Myths Busted!

The role of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) in New Brunswick has evolved over the past decade, according to the province’s latest action plan. But some stubborn myths and misconceptions about the sector persist.

Are these myths keeping you from considering this rewarding career?

Myth: The sheer volume of unfilled job postings is evidence of an undesirable career.

Fact: The Canada-New Brunswick Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement is an unprecedented investment in the sector. Highlights include creating 3,400 new spaces in the designated early learning and child care facilities by 2026.

No wonder there are so many job postings! 

Myth: A career as an ECE has limited prospects and professional opportunities.

Fact: You can do several things with your ECE training in New Brunswick.

•  Expand your career possibilities — Career opportunities include Early Childhood Educators; Child care Directors; Pedagogical Leaders, ECE Specialists, Program Directors, Owner-Operators, Centre Managers; Careers in Government, and many more. 
•  We’ve identified more than two dozen ECE careers in New Brunswick. Take our quiz and discover an ECE career that matches your goals and personality.

Myth: You’ll spend your days teaching ABCs and 1-2-3s.

Fact: Every child is different and learns at their own pace and in their unique style. New Brunswick ECEs use a learner-centric approach called EARLY LEARNING PEDAGOGY (ELP).

ELP is an emergent, values-based approach that is grounded in play, inquiry, communication, diversity, and relationships. Learners are viewed as capable and competent contributors to the learning community. ELP supports the health and well-being of children and recognizes family, community, land and environments as both teachers and co-learners on the child’s learning journey. Early learning pedagogy is ongoing, intentional, reciprocal, and “attends to the todayness of children’s lives” (NBCF-E, 2008, p. 183).

Pedagogical Leaders in the ECE sector are very purposeful about the culture they want to create: one that is empathetic, collaborative, and supportive of learners and ECEs.

It’s a big part of what makes this profession so special. 

Download the 6 Principals of Pedagogical Leadership   

Myth: Being an ECE is boring.

Fact: This job is ideal for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Because infants and toddlers are in critical stages of development, a lot can change in a short period of time.

ECEs support children’s overall development, from cognitive to social and emotional to motor and language development. You can take this career to incredible heights as you deepen your understanding of the practice. 

Myth: Kids don't learn anything valuable in a child care setting.

Fact: The truth is that learning begins long before a child opens a math textbook or starts reciting the alphabet.

90% of the adult brain grows before the age of 5! Areas of the brain expand and make connections to grow the capacity for thinking, language, and well-being.

ECEs play a crucial role during these first formative years that set the stage for lifelong learning.

Myth: The training requirements to enter the ECE profession are too high.

Fact: If you’re starting fresh with no recognized ECE training, you can still get your first job at a licensed facility and earn above minimum wage.

Ready for your first raise? Once hired, your employer will register you for your first (free) mandatory training requirement, and thanks to the ECE Wage Grid, your pay will increase immediately.

Myth: The wage increase earned from training upgrades doesn’t justify the cost of education.

Fact: You don’t have to empty your wallet to enter a sector that makes a difference in your community. Many ECE career paths don’t require any personal money at all.

Chart your career development path using our Career Roadmap.  

Explore these programs and resources:

Early Childhood Educator Tuition Reimbursement Program 

•  Available to individuals currently employed in an approved early learning and child care facility in New Brunswick

Emergent Leaders Institute  

•  Coming in 2023
•  Career growth and development program for educators who want to become leaders in their field

Myth: I can’t upgrade my education and keep my current ECE job.

Fact: The province has made it easier for ECEs to upgrade their training and qualifications while working, including:

•  On-site training for experienced ECEs — Your experience can count towards obtaining a one-year Early Childhood Education Certificate; complete your certificate in 6-8 months while you work.
•  Work/study program for employed ECEs — Employed ECEs who want to obtain an Early Childhood Education Certificate can do so while they work. This program allows you to complete part of the training at home or at the college.

Myth: ECEs spend their days cleaning the centre and the children. 

Fact: Many centres outsource cleaning staff, and staff share responsibility for keeping the space clean and helping children with personal care.

ECE is focused on living well with children.  In this way, there is a balanced responsibility of education, learning, and general care routines such as sanitizing, hand washing and diapering.