10 Reasons to Choose Quality Early Learning and Child Care

Expert knowledge Early childhood educators are experts in child development and are trained to create inspiring learning environments!
Intentionality Early childhood educators provide your child the gift of time and attention. They will stop and explore the new flowers or jump in the mud puddles with your child.
Young at heart Early childhood educators know how to have fun! They’re not afraid to be silly and laugh with your child; all while nurturing your child’s creativity and helping to build their self-confidence.
Setting limits Every child needs reasonable boundaries, such as no playing ball inside. Early childhood educators set limits and support families in doing the same.
Love of literacy Early childhood educators read and tell stories, sing songs, and do puppet shows to inspire a love of language and to build early literacy skills.
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Confidence boost Early childhood educators provide safe opportunities for your child to be independent and to become confident in their personality and decision making skills.
Inspired learning Early childhood educators ask open-ended questions to inspire creative thought and curiosity, to encourage children to explore, and to make learning fun.
Life skills Early childhood educators use their expertise to develop programs that use play as a tool for teaching math, literacy, science and essential life skills that last for life!
Making friends Early childhood educators are educated to appropriately support children to gain social skills, which are so important in making friends and developing positive relationships!
Helping hand Everyone gets stumped by parenting from time to time - juggling schedules, demands, and behaviours. When it gets tough and you need someone to talk to, reach out to your child’s early childhood educator!
Professional, Certified, Licensed.

Helping PEI families make the early years count
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Choosing Child Care

Start early. Choosing child care is an important decision, and there are a limited number of licensed infant spaces across PEI. Many families begin their search for child care before their child has even arrived! This decision must be made with you and your child's needs in mind. Important factors to consider include:

  • Type of centre (early years centres, private centres, family home care, family resource centres, preschools, after school programs) Licensed child care centres are licensed, monitored and regulated by the Early Learning and Child Care Board and therefore must meet basic requirements as outlined in the Early Learning and Child Care Act and Regulations, such as staffing requirements, health and safety, daily program schedule, nutrition and administration.
  • Time of care (half or full-day, full or part-week, extended hours of operation)
  • Location (close to your home or workplace)
  • Centre policies (rates for service, holiday and PD closures, late pick-ups, allergy restrictions, sick days)
  • and other factors such as accessibility, staff certification requirements, communication styles, and a program that compliments your own views and beliefs on early childhood education.

After considering your family’s needs, it is a good idea to visit a number of potential centres to meet the director, to view the space, and to go over the centre’s policies. The ECDA, in partnership with the Early Childhood Care and Education Network, has published a booklet entitled A Parent's Guide to Quality Child Care on PEI. This guide is intended to assist parents in their search for quality child care.

The ECDA is also pleased to encourage families to visit the online Early Learning and Child Care Registry to learn about the licensed centres in your area, and to register for centre wait lists that meet your needs. Find out more about the PEI Early Learning and Child Care Registry here.


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“Children learn appropriate emotional expression and gain a sense of belonging as they are surrounded by a safe environment.” – Start with Play Campaign (2013)