Certification for centre-based employees

Overview

Early Learning and Child Care Recognition of Qualifications is the Government of the Northwest Territories certification process for staff working with children in licensed centre-based facilities.

It recognizes education and experience working in early learning and child care facilities within the NWT, Canada and internationally.  

The Early Learning and Child Care Regulations, which came into force November 14, 2024, require employees working with children in licensed centre-based facilities to be certified.

Certification in the NWT means that an employee that works with children in the centre-based facility will be classified as having met the requirements of one of the below pathways:

Qualification requirements
Level 4
  • Four-year Bachelor’s degree program from an approved institution as defined in subsection 1(1) of the Student Financial Assistance Regulations; and
  • Studies educational material that primarily deals with issues of early childhood.
Level 3
  • Two-year diploma program from an approved institution as defined in subsection 1(1) of the Student Financial Assistance Regulations; and
  • Studies educational material that primarily deals with issues of early childhood.
Level 2 One-year certificate in early childhood development from an approved institution as defined in subsection 1(1) of the Student Financial Assistance Regulations.
Level 1
  • NWT Early Childhood Essentials Course; and
  • Minimum one year experience in a licensed early learning and child care facility.

OR

  • Combination of extensive relevant professional learning and experience in a licensed early learning and child care facility as determined by the Director of Early Learning and Child Care.
Level A Unrecognized experience or education
Provisional
  • All employees working with children in centre-based facilities on or before November 14, 2024, will be given a provisional certification.
  • This is a temporary certification, valid for 4 months.
  • New employees hired after November 14, 2024, must contact elcc_educator_certification@gov.nt.ca to be issued a provisional certification.
  • Educators must apply for and become certified before the end of the four-month period.

Eligibility

Employees eligible for certification include:

  • Employees working in licensed centre-based facilities with children
  • NWT residents
  • Students enroled in the Early Learning and Child Care Program at Aurora College or College Nordique
  • Non-residents who have received an offer to work in a licensed centre-based facility (certificates will not be provided until they arrive in the NWT)
     

How to Apply

There is no fee to apply for certification.

Please review the Early Learning and Child Care Recognition of Qualifications Application Guidelines prior to completing your form.

Employees must submit an Application for New Early Childhood Educator Qualification Assessment form and documentation to receive certification. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received and can only be assessed once all required documentation is submitted.

Applicants will receive a decision within four to six weeks after submitting all required documents.

Level A, 1, 2, 3 and 4 Recognition of Qualification Certificates are valid for a period of three years from the date it is issued.

Provisional Recognition of Qualification are valid for a period of four months from the date it is issued.