The Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF) is the largest national, non-profit, charitable organization in Canada dedicated to early learning and child care (ELCC). Founded in 1983 and registered with charitable status (Business Registration Number: 106844335RR0001), CCCF unites a diverse membership of early childhood educators, practitioners, academics, parents, and policy makers from coast to coast. The federation aggregates 20 provincial and territorial affiliates representing approximately 9,000 members, forming a vibrant community committed to high-quality child care and early learning across Canada.

Mission and Activities

The Canadian Child Care Federation aims to enhance the quality of child care and early learning by supporting practitioners through dissemination of applied research, best practices, and promising approaches. CCCF places significant emphasis on social-emotional development, child-centred and play-based learning, collaborative relationships with families, and workforce support as essential components of quality child care.

Key activities include developing national standards and guidelines, such as the Occupational Standards for Child Care Practitioners and the National Statement on Quality Child Care. The organization also publishes Interaction, a professional magazine first issued in 1987, providing resources and insights for early childhood educators.

CCCF advocates for evidence-based policies and programs, serving as a leadership voice on issues affecting the early learning and child care sector. The organization is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and strives to reflect the diversity of Canada’s ELCC workforce in all its initiatives.

Funding and Partnerships

Historically, CCCF has been funded primarily through project and program grants from the federal government, including significant support through the Child Care Initiatives Fund launched in 1988. Over time, the organization has also secured funding from private sources, especially after shifts in governmental child care policies that decentralized responsibility to provinces and private sectors.

CCCF collaborates closely with its affiliates to promote early childhood education nationwide and harnesses a strong network of professionals dedicated to improving the well-being and development of children in Canada.

Impact

With over 11,000 members nationwide, CCCF is recognized as a trusted and leading force in shaping early childhood education and child care practices in Canada. Its work supports the professional growth of educators, promotes high standards of practice, and fosters a community where every voice counts in creating enriching learning environments for children.

The Canadian Child Care Federation continues to play a pivotal role in advocacy, research, and practitioner support, contributing significantly to the advancement of early learning and child care quality in Canada.