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You build worlds for children,
together we build worlds for us!

Become a Member!

Equal Pay Day is April 14th, 2026

Child care has long been acknowledged as a necessary component in closing the gender wage gap in two important ways. First, the lack of affordable, high quality child care continues to limit women’s opportunities to participate in on-going, full-time work. Second, child care is still a firmly entrenched ‘female job’ in which the predominately female workforce continues to be underpaid and undervalued.  

If you’re an ECE in Ontario, the AECEO is here for you.

With pedagogical skills, knowledge, intent and care, early childhood educators create the environments where children grow, families are supported, and communities thrive.

That’s why our association exists: to organize, raise our collective voice, and lead the way toward a future where care is valued, educators are respected, and every child has access to the learning and support they deserve.

Together, We’re Building…

A Strong, Supportive Community

Advocacy that Gets Results

Tools to Turn Information Into Action

Become a Member!

Lish Francoeur (they/them)

RECE & Member of All Nations Community CARE Collective

"The AECEO's All Nations Circle of Practice is a living circle of care, rooted in intentional connection and a shared journey of decolonization. Here, relationships are tended with deep respect, and learning flows freely between generations, experiences, and hearts. It is a place where stories are honored, where healing moves gently through words and silences, and where community is not just spoken of, but lived. Elder Brenda’s teachings ripple through us, weaving threads of memory, hope, and belonging. In this collective, we co-create a space where everyone is invited to unlearn, to remember, and to walk together with open hands and open hearts."

Thơ (she/they)

RECE

“Care has made advocacy and activism accessible for me because I no longer think that I can only do the right thing when I remain objective, but I can do the right thing when I care.”

Amy (she/her)

"I have enjoyed being able to connect with the AECEO as a community to uplift each other during trying times in our field. Even when things can feel like a lost cause with governments not listening, connecting with fellow folks who care about our field lifts me up! I am very thankful to have incredible individuals working hard to advocate on our fields behalf."

Sydney

"I did my placement at the AECEO and absolutley loved it. Everyone was so knowledgeable and kind and I admired their advocacy for early childhood educators as well! I would and have recommended the AECEO to a few people and I will continue to advocate for them because I believe they are doing amazing work! I aspire to be like them!"

Nazia

"Being a part of the AECEO makes me feel confidant and up to date related to latest research and making connections with families and other work professionals that I involve with in my everyday work practice. The AECEO also helps me understand my role as an Early Childhood Educator and the responsibilities I have related to my profession. I always recommend my friends and colleagues who are in the same profession to ask any questions that they have related to Early Childhood practice and flourish the ways that can help support the unique, diverse and individuals in our care and practice."

Karly

"I value the AECEO's ongoing commitment to empowering educators and advocating for the profession. I appreciate the range of resources provided by the AECEO to support educator’s professional goals as well as their well-being and sense of community."

Olivia (she/her)

"When my efforts to do advocacy work at my workplace were shut down, the AECEO stood beside me and reminded me I wasn’t alone. This is exactly what I value most about the AECEO: their unwavering sense of community and belonging. In a field that can often feel invisible, they remind us that our work matters, our voices matter, and that collective advocacy is powerful."

Crystal (she/they)

"The AECEO continues to be a driving force for advocacy in the sector, and works tirelessly to better the lives of members and non-members alike. Working alongside the staff was a true pleasure that will stick with me the rest of my life. Their kindness, dedication, and creativity inspires me and pushes me to always keep learning and advocating."

Mara

"I first joined the AECEO about 26 years ago as a passionate Early Childhood Educator graduate from the life changing Humber College ECE program. The inspiration from the AECEO team started me on my journey to “Go make a difference!” Whenever I needed to recharge, the encouraging team and their positive outlook gave me what I needed to continue. We can make a difference together!"

D.W.

"Would recommend the AECEO: Practical organization where everything happens, great staff, it's great to belong to AECEO, love everything about it."

AECEO News

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Events

Fri 29
May 29 - May 31

AECEO Members’ Retreat & Advocacy Summit

75th Anniversary Membership Retreat & Advocacy Summit on May 29th - 31st, 2026 at the beautiful Bayview Wildwood Resort!

The AECEO welcomes you to our 75th Anniversary Membership Retreat & Advocacy Summit. Join us for an unforgettable weekend. This will be a special, members only event for community building, networking, learning, and having lots of fun! Join the AECEO staff team, CARE Collective leads, and your fellow members for an unforgettable weekend!

Please note: Individual rooms are limited, so please consider joining with a friend! Sign up is a first come, first serve basis. Spots are limited. In order to attend this event, you MUST hold an AECEO membership at the time of registration and the time of the retreat.

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