Northern colleges collaborate on free pre-early childhood education program

Several northern colleges have come together to create free access to training for a pre-early childhood education (ECE) certificate program.

Officials say the 10-week program was created in response to “challenges in staff shortages and recruitment efforts across northern Ontario”. It will also be offered online, with no need for anyone to leave their communities. No prerequisites are required.

In addition to online learning, officials say those in the program will also complete a short field placement in a local child care centre.

“Partnerships with northern colleges are critical to the success of this program,” says Mark King, Board Chair, District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board. “There is a need for more early years and child care professionals across the district. This initiative makes it easy to explore a new career while allowing expansion of these essential services in areas where needed.”

Officials say once they are working within the sector, individuals will be encouraged and supported through their continued journey to becoming an ECE through the completion of an ECE apprenticeship or ECE diploma program.

Participating colleges include Cambrian College, College Boreal, Confederation College, Northern College, and Sault College.