Featuring: Sam Daniels-Tenwolde | Level 3 ECE, Nova Scotia
The ECE Landscape in Nova Scotia: A Growing, In-Demand Career
Early Childhood Education is one of the fastest-growing career fields in Nova Scotia. With expanded government investment, rising demand for quality childcare, and a growing population, the province needs more qualified ECEs than ever before.
Educators can build rewarding long-term careers, starting with a Level 2 ECE Diploma and advancing to Level 3 roles, or moving into leadership paths such as lead ECE, Director, inclusion coordinator or family home consultant.
International students are increasingly choosing Early Childhood
Education because it offers:
- High employment demand across the province
- Clear pathways for career progression
- Hands-on learning through practicum placements
- Transferable skills across age groups and settings
- A chance to make a real impact while building a stable future in Canada
Now, to help you get a direct look into this career, we sat down with someone who has gone through the ECE journey firsthand.
My Journey to Becoming an Early Childhood Educator with Sam Daniels-Tenwolde, Level 3 ECE (Nova Scotia)
Q: What inspired you to become an Early Childhood Educator?
Sam: I honestly can’t pinpoint the exact moment my journey started. Maybe it was walking into my first toddler classroom, nervous and hoping the children would like me. Maybe it began during my first “Child Development” lecture. Or maybe it was the summers I spent working at an overnight camp being eaten alive by mosquitos!
It was really a combination of all those experiences. They led me into the world of Early Childhood Education—slowly but surely—and I’m grateful they did.
Q: People often say no two ECEs are alike. What does that mean to you?
Sam: ECEs truly are like snowflakes—unique in every way.
We come from different backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. Some people always dreamed of becoming an ECE. Others found the field unexpectedly while exploring other academic or employment options.
Our personalities, interests, and abilities differ, but there’s always one shared thread: a genuine love for children and meaningful relationships. That’s what holds this profession together.
Q: You’ve been in the field for nine years. What stands out when you reflect on your journey?
Sam: I’m amazed at how much the field and I have grown. It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge taught me something important. The field itself is evolving too. We’re always looking for better ways to support children, families, and educators. I love being part of that change, and I know my journey is far from over.
Q: What does an average day look like for an ECE?
Sam: The funny thing is that there is a routine, but no two days are actually the same.
Lunch usually comes before nap, yes. But children’s needs change moment to moment, so flexibility is key. You learn to adapt quickly, adjust activities, and redesign the environment so every child feels supported. And you celebrate everything, from big milestones to small victories.
Seeing a toddler beam after putting on their shoes for the first time or watching a preschooler discover a new use for a toy chisel, those moments remind you how powerful early learning really is.
Q: Many students are interested in career growth. How did you progress into more advanced roles within the ECE sector?
My career growth came from a mix of education and hands-on experience. After completing my Child and Youth degree, I returned to early learning and worked in licensed childcare, mostly in toddler rooms. Those early years helped me build strong relationships and strengthen my practice through ongoing professional development.
From there, I moved into Nova Scotia’s Pre-Primary Program as a Lead, supporting play-based learning and collaborating with school teams. I discovered I loved mentoring others, which led me to teaching in a career college in Dartmouth.
That experience eventually brought me to my current role as Program Manager for OICC’s Early Childhood Education program, where I support students, curriculum, and sector partnerships.
I recommend this field to anyone passionate about relationships, community, and making a meaningful impact. My advice to students is to stay curious, ask questions, learn alongside children, and build strong connections with families and colleagues. Small moments truly shape this work.
Q: Any advice for someone considering a career as an ECE in Nova Scotia?
Sam: If you love creativity, connection, and making a real impact, this field will fit you well.
The learning never stops, and you grow right alongside the children. And with ECEs in high demand across Nova Scotia, there are so many opportunities to build a rewarding, long-term career. I love living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Compared to other major Canadian cities, it is more affordable and a safe, welcoming place.
Start Your Own ECE Journey
Want to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives?
Explore the Early Childhood Education Diploma at OICC Halifax and discover where this exciting, in-demand field can take you.
Learn more about our 50-week in-person ECE program and our 55-week online/hybrid ECE program.
This blog was published by skothari.
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