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Path to become an early childhood educator

Several programs and options are available to meet the needs of those who want to become an early childhood educator. Financial incentives are also available.

Choosing a career as a qualified educator

The Diploma of College Studies (DCS) in Early Childhood Education leads to qualification as an educator. This three-year program enables candidates to acquire the skills they need to find work in the field. To register, choose from the following educational institutions that offer the program.

Obtaining my qualification while working

The Early Childhood Work-Study Program allows you to choose between two options to become a qualified educator.

Work-Study Program

The program is intended for individuals already working at or recently hired by an educational childcare centre who wish to obtain their qualification.

Training is paid and takes place during working hours. The program leads to an Attestation of College Studies (ACS) in Early Childhood Education. The ACS combined with 4 992 hours of relevant experience leads to qualification under the​​​​​ Directive concernant l’évaluation de la qualification du personnel de garde This hyperlink will open in a new window. (in French only).

If you would like to learn more about the eligibility criteria and how to register, visit the Early Childhood Work-Study Program This hyperlink will open in a new window. page.

Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC) Process

The recognition of acquired competencies process is intended for educators who are already working, have a minimum of three years of relevant experience and who wish to obtain their qualification.

Training will be offered at several colleges in spring 2022. It aims to officially recognize the competencies acquired during life and work experiences.

In early childhood education, the process can lead to:

  • an ACS in early childhood education
  • a DCS in early childhood education

Individuals will be able to take time off work, without loss of pay, for a maximum of 96 hours to prepare their file and attend the various meetings. In addition, all costs associated with the option leading to the ACS will be covered by the government.

More information on eligibility criteria and on how to register will be available soon.

Obtaining my qualification from a degree obtained outside Canada

If you have completed studies related to early childhood education outside of Canada, it is possible to verify the equivalence of your diploma to qualified educator status by obtaining a comparative evaluation for studies done outside Québec.

Additional training

If you have a foreign diploma related to early childhood education, a short, additional training will be offered to you. This program will lead directly to the qualification that will allow you to work as an educator in Québec.

Unemployed individuals who enrol in this program will be eligible for financial support.

Last update: October 16, 2023

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