(NC) It is one of the most important jobs in society, working with one of a community’s most important segments –children. Every parent looking into child care should understand the role of a registered early childhood educator (RECE).

Decades ago, early childhood educators were seen by some as ‘child minders’ without a great deal of professional skill. Today, ECEs are registered professionals who adhere to standards and participate in mandatory continuous learning. After completing a comprehensive post-secondary program, here is a snapshot of some of their responsibilities for children:

• Observe and evaluate a child’s developmental needs and stages in all developmental domains;

• Plan programs and create environments for play and activities to address children’s needs, stages of development and interests;

• Maintain healthy emotional and social learning contexts;

• Report to parents and supervisors on their child’s progress within healthy, safe, nurturing and challenging play environments;

• Be accountable for upholding high professional and ethical standards set by the College of Early Childhood Educators.

Since 2009, early childhood education has been a regulated profession, much like teaching, nursing and social work. As the first of its kind in Canada, the College, by law, is authorized to set qualifications and requirements for those who wish to practise the profession. Parents can look up the professionals interacting with their child on the online public register by visiting college-ece.ca.