More supports offered to recruit early childhood educators

The Government of Canada is investing $49.2-million to help increase access to post-secondary early childhood education programs.

The funds are through the Canada-British Columbia Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

$25.5 million will go towards bursaries for ECE students over the next three to four years, while $11.6 million will be used to recruit new students.

“Early childhood educators are the workforce behind the workforce, and the heart of child care,” said Katrina Chen, B.C.’s Minister of State for Child Care in a release.

“Child care gives parents – especially mothers – the choice to pursue work, education and other opportunities to support their families. By supporting child care professionals, we’re building an economy that works for more families and helping to build a stronger B.C. for everyone.”

High school students looking to get into ECE will be able to take part in a dual credit program so they can get accreditation earlier. $1.15 million will go towards this.

“The early childhood education dual credit program will give B.C. students a head start in their post-secondary early childhood education studies, while also helping to develop our province’s future workforce in this sector,” said Jennifer Whiteside, B.C.’s Minister of Education, in the release.

“Students who complete a dual-credit course are more likely to graduate on time and more likely to transition to post-secondary education after high school, leading to further career opportunities in the future.”

The province expects more than 10,000 job openings for certified ECEs in the next decade.

Josiah Spyker
Josiah Spyker
Josiah is an integral part of our East Kootenay team. Since joining Vista Radio in 2021, he has combined his love of community and sport in his reporting for the news team, while also stepping in as an on-air announcer.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

B.C. adds 5k jobs in June, led by gains in part-time work

British Columbia added 5,000 jobs in June but saw a dip in full-time employment, according to the latest jobs report from Statistics Canada. 

B.C. adds 5k jobs in June, led by gains in part-time work

British Columbia added 5,000 jobs in June but saw a dip in full-time employment, according to the latest jobs report from Statistics Canada. 

B.C. maintains decision to end drug coverage for girl with rare, fatal disease

B.C. is standing by the decision not to continue drug coverage for a Vancouver Island girl with a rare, fatal disease. 

Measles cases reported in B.C. this year top 100

B.C.’s health officials have said 102 cases of measles have been reported across B.C. so far this year, with most of those in the Northern Health region.

Puck drop date set for KIJHL season

The puck will drop on the 2025-26 KIJHL regular season on Friday, September 19, when the league’s 21 teams each embark on a 44-game schedule.
- Advertisement -