ECE Bridge to Work Program
New to Canada?
Have experience working with children?
Ready for a career in child care?
Information Sessions
Register for an online information session to learn how ECE Bridge to Work can prepare you for a rewarding career in child care.
Interested in working in child care? Join our free info session on June 18 from 11 am–12 pm or June 25 from 1 pm–2 pm to learn how the YMCA’s ECE Bridge to Work program helps newcomers launch rewarding careers.
Meet the team, ask questions, and explore next steps.
The ECE Bridge to Work Program prepares newcomers to Canada for successful employment in child care.
This FREE 14-week program includes:
- 2 weeks of pre-employment training to prepare you for the Canadian child care workplace
- 12 weeks of paid work placement at a YMCA of Greater Toronto child care setting
Participants in the program must:
- be at least 18 years old
- be a Permanent Resident or Convention Refugee
- have Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher
- have completed post-secondary education outside Canada
- have experience working with children
No, participation in the ECE Bridge to Work Program is completely free.
No, work experience in Canada is not required when applying to the ECE Bridge to Work Program.
The pre-employment training is a combination of in-person and online instruction. The paid work placement is completed in-person at YMCA child care centres throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
ECE Bridge to Work participants gain hands-on training in career path planning, Canadian workplace culture, conflict resolution, effective communication, and time management — all essential skills to thrive and grow in their early childhood education careers.
No, ECE Bridge to Work participants must complete the pre-employment training to be eligible for the paid work placement.
ECE Bridge to Work paid placements are completed at YMCA child care centres throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Completing the ECE Bridge to Work program does not guarantee employment. Over 90% of participants, however, are offered paid positions upon completion. The certification and work experience obtained through ECE Bridge to Work will increase your employability in the child care field.
Not directly—but the ECE Bridge to Work Program is a strong step toward it. You'll gain valuable certification and hands-on experience that make you more employable in child care. Supportive employers like the YMCA of Greater Toronto also offer bursaries, scholarships, and placements to help team members become Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs). Learn how the YMCA can support your journey.
Contact bridgetowworkece@ymcagta.org with any questions about the program.