The Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society is pleased to announce the first offering of its Entry to Early Childhood Education Program beginning January 2017.

This 255-hour program is a college and university preparatory program for individuals with a minimum of Grade 11. The coursework includes 180 hours of theory, 30 hours of direct observation, and 45 hours of supervised practice at the Little Badgers Program.

“Students have been able to take coursework in early childhood education and related fields of study online for years, but this is the first time this type of coursework has been offered in a face-to-face format in the Columbia Valley,” says Carrie Rickards, General Manager of the Little Badgers Program mentorship site, “The Little Badgers Program team is excited about sharing the love we have for our profession with other adults who want to work with young children and families.”

The program is founded on provincial child care sector occupational standards and ?Akisq’nuk First Nation values, beliefs, traditions, teachings, and ways of being,” stated Don Sam, Chairman of the Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society, “Students who register in our Entry to ECE program are supported by Elders, knowledge holders, language speakers, and other community mentors and guides.”

The Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society Entry to Early Childhood Education program starts January 9 and ends April 21, 2017. Throughout the 15-week term, students develop evidence-based portfolios that they can use to apply for prior learning assessment credit at post-secondary institutions that offer an accredited Early Childhood Education program. Students in this program also take a provincially accredited Health, Safety, and Nutrition course in a blended online/on-site model that makes it possible for them to apply for a Licence-to-Practice as an Early Childhood Educator Assistant.

The Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society has partnered with Katherine Bonell to co-develop and teach the Entry to ECE program. Katherine is a licensed Early Childhood Educator in British Columbia. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Youth Care and a Master’s degree in Human Development with a specialization in Human and Social Services. The Entry to Early Childhood Education program draws on her 25 years of teaching experience in post-secondary education environments and on her direct work with children, families, and community practitioners in early childhood settings.

For more information about the Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society Entry to Early Childhood Information and Registration Evening contact Carrie Rickards by phone at 250-342-6331 or by email at [email protected].

On Oct. 24 there is an Entry to Early Childhood Education Program information and registration evening from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eva Joseph Family Centre (pictured), 3046 Highway 93/95 Windermere.

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