Initial Child Care Services Certification

 

Who needs to be certified?

Under the  Child Care Services Regulations, 39/17 2017 and Child Care Services Act anyone working in regulated child care in Newfoundland and Labrador must hold valid Child Care Services Certification.

Child Care Services Certification is free.

 

How to Become Certified

There are two pathways to become certified:

1. Educational Pathway

This pathway is for individuals who have :

·         Graduated from a college or university program in Early Childhood Education (ECE),
OR
·         Do not yet have ECE education but plan to enroll in a recognized program.

 

If You Completed ECE Outside Canada

You must follow the steps for internationally trained individuals and submit additional documents.
Please review the International Trained Individuals section of this website before applying.

Please see the section of our website.

 

What to Do First

1. Read the Initial Application Guide (under Resources).
2. Review the Educational Pathways for NL Certification document. Adding the pathway under resources and provide the link

These documents explain eligibility, required documents, processing time, and next steps.

 

2. Labour Mobility Pathway

This pathway is for individuals who already hold an ECE certification or licence from another Canadian province or territory. Please review the Labour Mobility   section for application steps.

 

Not Sure Which Pathway Applies to You?

Choose this quick guide to find out how you can apply for Child Care Services Certification in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Choose the option that fits you:

• I graduated from a college or university program in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
  → You are on the Educational Pathway.
• I completed my ECE education outside Canada.
  → You are still on the Educational Pathway, but you must follow the steps for International Trained Individuals
• I am certified or licensed as an early childhood educator in another Canadian province or territory.
  → You are on the Labour Mobility Pathway
• I do not have post‑secondary ECE training yet.
  → You are on the Educational Pathway.

 

Educational Requirements for Initial Certification

Child Care Service Certification includes five Levels and five Classifications.
 

Certification Levels

 Levels reflect an applicant’s post-secondary education in Early Childhood Education.

Certification Level	Post-Secondary Education Requirements
Trainee Level	Granted to individuals without recognized post-secondary ECE credentials. Applicants may be required to: • Complete orientation course(s) (or equivalent) • Provide proof of acceptance into a provincially recognized ECE program
Level One	Graduation from provincially approved ECE certificate (typically one year of full-time study) (meeting requirements for Level One) from a recognized post-secondary institution
Level Two	Graduation from provincially approved ECE diploma (typically two years of full-time study) (meeting requirements for Level Two) from a recognized post-secondary institution
Level Three	Granted through one of the following pathways: Provincially approved 3-year ECE diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution (meeting requirements for Level Three) OR A provincially approved two-year ECE diploma (typically two years of full-time study) (meeting requirements for Level Two) plus a one-year post-diploma ECE specialization from a recognized post-secondary institution OR A provincially approved one-year ECE certificate (typically one year of full-time study) (meeting requirements for Level One) plus a recognized four-year degree from a recognized post-secondary institution
Level Four	Granted through one of the following pathways: A provincially approved four-year degree in Early Childhood Education from a recognized post-secondary institution OR A provincially approved two-year ECE diploma (typically two years of full-time study) (meeting requirements for Level Two) plus a recognized four-year degree from a recognized post-secondary institution

 

Certification Classifications

Classifications identify:

•  the age group of children and
•  the type of setting an educator is certified to work in.

(Preschool classification is the anchored classification)

Setting	Classification	Age Group Covered	Education Requirements*
Child Care Centre	Infant (Minimum Level One in Preschool required to add Infant classification)	Birth to 24 months	Completion of: • Approved Infant care course from a recognized post-secondary institution OR • AECENL Infant Orientation Course
	Preschool	2 years to school entry (not attending school full-time)	Completion of: • Approved ECE courses from a recognized post-secondary institution OR • AECENL Preschool Orientation Course
	School	School entry to 13 years	Completion of: • Approved ECE School-Age course from a recognized post-secondary institution OR • AECENL School-Age Orientation Course
	Pre-Kindergarten	3 years 8 months to 5 years 9 months in Pre-kindergarten program	Completion of: AECENL Preschool and Pre-kindergarten Orientation Course
Family Child Care Home	Mixed-Age	Birth to 12 years	Completion of: • Approved ECE Family Child Care Home course from a recognized post-secondary institution OR • AECENL Family Child Care Orientation Course
	Infant (Minimum Level One in Preschool required to add Infant classification)	Birth to 24 months	Completion of: • Approved ECE Family Child Care Home course and Infant care course from a recognized post-secondary institution OR • AECENL Infant and Family Child Care  Orientation Course

 

Step‑by‑Step Guide on How to Apply for Initial Certification

 
Step 1: Read the Guide
Check the Initial Child Care Services Certification Guide in the Resources section.

Step 2:  Download the Initial Application Form
Download the Initial Application Form.

Step 3: Complete the Form
Print clearly and complete all sections.

Step 4: Attach Required Documents
Include all required supporting documents of post-secondary education you listed on the application.

Step 5: Sign and Date
The initial application form must include a handwritten signature.  A typed electronic signature is not accepted.

Step 6: Submit Your Application
Email (Preferred)
registrar@aecenl.ca

• Use the most current application form.
• Submit PDF scans only (no photos).
• Send one email with all attachments.
• Subject line: Your Name – Initial Application
• Keep a copy of your sent email.
• You will receive a confirmation email once your application is received.

 Fax
709‑579‑0217
Toll‑free: 1‑877‑579‑0217

 Mail
Association for Early Childhood Educators NL
P.O. Box 8657
St. John’s, NL A1B 3T1

Drop‑Off
AECENL Office
59 Pippy Place, Suite 2A
St. John’s, NL A1B 4N1

If you have any questions regarding the process of issuing your child care services certification, please contact AECENL Office of Child Care Services Certification at: registrar@aecenl.ca  or by phone: (709) 579-3004 

Recruitment and Retention Grant

 Individuals applying with an Initial Application Form may be eligible for the Recruitment and Retention Grant. To qualify, applicants must be awarded Level I to IV AECENL Child Care Services Certification (including those with a Trainee designation in combination with a level) and are working in a regulated child care setting. The Recruitment and Retention Grant Application must be submitted along with an Initial Child Care Services Certification Application, and no later than six months from the initial certification date. For more information and to access the Recruitment and Retention Grant Application Form, please visit the Bursary and Grant section of the AECENL website: https://aecenl.ca/index.php/bursariesgrants/ece-recruitment-and-retention-grant