Apply for Early Childhood Certification

You must apply for early childhood certification through the Early Learning and Child Care Board in Prince Edward Island. You can only hold 1 level of certification at a time, so when applying, please select the one that most applies to you.

What are the types of early childhood staff certification in Prince Edward Island?

There are five types of certification that you can apply for:

• Family Home Child Care Provider
  • An applicant for a family home child care provider certificate shall have successfully completed a 30-hour course related to the care and education of infants and preschoolers, approved by the Board.
• School-Age Child Care Provider
  •  An applicant for a school-age child care provider certificate shall have successfully completed a 30-hour course related to the care and education of school-age children, approved by the Board.
• Early Childhood Intern
  • An applicant for certification at the early childhood intern level shall have successfully completed a 30-hour course, approved by the Board, in each of the following subject areas:
    • child growth and development;
    • child guidance;
    • early childhood pedagogy
• Early Childhood Associate
  • An applicant for certification at the early childhood associate level shall have successfully completed
    • a one-year certificate program in early childhood care and education, approved by the Board; or
    • a diploma or degree program related to human studies, approved by the Board.
• Early Childhood Educator
  • An applicant for certification at the early childhood educator level shall have successfully completed
    • a two-year diploma or degree program in early childhood care and education, approved by the Board;
    • a degree program related to human studies that incorporates a two-year diploma program in early childhood care and education, approved by the Board; or
    • a degree program related to human studies and a one-year certificate program in early childhood care and education, approved by the Board.

What do I need to apply for Early Childhood certification?

In addition to providing current identity and contact information you will be asked for the following:

• Post-secondary history:
  • Name of each college and/or university you attended 
  • Official transcripts sent to the ELCC Board from each institution to support each credential attained;
• Upload the following supporting documents:
  • A recent (in the last six months) Criminal Background Check and Vulnerable Sector Search
  • A copy of your marriage license or other relevant documents if your name has changed since you were last certified

What if I’m already certified in another province?

If you are already certified in the following provinces or territories, you may apply for classification as a child care worker under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement: 

• Yukon
• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Nova Scotia
• Newfoundland and Labrador

Application for Classification as a Child Care Worker under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement

What if I live in Canada but studied outside of Canada?

If you live in Canada but studied outside of Canada, please go to Apply for Internationally Educated Early Childhood Staff Certification.

What is the fee for certification?

If you were trained as an early childhood staff in Canada, the application fee is $25. This fee is paid online when you apply. 

How long will it take to process my application?

Please allow 4-6 weeks from date of submission for your application to be processed and received in the mail.

Your application will be reviewed once the application and all necessary transcripts and letters are received. You will be notified by mail on whether your certification has been granted.

Who can I contact for more information?

Education and Early Years
Early Years Division
Aubin Arsenault Building
3 Brighton Road, PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE  C1A 7N8
Tel: (902) 368-6513
Fax:  (902) 569-7532
Email: mmmcclean@gov.pe.ca