(NC) Arranging childcare is a task that requires time and research in order to ensure a safe and happy learning environment for your child. There are many questions to be answered like first and foremost: Who will be caring for and educating my child?

Increasingly, parents are seeking trained, accountable professionals when searching for child care. The College of Early Childhood Educators, Ontario’s self-regulatory body, offers a public register – available online at www.college-ece.ca/publicregister – which allows verification of the registration status of the more than 57,000 registered early childhood educators (RECEs) in the province.

RECEs are required by law to be present in most licensed child care settings. These skilled professionals are specifically trained during college or university studies to practise and care for children in numerous different educational and social settings. They are dedicated to the wellbeing and development of young children, and they are accountable to ethical and professional standards.

In Ontario, all practicing early childhood educators are required to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators. It is an organization that works in the interests of the public, children, and families. It sets registration requirements and ethical and professional standards, and ensures member compliance through a complaints and discipline process.

More information is available online at college-ece.ca. Parents can also visit the provincial government website at www.ontario.ca/childcare for more information about things to consider when looking for child care.