NEWOntario replaced all 8 OINP streams on June 26, 2026. Everything here covers the new Workforce Priority stream.
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Occupation · Early childhood educators

OINP for Early Childhood Educators

Early childhood educators and assistants are classified under NOC 42202, TEER 2, qualifying for the skilled job offer pathway, with strong demand across Ontario's licensed child care sector.

42202 · NOC codeTEER 2 · TEER levelSkilled job offer · PathwayOther eligible occupation · Occupational category

Why ECEs often score well

Early childhood educators (NOC 42202, TEER 2) are in high demand as licensed child care spaces expand across Ontario:

6 / 9 pts

Occupation TEER level

TEER 2 occupations fall in the TEER 2 to 3 tier under the skilled job offer pathway.

Up to 10 pts

Canadian credentials

RECE registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators counts toward this factor once assessed.

Up to 18 pts

Ontario work experience

Time spent working in a licensed Ontario child care setting counts fully toward this factor.

A sample score scenario

Here is an illustrative (not guaranteed) scenario for an ECE with a Hamilton job offer:

Example profile: Early childhood educator, 2 years Ontario experience, CLB 8, ECE diploma, Hamilton job offer

Work region (GTA/Southern Ontario, est.)6 / 15
Occupation TEER level (TEER 2)6 / 9
Hourly wage ($20 to $29.99/hr, est.)6 / 15
Occupational category (Other, est.)3 / 10
Ontario work experience (24+ mo.)18 / 18
Income tax history ($30k to $49k, est.)3 / 8
Education (ECE diploma, est.)6 / 10
Canadian credentials (1, est.)5 / 10
Language ability (CLB 8, est.)10 / 15
Bilingualism (not bilingual)0 / 10
Temporary resident status (valid permit)10 / 10
Estimated total73 / 130

This is an illustrative example, not a guarantee. Run the full calculator with your own details.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be registered with the College of ECE first?

Most licensed Ontario child care centres will require RECE registration (or evidence you are eligible) before extending a genuine job offer. This is separate from the OINP process itself.

Is "ECE assistant" the same NOC code as "ECE"?

NOC 42202 covers both early childhood educators and assistants. Confirm your exact title and TEER with the NOC and TEER finder.

Which regions have the most ECE demand?

Demand is broad-based as licensed child care spaces expand province-wide. Regions outside Toronto also offer a regional bonus on top of that demand. See the Northern Ontario regional bonus guide for the top tier.

Free 1 on 1 strategy call

Ready to see your exact score?

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Occupation pathway · Score for your role