early childhood teacher

éducateur de la petite enfance

teacher

educator

childcare provider

CEFA Early Learning

As an administrator at CEFA, a typical day is fast-paced and well-structured, with most of my time focused on administrative responsibilities such as keeping CRM+ up to date, reaching out to families, and managing communications. When there is a staff shortage or a classroom needs extra support, I step in to assist as needed to ensure the day runs smoothly. Through this role, I’ve learned the importance of organization, clear communication, flexibility, and teamwork in maintaining high standards. Management is very supportive and approachable, with clear expectations and a strong emphasis on professionalism. The workplace culture is collaborative, respectful, and child-centered. The most challenging part of the job is balancing administrative demands while responding to unexpected needs throughout the day. The most enjoyable part is supporting the team and families while seeing the positive impact this work has on the children and overall program.

At CEFA, our workplace culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared passion for early childhood education. We foster an environment where team members feel valued, supported, and inspired to make a meaningful impact in children’s lives. Open communication, respect, and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that our educators, administrators, and staff work together seamlessly to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment. We believe that continuous growth is key to success, which is why we invest in professional development, providing ongoing training, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement.

We also prioritize inclusion, diversity, and work-life balance, creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered and respected. CEFA celebrates different backgrounds, perspectives, and teaching styles, ensuring that all team members contribute to a dynamic and innovative learning experience. Our leadership team is committed to mentorship and recognition, ensuring that employees feel appreciated for their dedication. At CEFA, we don’t just provide education for children—we cultivate a positive, fulfilling, and growth-oriented environment for our team as well.

My typical day at work is always filled with excitement, curiosity, exploration, and fun learning. Aside from planning activities and teaching letters, colours, shapes, and numbers, I have learned that following children's interests and curiosity leads to deeper learning. Our school management plays a big role in creating a supportive environment and positive workplace culture that benefits everyone - children, families, and staff. Our principal is very organized, approachable, and very supportive in many ways. She demonstrates considerable flexibility regarding requests for time off or accommodations when we are unwell. The culture is warm and nurturing, just like a big family. We celebrate each other's successes and support each other through challenges. The hardest part of the job is saying goodbye to children as they move on to kindergarten. I get so attached, and it's bittersweet to see them grow up so fast. The most enjoyable part of my job is seeing children grow and learn every day. Making a difference in children's lives is rewarding, and it's an honour to be part of their learning journey.

CEFA Richmond South (CRS) is the best of all CEFAs to work for. I've had the opportunity to work for multiple other CEFA locations before joining CEFA Richmond South (CRS). The owner of this location doesn't cheat her staff to line her pockets with profit. Management is fair. There is a work life balance for teachers. What I love most is the diversity in the team I work with. The principal of the school is experienced and knowledgeable. He doesn't believe in micromanagement, which is great! Teachers who join...stay. very little turnover! I once quit to find work closer to home, but I came back. The drive is worth it! Higher wages than other CEFA schools.

Best of all the Principal is fair in backing teachers up with families and policies. The customer isn't always right. He looks at every situation objectively. 

If you are dedicated and contribute, there is no worrying that another teacher is doing less than you is making more than you or is getting away with it. The principal is fair and inspires in a possitive way. A way that makes you want to achieve more!

A typical day at work is full of smiles and hugs from the children who love it here as much as we do. It’s easy to learn new things when you’re building the children’s curriculum. Working with kids you’ll never know everything, there’s always something that comes up that helps you learn new information or skills. Management is very supportive and listens to all your concerns. They also understand that you know your classroom best and are willing to work with you to switch things around when needed. We are all a family here and there’s always people to turn to when you need help. We all just get what it’s like working in this field, and there’s always someone who’s gone through it before you. Hardest part of the job is definitely the germs, stay healthy because daycare germs are relentless. Most enjoyable part of the job is working with the children. Watching them come into the class with big smiles everyday, watching their eyes light up when they finally figure out something they’ve been struggling with, even watching them grow up is just so special. 

Shout-out to CEFA CORNERSTONE for being an incredibly professional, inspiring, and uplifting environment. Every single day, I’m surrounded by an amazing team, dedicated staff, wonderful children, and supportive parents who make this place truly special.
Working here has been a journey of continuous learning. I discover something new every day, and I genuinely feel that as the children grow, I grow right alongside them. Their curiosity inspires me, their progress motivates me, and their joy gives meaning to everything we do.
I can’t recommend CEFA Cornerstone enough — it truly stands out as the best school in Calgary NE. And it’s not just our claim; it’s the consistent feedback we receive from parents that speaks volumes. The work environment is fun, positive, and deeply motivating. This is truly one of the best places to work if you want to feel valued, supported, and part of something meaningful.

A typical day at CEFA UBC was filled with joyful learning moments and meaningful connections with children. Each day involved leading circle time, creative activities, and supporting children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth. I learned how to implement the CEFA curriculum effectively, communicate with families, and collaborate closely with team members. The management was supportive, organized, and always encouraged professional development. The workplace culture was positive, inclusive, and focused on the well-being of both children and educators. The hardest part of the job was maintaining energy throughout the day while meeting every child’s individual needs. The most enjoyable part was witnessing the children’s curiosity, progress, and happiness—it made every day truly rewarding.

Cefa has a great program for children, Parents are great and understandable as they see how hard teachers work everyday. Unfortunately management/owner don't get the memo.
They have extremely high expectations and they pay 14 dollars an hour to start, raising it to 15.75 once you are a "certified teacher" 
They expect way to much of us and they don't appreciate and understand that we are not robots and we can't do all they ask for, especially for that amount of money. 
They talk about support, understanding and compassion but at the end of the day we have families, children that need to eat and bills to pay additional the stress they put on you to meet expectations is unreasonable, i recommend this place to get experience as it does but they have no room for us to grow and they don't help you either so experience is all you get from it

What is the best part of working at the company?
Watching kids grow, learn, and hit milestones.
Using play, stories, and activities to teach social and cognitive skills.
Children bring spontaneity, energy, and surprise into the day.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Being responsible for multiple children at once can lead to burnout if staffing is inadequate.
Navigating difficult conversations with parents or meeting their expectations can add pressure.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Very nice. I love Cefa because it’s a great environment and multicultural .
In our locations, coworkers are described as friendly and helpful, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Engage children in morning routines such as songs, calendar, weather discussions, and theme introductions.

I have worked in childcare since 2009 in many roles from classroom teacher, to supervisor.  Each role gave me purpose but I was always longing for something more.  Since working at CEFA I have found that "something more".  

When families tour a high quality early learning school they want to know that their child will feel as if they belong, they want their child to be engaged, taken care of, and be able to express who they are without judgment.

As an employee at CEFA I feel those same things (which I cannot say as happened in pervious work places).  I feel as if my ideas and thoughts are not only allowed in this space but they are appreciated.  I am privileged to engage with amazing teachers, principals and head office team members daily. I am valued as an ECE, person and a Mom each day. Lastly I feel like I belong.

I am beyond happy that I have found a place like CEFA!

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Early childhood teacher 49 salaries reported	$22.31 per hour
Éducateur de la petite enfance 45 salaries reported	$25.89 per hour
Teacher 22 salaries reported	$24.25 per hour
Educator 14 salaries reported	$23.43 per hour
Childcare provider 17 salaries reported	$24.32 per hour

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