Canada is opening a quarter-million new child-care spaces by 2026. We finance the international educators stepping in to staff them.
New licensed child-care spaces Canada committed to by 2026*
Source: Government of Canada, Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care plan ($10/day care).
Three forces — policy, demographic, economic — are reshaping how Canada delivers early learning. Here is the shape of the opening.
Ottawa committed C$30 billion over five years through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care plan, with bilateral agreements signed by all 13 provinces and territories — the largest investment in Canadian child care in a generation.
Source · Government of CanadaIndependent estimates put the additional Early Childhood Educator workforce required to staff the new spaces at over 50,000 — provinces are actively recruiting, retraining, and credentialing internationally educated educators to fill the gap.
Source · Centre for Future WorkRoughly one in two Canadian parents with young children report difficulty finding licensed child care — wait-lists in major cities can run twelve months or longer. The shortfall isn't demand; it's the people to teach.
Source · Statistics CanadaA few of the most popular roles — every program we match you to is PGWP-aligned. Pick the one that fits where you want to work — a licensed centre, a public school, a Montessori network, or a family-support setting.
Lead classrooms in licensed centres, design learning programs, and shape early development for children 0–6.
Support lead educators in licensed care settings — the fastest entry point into Canada's child-care workforce.
Specialize in care for the under-three age group — the segment with Canada's longest licensed-care wait-lists.
Work with children with diverse learning needs in inclusive classrooms across publicly funded centres.
Support classroom teachers in K–12 schools — Canada's school boards are actively hiring EAs in every province.
Train in the Montessori method and join one of the fastest-growing alternative-education networks in Canada.
Partner with families and community agencies to support healthy early development at home and in the community.
Work alongside children and youth in schools, group homes, and community programs — adjacent to social services.
Programs shown are representative. To work as a Registered ECE you must register with the provincial College of Early Childhood Educators after graduation. Your Passage advisor will map the credentialing path for the role and province you choose.
Pick a role and a province to see a realistic median. ECE wages are climbing as the $10/day plan rolls out — provincial wage grids and federal top-ups are being revised yearly.
Median earnings for a Early Childhood Educator in Ontario. Based on Job Bank hourly wage data, calculated over a standard work year.
Estimates only. Actual earnings depend on credential level, employer (public, non-profit, private), and provincial wage enhancement grants under the federal $10/day plan. This tool is for informational purposes and should not be relied upon as financial advice.
Passage is not only providing us with financial support, but they guide us with employment opportunities. They help create our resumes and do mock interviews. It’s the best platform for international students.
Four phases. One team. We tell you what’s next at every step so nothing falls through the cracks.
Map what you want to study with the careers Canada actually needs by sector and region.
Submit your application and our team will screen your documents and work with partner colleges for your offer letter.
We review your credit profile and secure your seat the moment your cash collateral comes through.
We connect you with independent RCIC-licensed professionals who handle the legal work.
* Referrals are made to independent RCIC-licensed professionals. Passage does not provide immigration advice or services.
Check eligibilityStill wondering about something specific to ECE? Our team replies in plain English within one business day.
We fund PGWP-aligned programs across Early Childhood Education (RECE diplomas), ECE Assistant certificates, Educational Assistant programs, Child & Youth Care diplomas, and Resource Teacher / Infant & Toddler post-graduate specializations. We also support Montessori teacher training when paired with an eligible diploma. Available programs depend on your profile, preferred province, and intake.
Check your eligibility for top Canadian study programs and see if you qualify for a Passage loan.