Funding to help early childhood educators

MERRITT – A provincial government grant of $513,000 will help increase the number of early childhood educators in B.C.

The funding, announced today, will go to the Early Childhood Educators of B.C. to establish a bursary fund for students enrolling or enrolled in early childhood educational programs.

Priority will be given to Aboriginal students, students in early childhood education programs with an Aboriginal focus, and students working to achieve an infant/toddler education designation.

Students will be able to apply for up to $300 per course to a maximum of $1,500 per semester.

Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux made the announcement at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt, one of 34 post-secondary institutions in B.C. that offer early childhood education programs.

“The early years sector has expressed a need for qualified early childhood educators in B.C., and in particular, Aboriginal ECEs and ECEs working with children under the age of three,” said Cadieux.

“I encourage current ECE students – and future ones – to apply for this new bursary so they can enter a career that makes a real difference in children’s lives every day.”

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology dean John Chenoweth said the Aboriginal Early Childhood Educational program at NVIT uses Aboriginal cultures, traditions and values as part of the curriculum to prepare students to work in a variety of day-care settings.

“Students come away with an education that goes beyond classroom experiences including using natural environments, spirituality and language.”