City of Brantford partners with province on Early Childhood Educator recruitment campaign

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford is pleased to partner with the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association to launch Begin Here, a new provincewide recruitment campaign for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs). The campaign focuses on the importance of ECEs in children’s early learning and development, and the benefits of a rewarding career.

The Begin Here campaign directs those interested in an Early Childhood Educator career to learn more about the field, find ECE training programs and discover local job opportunities. There are many early childhood career paths available, including:

• Educator: supports children’s learning, development and wellbeing through play based, responsive programming
• Licensed Home Child Care Provider: provides licensed home-based child care and supports children's learning and development in a smaller setting.
• Resource Consultant: works with educators and families to support the inclusion and development of children with additional needs.
• Pedagogical Leader: supports educators in strengthening curriculum, reflective practice and high-quality learning environments.
• Supervisor/Leadership: leads teams, supports program quality and oversees day-to-day operations.

“Over the past four years, the child care system has expanded significantly and now has one space for every three children,” says Michelle Connor, Director of Social Services at the City of Brantford. “As our community continues to grow, early learning educators are needed to support the additional child care spaces families rely on.”

“Registered Early Childhood Educators are at the heart of high-quality early learning and child care, while playing a vital role in helping children build the social, emotional, cognitive, and communication skills they need,” says Shawna MacLellan, General Manager of YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford. “There is a tremendous sense of purpose in helping children gain confidence, discover their strengths, and reach important milestones. The relationships ECEs build with children and families leave a lasting impact that extends well beyond the early years.”

The City of Brantford and County of Brant boast 5,732 licensed child care spaces, situated in centres, schools and homes. With more than 137 locations and 26 employers looking for full-time, part-time and casual staff, the area is rich with opportunity for those wanting to make an impact in children’s lives by supporting their growth, development and learning. If you or someone you know is interested in a career in Early Childhood Education in the City of Brantford or County of Brant, please visit BeginHere.ca.

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