What Does an Aboriginal Early Childhood Educator Do?

Aboriginal Early Childhood Educators are specialists who plan, organize and implement activities for preschool children. They lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth and demonstrate an ability to use local culture, traditions, interests and values.      

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • caring for infants and toddlers
  • developing and implementing daily activities for children    
  • leading children in activities, teaching and preparing crafts
  • guiding and assisting children in social development 
  • acting as an advocate for and with children and their families
  • planning and participating in field trips and community events
  • observing children for signs of learning disabilities or emotional problems
  • communicating with parents and other staff members
  • supervising and coordinating the activities of other early childhood educators and assistants as required
  • celebrating cultural and community events and demonstrating an understanding of culturally specific and traditional Aboriginal parenting
  • continuously learning about new teaching methods and childcare theories
  • acquiring a good working knowledge of various applicable government Acts and regulations
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

In order to indenture as an apprentice, you must be at least 16 years of age or older in the province of Ontario and have completed Grade 12 or equivalent. High school courses in English, Business Communications would be helpful, and enrollment in cooperative education in this field would be advisable. Completion of this type of apprenticeship will take 5,400 to 7,200 hours and will include @720 hours of related theory classes at a community college and experience on-the-job. 

What’s Your Future as an Aboriginal Early Childhood Educator?

Most of the Aboriginal Early Childhood Educators working in this field are female, with a high percentage working part-time hours. Most will work in licensed day care establishments, aboriginal child care centres and nursery schools, and with experience may progress to senior positions. Apprentices in this field may choose to take additional post-secondary education to become Elementary School Teachers. Typical Aboriginal ECE employers include: 

  • Band Councils
  • Aboriginal Day Care Centres
  • Nursery Schools
  • Social Service organizations
Wage Rate

The wage rate in this field varies depending on the employer, childcare setting and experience in the occupation: from a low of minimum wage to a high of $17.00/ hour or more. 

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as an Aboriginal Early Childhood Educator for You?

Do you enjoy working with infants/toddlers and their families?

Yes     No

Do you have good reading, writing, problem-solving and communicating skills?

Yes     No

Can you plan, organize and implement interesting indoor or outdoor activities that incorporate local culture and traditions for young children?

Yes     No

Are you able to bend, stretch, kneel, stand, carry and lift children up to 30 lbs in weight?

Yes     No

Are you interested in gaining knowledge of child development theories and teaching methods?

Yes     No

Are you aware of contemporary issues and their impact on native families?

Yes     No
If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as an Aboriginal Early Childhood Educator may be for you!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Educational Assistant
  • Personal Support Worker
  • Adolescent & Youth Worker

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