Early childhood educators and assistants in Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake

The employment outlook will be Limited for early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
• 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 Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region:

• Approximately 620 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Early childhood educators and assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 81%
  • Educational services (NAICS 61): 17%