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Part of Early childhood educators

Find a certified ECE

Use the Early Childhood Educator Lookup Tool to search for certification information for early childhood educators in Alberta.

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Early childhood educators

Early Childhood Educator Lookup tool

Staff working in licensed childcare programs must be provincially certified as an early childhood educator (ECE) within 6 months of hiring. Uncertified staff cannot be left alone to supervise children. The ECE Lookup tool allows families, employers and the general public to confirm whether ECEs are certified and meet provincial standards.

Find a certified ECE:

ECE Lookup tool

Verification QR code on ECE certificates

ECE certificates have been redesigned and will include an enhanced security feature to make it faster and easier to verify certification. Using either the unique QR code or verification code included with every certificate, you can confirm an individual’s certification status, level, and any terms and conditions that apply to their certification. These features are included on all newly issued certificates and have been added to existing certificates, which can be accessed through the ECE portal.

Verifying an ECE certificate:

  • Option 1: Scan the QR code
    • Find the QR code on the certificate.
    • Point your smartphone’s camera at the QR code.
    • Tap the link that appears on the screen.
    • The certificate details will appear automatically for verification.
  • Option 2: Manually type in the verification code
    • Find the unique verification code on the certificate.
    • To access the verification page, find the URL located above the verification code on the certificate and enter it into your phone or computer's search bar.
    • Enter the unique verification code shown on the certificate (for example: 1ABC2DEF).
    • The certificate details will appear automatically for verification.

ECEs can log in to their ECE Portal profile to get an updated certificate that includes the QR and verification codes.

Available information

Under Section 14.2 of the Early Learning and Child Care Regulation, the Alberta government may publish information about individuals who hold ECE certification.

The ECE Lookup tool is a searchable public record of ECEs certified in Alberta. Each record includes:

  • certification number, level and status
  • date of certification
  • the history of an individual’s certification, including terms and conditions, suspensions or cancellations

Certification levels

Below are the 3 levels of ECE certification and their training requirements:

  • Level 1 ECE

    • 45-hour (3-credit) post-secondary early learning and childcare course related to child development or
    • Early Childhood Education Orientation Course or
    • CCS 3110, 3120, 3130, 3140 and 3150 (offered through Career and Technology Studies at Alberta high schools) or
    • ELCC coursework with outcomes that focus on diversity or Indigenous learnings as approved by Education and Childcare

  • Level 2 ECE

    Completion of a one-year early learning and childcare certificate program offered by an approved Alberta public post-secondary institution, independent academic institution or private career college or an approved educational equivalency.

  • Level 3 ECE

    Completion of a 2-year early learning and childcare diploma program offered by an approved Alberta public post-secondary institution, independent academic institution or private career college or an approved educational equivalency.

Related

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