1964 – AECEO established a Certification Process for ECEs at a time when formal training for ECEs was at its infancy. This process evaluated the formal and informal training of day nursery staff. Gaining certified status meant that the applicant’s skills were evaluated according to the standards of practice set by the Association.

1970s-1980s – As the availability of ECE formal training grew, the Certification process evolved into an additional credential for new ECE graduates. The process involved a self-evaluation component as well as peer visits and mentoring over the course of a two year period.

1990s-2003 – ECE Diploma Program Standards were developed by the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities, ensuring minimum criteria for the training program. The AECEO then turned their attention to the desperate need for recognition for ECEs and identified this as the vital next step if the profession was to move forward. This resulted in the AECEO movement to bring legislative recognition for ECEs through the establishment of a College of Early Childhood Educators. To accommodate this new focus and in anticipation of the large numbers expected to register for this voluntary process, AECEO Certification testing model changed from peer visits to the submission of a professional profile essay document and completion of an exam. Membership to AECEO became mandatory as part of maintaining AECEO Certified status, ensuring certified members received ongoing opportunities for professional development.

2003 to Present – The current Provincial Government, as part of their Best Start Initiative, has committed to establishing a College of Early Childhood Educators whose role will be to ensure public accountability and setting standards of practice and training for the profession. The AECEO, as a participant in the working panel headed by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, drafted a model for a College of ECEs that will be finalized and presented to Legislature. During these discussions, the AECEO received assurance that AECEO Certified members will receive some for of recognition in the College of ECEs. Today’s Certification process is based on 40 years of implementation experience and current research and standards.