Home »
ECE spaces funds announced for COTR
People in every part of the province have more opportunities to train for a career as an early childhood educator (ECE) at post-secondary institutions opening this fall, including College of the Rockies.
“We’re opening hundreds of new training spaces for early childhood educators, so that more families will be able to find child care in their communities,” stated Premier John Horgan today (Sept. 5). “Quality, affordable child care provides the best possible start for kids, peace of mind for parents, a rewarding career for practitioners and a stronger economy for everyone.”
Twelve public post-secondary institutions will add a total of 314 student spaces in early childhood education programs, ranging from part-time certificates to full-time diplomas. About two-thirds of the new student spaces are designated for institutions serving rural and remote communities.
College of the Rockies is to get $140,338 for 40 additional ECE student spaces and Castlegar’s Selkirk College $210,000 for 24 additional ECE student spaces.
This is the second phase of the province’s three-year, $7.4-million investment in early childhood education. As set out in the Childcare BC plan, up to 620 more ECE students will graduate between 2018 and 2021.
“Better access to early childhood education training brings tremendous opportunities for students who are passionate about the vital importance of learning during the first few years of a child’s life,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “A strong workforce of early childhood educators gives B.C. families the peace of mind that their children are in good hands, and it gives parents, particularly women, the ability to return to work if they choose.”
Childcare BC improves access, affordability and quality by creating more than 22,000 new licensed child care spaces, while meeting the demand for early childhood educators and other child care professionals through training and development, wage enhancement and recruitment in the sector.
“Our organization, over 1,000 voices strong, welcomes the expansion of learning opportunities in early childhood education. It’s a profession where you can engage in innovative ways with children and their families to realize a world of potential,” stated Violet Jessen, chair, Early Childhood Educators of B.C.
e-KNOW