Staff shortages are a problem for employers in all sectors of the economy and finding trained workers to teach and care for our youngest citizens is no exception. Early childhood education facilities across western Manitoba often struggle to employ a full slate of qualified staff. This also affects staffing in other areas of the economy as quality childcare is an important factor in attracting workers to rural communities.
Through partnership with the Rural Municipality of Wallace–Woodworth, Assiniboine Community College (ACC) will offer an Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program in Elkhorn this spring and this is the only location in southwest Manitoba that will be offering an in-person program.
Early childhood educators plan, organize, and implement programs for children from infancy to 12 years. They lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth and ensure their security and well-being. They work in a variety of early learning and childcare settings.
According to the college’s website, their ECE Accelerated Mentorship program gives students the opportunity to work at an early learning centre while they complete their studies, attending classes in the community two days per week. Graduates will obtain their diploma in ECE in 18 months.
“This program is a great option for those who are new to the field of early learning as well as current childcare assistants working in early learning centres. It’s a huge benefit to students that they can earn an income working in a centre while they work toward becoming a certified ECE,” said Karen Hargreaves, Dean of the School of Health and Human Services at ACC.
R.M. of Wallace-Woodworth Economic Development Officer Tiffany Cameron says, “This is a fantastic opportunity as there is funding available to help cover any upfront or travel related costs, as well as pay for being in school and tuition rebates. Qualified participants can get this training while they work with no out of pocket cost.”
Participants in the accelerated program will be in class two days per week as well as working in a childcare facility. Some of the classes are dual credits for the ECE program and high school, so applicants that have not completed Gr.12 may be able to get their training and their Gr.12 diploma at the same time.
Wallace-Woodworth Reeve Clayton Canart says that ACC will be adjusting the start date for this program to allow for more registrations from the region. Organizers plan to run two streams of the course so facilities that are employing the students won’t have all their workers out to class at the same time.
Interested applicants should visit assiniboine.net/ecementorship for more information.
