Early Childhood Education
Regardless of your background, if you are passionate about supporting the development and well-being of young children, there is a training program for you. Through Québec’s public CEGEP network, a variety of early childhood education programs are available to meet a wide range of needs.
Early Childhood Education Training Options in Québec
For several years, Québec has been facing a labour shortage in the early childhood education sector. To address this shortage, various government measures have been introduced, particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the launch of the Opération main-d'œuvre initiative in November 2021.
To this day, the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur continues to support the sector by offering free Recognition of Prior Learning and Competencies (RAC) processes for both the Attestation of College Studies (ACS) and the Diploma of College Studies (DCS) in Early Childhood Education until 2028, depending on the funding available at each CEGEP. The start and end dates of the free RAC process may therefore vary from one CEGEP to another. Contact the CEGEP of your choice to learn more about the applicable terms and conditions.
To help address this shortage, several early childhood education training options are available. Here are some of them:
1. Diploma of College Studies (DEC) program:
- For those who wish to qualify in early childhood education, a DEC program is available. (See the “Available Training Programs” section above.)
2. Attestation of College Studies (AEC) program:
- For those who wish to train in early childhood education, an AEC program is available. This training may lead to professional qualification once the required qualifying work experience has been acquired. (See the “Available Training Programs” section above.) For more information about qualifying work experience, see Appendix II of this document.
3. Recognition of Prior Learning and Competencies (RAC) process:
If you have experience in early childhood education but do not hold a college diploma or attestation, several RAC options are available:
- DEC in Early Childhood Education through the RAC process: For those who are not employed by an educational childcare service or who are unable to benefit from paid time released from work. (See the “Available Training Programs” section above.) RAC process offered free of charge until 2028*.
- AEC in Early Childhood Education through the RAC process: For those who are not employed by an educational childcare service or who are unable to benefit from paid time released from work. (See the “Available Training Programs” section above.) RAC process offered free of charge until 2028*.
- Recognition of Prior Learning and Competencies with employer support (RAC96): For those who are employed by an educational childcare service in a facility-based setting and can benefit from paid time released from work provided by their employer to obtain their attestation or diploma. For more information, click here.
4. Non-credit 90-hour training recognized by employers:
- This training leads to a college certification and is intended for those who wish to obtain a basic qualification in early childhood education.
5. Non-credit professional development training recognized by employers:
- If you wish to enhance your skills in the field, the professional development training opportunities in Early Childhood Education is for you (Currently available in French only).
*Depending on the funding available at each CEGEP. The start and end dates of the free RAC process may therefore vary from one CEGEP to another. Contact the CEGEP of your choice to learn more about the applicable terms and conditions.
The Benefits of Working in Early Childhood Education
Working in the early childhood education field offers many benefits. Here are some of them:
- Positive impact on children's development: You directly contribute to the growth and education of young children, playing a crucial role in their social, emotional and cognitive development.
- Dynamic and stimulating work environment: Every day brings new experiences and challenges, making the work varied and engaging.
- Rewarding relationships: You build strong connections with children, their families and your colleagues, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
- Continuing education opportunities: The early childhood education field offers many opportunities for professional development and continuing education, allowing you to stay up to date with best practices and educational innovations.
- Personal and professional fulfillment: The feeling of making a difference in children's lives is extremely rewarding and fulfilling.
To learn more about this rewarding field, discover the story of Émilie, a graduate of the AEC through the RPL process, on the Cégep blog: Démarche de RAC en petite enfance : L'expérience d'Émilie Debonville (article available in French only).
You can also watch this video testimonial highlighting the experience of early childhood educators: Les avantages de travailler en petite enfance (video available in French only).
What is a College Certification?
CEGEPs business training services offer individuals, workers and businesses a wide range of training programs outside regular programs of study. To provide flexible and personalized solutions that meet the needs of upskilling and reskilling, some of these training programs lead to Collegial Certifications. These certificates are recognized in the labour market because they officially certify, through an assessment, that you have acquired new skills that can be recognized by your current or future employer, unlike other types of training that simply confirm… your attendance!
The “Premiers pas vers la petite enfance” Collegial Certification is a very short training program that takes place over 4 weeks, for a total of 22.5 hours of study, with financial assistance available in some cases*. Upon completion, you will receive a Collegial Certification recognizing the skills you have acquired. Once you have completed the training, you may, if you wish and if you meet the prerequisites, pursue a longer program of study leading to a qualification through an attestation (combined with the required experience) or a diploma of college studies (ACS or DCS).
The training is designed as an introduction to employment in childcare services. This training is for you if:
- you have a strong interest in early childhood, but have little or no experience in the field;
- you currently hold or have previously held an entry-level job (in a restaurant, supermarket, etc.) and would like to change careers.
The main objective of this training is to enable you to quickly obtain employment in a childcare setting. In short, this training will:
- introduce you to the field of early childhood education;
- introduce you to the essential basic tasks required to work in an educational childcare setting (CPEs, subsidized or non-subsidized childcare centres);
- help you determine whether working as an unqualified educator** is something that interests you a little, a lot, or passionately!
Upon completion of the training, you will be able to:
- assess your interest in working as an early childhood educator;
- understand the key elements of professional practice and the context in which you will work;
- feel comfortable taking on your first job in the field;
- understand what the work involves — the tasks, procedures and techniques used in early childhood education, as well as the expected professional behaviours;
- have a good understanding of the role you will be expected to perform;
- have a good understanding of the people (professionals and stakeholders) with whom you will work.
*Depending on your employment situation, you may be eligible for financial assistance to take this training leading to a College Certificate. You should therefore confirm your eligibility for funding in advance with an employment assistance officer at a Services Québec office or local employment centre (CLE) in your area.
**Who does not meet the requirements of the Directive concerning the assessment of the qualification of childcare staff issued by the Ministère de la Famille (MFA).