Training Requirements for Early Childhood Staff

The Province of Nova Scotia regulates the number of trained staff in a child care facility. The Day Care Act Regulations (NS 1990) state that training in early childhood education or the equivalent is required for 2/3 of the staff working in a child care centre.

Eligibility

In Nova Scotia "training in early childhood education" refers to the successful completion of one of the following programs:

1. Bachelor of Applied Arts (Child and Youth Studies) degree program offered by Mount Saint Vincent University
2. Early Childhood Education Studies diploma program offered through the Nova Scotia Community College
3. Institute for Human Services Early Childhood Education diploma program
4. St. Joseph's College for Early Childhood Education diploma program
5. Equivalency, see Regulation 21(A-4)of the Day Care Act Regulations

Next steps

If you are interested in completing an Early Childhood Education diploma/degree please contact one of the recognized training programs in Nova Scotia. Current practicing early childhood educators who wish to upgrade their skills may also want to contact their childcare facility or Regional Early Childhood Development Officer.

Related information

• St. Joseph's College for Early Childhood Education
• Nova Scotia Community College: Early Childhood Program
• Institute for Human Service Education : Early Childhood Development
• Mount Saint Vincent University: Child and Youth Studies
• Nova Scotia Department of Community Services Application for Equivalency (PDF)