Early childhood educators and assistants in Lethbridge - Medicine Hat

The employment outlook will be Good for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in the Lethbridge - Medicine Hat region for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
• Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
• High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

• Due to population growth, and demographic trends there is strong demand for early childhood educators and assistants in Alberta, particularly in rural Alberta, due to labour shortages and a lack of access to childcare centres.
• Employment is dependent on provincial and federal funding, which can lead to additional jobs in this occupation. 
• The Alberta government’s Budget 2025 outlines $2 billion to support and expand early learning and childcare systems. 

Here are some key facts about early childhood educators and assistants in the Lethbridge - Medicine Hat region:

• Approximately 1,810 people work in this occupation.
• Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 92%
  • Educational services (NAICS 61): 8%