Apply for early childhood educator certification

If you currently live in the Yukon or intend to relocate to the Yukon, you may apply for ECE certification. There is no application fee.

There are 3 pathway options to apply for certification as an early childhood educator in the Yukon.

Path 1: Early childhood educator certification from a Canadian province or territory.

This option is for those currently living within Canada and have a certification as an early childhood educator from another Canadian province or territory.

Path 2: Post-secondary education completed in Canada.

This option is for those who have completed early childhood development or related courses at a Canadian post-secondary educational institution.

Path 3: Post-secondary education completed outside of Canada.

This option is for those who have completed early childhood development or related courses at an international educational institution.

After you apply

You will receive an answer by letter or email with our assessment result within 20 business days of the date you submitted your completed application and all required documents.  

Apply for a replacement certificate

If you lose your certificate or your name has changed, you can request a replacement by completing the ECE certification re-issue application.

If you currently have certification as an early childhood educator from another Canadian province or territory, you may apply for certification in the Yukon under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).

This option only applies to new applicants living within Canada that have not previously received certification in the Yukon. 

How to apply

1. Download and complete an application form.

2. Attach the following supporting documentation:

Proof of language proficiency:

If the regulatory authority where you received your certification or classification did not require proof of English or French proficiency, then you must verify your language proficiency.  

The following are accepted to verify language proficiency:

• Language proficiency assessment.
• Certification assessments:
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program  (CELPIP)
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Test de connaisance du français (TCF Canada)
  • Test d’evaluation de français (TEF Canada)

A language proficiency test may be waived if your entire post-secondary program of studies official language of instruction was in English or French. Verification is required directly from the educational institution.

Proof of identity:

• All applicants are required to submit proof of identity to receive a certificate.
• The following documents are accepted to confirm identity:
  • Valid Canadian passport;
  • Canadian driver's licence;
  • Canadian general identification card;
  • Canadian-issued birth certificate;
  • Secure certificate of Indian Status;
  • Permanent resident card; or
  • Valid foreign passport with appropriate immigration documents.

Do not submit original identity documents (for example, birth certificate or passport). A photocopy is sufficient.

Proof of name change:

• If the name on supporting documents is different from your current legal name, you must provide proof of name change. Photocopies are accepted.
• The following documents are accepted as proof of name change:
  • Marriage certificate or registration;
  • Divorce certificate;
  • Legal name change certificate; or
  • Birth certificate plus current identification, such as a valid driver’s license.

3.  Attach a copy of your ECE certification issued by the Canadian province or territory. We will verify with the applicable authority that your certificate is valid and in good standing.

4.  Submit application and supporting documents to [email protected] or by mail. 

Early Learning and Child Care Branch (E-23)
Department of Education
Government of Yukon
PO Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6

If you completed courses at a Canadian post-secondary educational institution select this application pathway.     

How to apply

1. Download and complete an application form.

2. Attach supporting documentation.

Proof of identity:

• All applicants are required to submit proof of identity to receive a certificate.
• The following documents are accepted to confirm identity:
  • Valid Canadian passport;
  • Canadian driver's licence;
  • Canadian general identification card;
  • Canadian-issued birth certificate;
  • Secure certificate of Indian Status;
  • Permanent resident card; or
  • Valid foreign passport with appropriate immigration documents.

Do not submit original identity documents (for example, birth certificate or passport). A photocopy is sufficient.

Proof of name change:

• If the name on supporting documents is different from your current legal name, you must provide proof of name change. Photocopies are accepted.
• The following documents are accepted as proof of name change:
  • Marriage certificate or registration;
  • Divorce certificate;
  • Legal name change certificate; or
  • Birth certificate plus current identification, such as a valid driver’s license.

3.  Provide evidence of post-secondary education.

• Request your official transcript(s) from the post-secondary educational institution(s) where you completed related coursework. Have transcripts sent directly to Early Learning and Child Care Branch at [email protected].
• Course descriptions for all relevant courses may be requested to help determine if courses meet the criteria for level certification.

4.  Submit application and supporting documents to [email protected] or by mail. 

Early Learning and Child Care Branch (E-23)
Department of Education
Government of Yukon
PO Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6

If you completed post-secondary courses at an educational institution outside of Canada select this application pathway.

How to apply

1. Download and complete an application form.

2.  You will need to provide:

• Proof of language proficiency:
  • If your post-secondary program of study was not completed in English or French, evidence of English or French language proficiency is required.
• The following are accepted to verify language proficiency:
  • Language proficiency assessment.
  • Certification assessments:
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program  (CELPIP)
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Test de connaisance du français (TCF Canada)
  • Test d’evaluation de français (TEF Canada)

A language proficiency test may be waived if your entire post-secondary program of studies official language of instruction was in English or French. Verification is required directly from the educational institution.

• Proof of identity:
  • All applicants are required to submit proof of identity to receive a certificate.
  • The following documents are accepted to confirm identity:
    • Valid Canadian passport;
    • Canadian driver's licence;
    • Canadian general identification card;
    • Canadian-issued birth certificate;
    • Secure certificate of Indian Status;
    • Permanent resident card; or
    • Valid foreign passport with appropriate immigration documents.

Do not submit original identity documents (for example, birth certificate or passport). A photocopy is sufficient.

• Proof of name change:
  • If the name on supporting documents is different from your current legal name, you must provide proof of name change. Photocopies are accepted.
  • The following documents are accepted as proof of name change:
    • Marriage certificate or registration;
    • Divorce certificate;
    • Legal name change certificate; or
    • Birth certificate plus current identification, such as a valid driver’s license.

3. Provide Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.

Post-secondary education completed outside of Canada requires a comprehensive educational credential assessment (ECA). The comprehensive ECA includes program of study, course titles and their converted credit value.  

The comprehensive ECA document must be from a recognized Canadian credentialing agency. Find a list of accepted credentialing agencies: Assessing your qualifications if you're a foreign worker.

Request the credentialing agency email your official comprehensive ECA document directly to Early Learning and Child Care Branch at [email protected] or by mail to:

Early Learning and Child Care Branch (E-23)
Department of Education
Government of Yukon
PO Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6

Course descriptions: These are for all relevant courses and are required to help determine if courses meet criteria for level certification.

4. Submit application and supporting documentation to [email protected] or by mail.

Early Learning and Child Care Branch (E-23)
Department of Education
Government of Yukon
PO Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6

To maintain your early childhood educator level 3 equivalent certification, you must:

• Complete 1 early childhood course (3 credits) from an approved accredited post-secondary educational institution. The course must be completed before the expiry date shown on your level 3 equivalent certificate.
• Submit your application for renewal of your certification to the Early Learning and Child Care branch before it expires.
• Have the educational intuition sent transcript directly to the Early Learning and Child Care Branch at [email protected]. 

If you meet the requirements, we'll issue you a certification for one additional year. If you do not meet the requirements by the expiration date, your certification is no longer valid.

If you currently hold a valid level 3 equivalent certificate, you can contact the Early Learning and Child Care Branch for help in creating a pathway to full certification.