This report examines the place of noncertified early childhood education graduates in the structure of Ontario education. After an introductory chapter, the second chapter reviews the literature related to questions of professional training, certification and competency, Included are a short examination of basic theoretical ideas on professional growth; a description of the growth of professional education and certification in Ontario; an examination of certification as it relates to competency; an examination of possible future options for certification; and a description of the growth of the Association for Early Childhood Education Ontario (AECEO). Views on the question of certification of junior kindergarten teachers were obtained through interviews and questionnaires from junior kindergarten noncertificated teachers, principals, certificated teachers who worked with noncertificated teachers, teachers from the general population, individuals associated with teacher federations and the AECEO, and members of the public who had children attending junior kindergartens. A modified pathway analysis of the questionnaire and interview data is reported in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 contains conclusions and recommendations. Appendices include an annotated bibliography, an outline of courses of study offered at teacher education colleges and community institutions, and AECEO guidelines for early childhood education courses. (SB)