What is the primary legislation governing Early Childhood Education in Ontario?

The primary legislation governing Early Childhood Education in Ontario is the Child Care and Early Years Act. This Act was established to provide a framework for the operation of child care services and programs, ensuring that they are safe, accessible, and of high quality. It covers various aspects of early childhood education, including the licensing of child care providers, standards for care, and requirements for staff qualifications.

While the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007 focuses on the regulation of the profession of early childhood educators, it does not serve as the overarching legislation for early childhood education and care in the same way that the Child Care and Early Years Act does. The Ontario Education Act pertains primarily to the education system, dealing with elementary and secondary education and not specifically with early childhood education settings. The Children and Youth Act is more focused on issues related to child welfare and youth justice rather than the framework for early childhood education programs.

Understanding the distinctions between these various acts is important for recognizing the correct legislative context for early childhood education in Ontario.