Assiniboine to offer new ECE program

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This article was published 06/12/2024 (306 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Assiniboine College is aiming to support provincial efforts plug the gaps in demand for early childhood educators in Manitoba through its Early Childhood Education (ECE) qualification recognition program for foreign-trained individuals, which begins in January 2025.

The College’s Health and Human Services dean Karen Hargreaves told the Sun the program is designed for internationally trained professionals — providing them with English language skills and Canadian cultural training — to help enter the workforce as an ECE.

Tracy Schmidt, acting minister of education and early childhood learning, said the government understands the significant need for early childhood educators across Manitoba.

“We’re proud to support students pursuing such an important career path with tuition reimbursement, so they can focus on their studies and not worry about finances. Assiniboine’s new and enhanced programming will prepare Manitoba’s early childhood educators to provide the best learning environment possible for our children,” Schmidt said.

Elaborating on the specific components of the course in an email sent to the Sun, Hargreaves said, “At the beginning of the program, applicants will undergo a comprehensive assessment of their education, work experience, and language skills and have the opportunity to demonstrate hands-on skills within a licensed early learning and childcare setting.”

“Gaps will then be identified, and individual education plans will be developed for each applicant through a combination of transfer of credit, prior learning assessment and recognition. Graduates of this program are also eligible for classification as an ECE II.”

The English language skills component of the program would help applicants improve skills that make it easier to transition into the Manitoba workforce.

“There is also a mentorship component that supports the success of the students and graduates, with every student required to take a full two-month practicum at a licensed childcare centre, where they are partnered with an ECE II in the industry,” Hargreaves added.

Advanced Education and Training Minister Renee Cable said the provincial government is committed to providing Manitobans with equitable access to the best training and educational opportunities.

“We are grateful to have a strong partner in Assiniboine College, who is creating opportunities for future early childhood educators to pursue education close to home and is preparing them for careers that will help build our province’s economy,” Cable said.

Assiniboine College’s Early Learning and Education chair Matthew May said the demand for qualified early childhood educators is increasing.

“Our community is fortunate to have many foreign-trained professionals eager to contribute their expertise,” May said. “The Early Childhood Education Qualification Recognition Program was designed to help these individuals gain recognition for their credentials and integrate smoothly into the local industry.”

By promoting cultural understanding and bridging knowledge gaps, he added, the program “creates opportunities for newcomers to thrive” while addressing the growing need for skilled early childhood educators.

Recognizing the need for workers to continue serving the growing sector, early learning centres hiring new employees to participate in the program may also be eligible for the Province of Manitoba’s staff replacement grant, making this an excellent opportunity for both students and employers to enhance their learning.

In November, the college announced it will offer an accelerated Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program in Brandon starting on Jan. 7, 2025.

The accelerated mentorship program combines classroom learning with practical experience, offering students two days of classes per week and three days of hands-on work at an early learning centre.

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