Territories for students enrolled in a diploma or degree program in early childhood development.
From 2021-2040, 276 job openings are forecast for early childhood educators and assistants in the Northwest Territories (
Government of Northwest Territories, 2023
).
Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in Northwest Territories:
Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 79%
Educational services (NAICS 61): 15%
Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 77% compared to 88% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 23% compared to 12% for all occupations
53% of early childhood educators and assistants work all year, while 47% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
11% of early childhood educators and assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 7% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 9% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 91% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 20% compared to 17% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 25% compared to 26% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 18% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 12% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
ModerateQuebec
The employment outlook will be Moderate for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Employment in this occupation depends on the number of children attending early childhood centres (CPEs), daycare centres, and school-based childcare services, as well as government funding for these services.
From a demographic perspective, the number of preschool and elementary school-aged children is expected to decrease in Quebec in the coming years. However, there is a long waiting list for daycare spaces due to delays in the completion of several CPE projects and difficulties in recruiting staff.
As the government has committed to creating several thousand new spaces, the need for qualified workers in this occupation is significant.
Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in Quebec:
Approximately 79,650 people work in this occupation.
Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 81%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 16%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 77% compared to 82% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 23% compared to 18% for all occupations
52% of early childhood educators and assistants work all year, while 48% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
18% of early childhood educators and assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: less than 5% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: more than 95% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 16% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 44% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 14% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
ModerateManitoba
The employment outlook will be Moderate for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
This occupation benefits from the province's expansion of new childcare facilities and its training, recruitment and retention strategy for workers as part of the 2023 federal-provincial agreement.
Entry wages continue to improve.
Key trends for this occupation include social-emotional learning, early literacy, diversity, inclusion, and increased parent engagement.
This occupation tends to have high employee turnover.
Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in Manitoba:
Approximately 9,800 people work in this occupation.
Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 91%
Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 5%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 76% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 24% compared to 19% for all occupations
44% of early childhood educators and assistants work all year, while 56% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
10% of early childhood educators and assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 6% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 94% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 6% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 30% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 32% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 18% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 6% compared to 8% for all occupations
ModerateSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Moderate for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
The extension of the federally subsidized $10-a-day childcare program to 2031 should sustain jobs over the forecast period, should the province sign on the extension.
Staff recruitment and retention will be supported by federal and provincial government investments into early learning and childcare workforce and wage enhancement grants.
Government investment into tuition-free early childhood educator training, professional development and student financial support will allow job gains for this occupation.
Generally, steady opportunities as the population grows and more parents participate in the workforce.
Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 8,100 people work in this occupation.
Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 91%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 79% compared to 81% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 21% compared to 19% for all occupations
48% of early childhood educators and assistants work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
20% of early childhood educators and assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: less than 5% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: more than 95% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 9% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 34% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 15% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 27% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 13% compared to 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModerateBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Early childhood educators and assistants continue to be in demand in British Columbia with a significant shortage of daycare spaces.
Demand will increase as the province continues to implement its $10-a-day childcare program.
In 2025, the Government of British Columbia created more than 25,000 new licensed childcare spaces, surpassing its April 2025 goal of just over 20,000 spaces.
The province is on track to reach about 30,000 new spaces by the end of the 2025–26 fiscal year and 40,000 by 2027–28.
Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in British Columbia:
Approximately 27,050 people work in this occupation.
Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
Social assistance (NAICS 624): 89%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 71% compared to 78% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 28% compared to 22% for all occupations
39% of early childhood educators and assistants work all year, while 61% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
15% of early childhood educators and assistants are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: less than 5% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: more than 95% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 18% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 42% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 20% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations
ModerateNunavut
The employment outlook will be Moderate for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.
Nunavut aims to create 238 new childcare spaces by 2026, which may lead to job growth in this occupation.
The federal government committed $10.9 million in 2024 to help fund new childcare spaces in the territory.
The federal government announced in March 2025 that Nunavut will receive $109M in new federal child care funding to expand $10-a-day spaces through 2031, the highest of the three territories (
RCI, March 6, 2025
).
Nunavut is also one of six jurisdictions in Canada that have already met the federal government's $10-a-day child care target by regulating high child care costs and significantly reducing fees (
CBC News, July 9, 2025
).
Local training is available.
A diploma program in Early Childhood Development and an Early Childhood Education Applied Certificate Program are offered at Nunavut Arctic College.
Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in Nunavut:
Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 79%
Educational services (NAICS 61): 15%
Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 6%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
Full-time workers: 87% compared to 87% for all occupations
Part-time workers: 13% compared to 13% for all occupations
61% of early childhood educators and assistants work all year, while 39% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 11% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 89% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: 42% compared to 37% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 35% compared to 22% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 15% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 6% for all occupations
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 42202 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
Same occupation group
Paraprofessional occupations in legal, social, community and education services
- 42200 Paralegals and related occupations
- 42201 Social and community service workers
- 42203 Instructors of persons with disabilities
- 42204 Religion workers
Questions
NOC 42202: common questions
What is the NOC code for early childhood educators and assistants?
What TEER category is NOC 42202?
Is NOC 42202 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 42202 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 42202 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 42202 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 4Occupations in education, law and social, community and government servicesBroad Category
- 42Front-line public protection services and paraprofessional occupations in legal, social, community, education servicesMajor Group
- 422Paraprofessional occupations in legal, social, community and education servicesSub-major Group
- 4220Paraprofessional occupations in legal, social, community and education servicesMinor Group
- 42202Early childhood educators and assistants
Enquiry
Is NOC 42202 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
Plan your move to Canada
A first consultation covers eligibility, realistic timelines, total cost and the tax consequences of the move. You leave with a written plan, not a brochure.


