Early Childhood Educators (ECE) play a critical role in providing care and education to the most vulnerable segment of our society - our children. To work in a child care centre or licensed family home in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) individuals are required to hold Child Care Services Certification. *
Child Care Services Certification is a professional career path that recognizes post-secondary education in Early Childhood Education and encourages further professional training and development, which ultimately improves the quality of care for children in our province.
*Please note that Child Care Services Certification is just one of the requirements for individuals to work in regulated child care in NL. Please check with Child Care Licensing personnel in your Child Care Services region for additional requirements.
The Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador (AECENL) is funded by the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Government to deliver Child Care Services (CCS) Certification and to support the orientation courses that may be necessary for a person to achieve certification in a particular classification. CCS Certification is an important first step in obtaining recognition for the valuable work that encompasses the child care sector.
Initial certification – obtaining Child Care Service Certification. Click here on how to become certified.
Renewal of CCS Certification – Certification is valid for a defined period of time. During this timeframe individuals have to obtain specific requirements in order to renew their certification. Click here to find out the renewal requirements of Child Care Services Certification.
Reissue of Certification – If the individual completed post-secondary education after their initial certification, they could apply for a reissue which may result in obtaining a higher level and or adding a classification. Find more information on how to reissue your certification by clicking here.
I am certified - does this mean I am an AECENL member?
No, CCS Certification is separate from AECENL membership - to be a member of AECENL there is an annual membership fee. To find out how to become an AECENL member and discover membership benefits go to the "About AECENL" tab on the main page!
