In response to a growing shortage of child care workers across the province, the Region of Waterloo is providing a new $5,000 bursary for students enrolled in Conestoga College’s Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship program at the Doon campus.
The funding is made possible through a one-time federal investment of $4 million for the Child Care and Early Years Workforce Funding, which supports innovative recruitment and retention strategies, says a press release.
The Province provides guidelines for service managers such as the Region of Waterloo on the distribution of the funds.
The Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship program is a three-year program designed to provide individuals without formal qualifications who are working in a child care setting with the opportunity to pursue formal education and training on a part-time basis. The training is a significant step toward becoming a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE).
“We want to help students to become RECEs by removing existing barriers and encourage anyone working in a licensed setting to enroll in the program where they can continue to work and earn a living," said Barb Cardow, the region's director of children’s services, in the release.
"Early Years and Child Care practitioners play an integral part in a child’s learning. This investment will help to support those seeking a career in this rewarding profession that is vital to the children and families in our community.”
The Region of Waterloo has allotted $125,000 of the overall funding to support the new bursary program with Conestoga College. This year, bursary recipients will include new students coming into year one, as well as returning students in years two and three.
“Supporting child care workers and their education is essential for the development of children and a strong child care system," said Regional Chair Karen Redman. "This bursary with Conestoga College is one of the ways that the Region of Waterloo can address the demand for talent and skilled workers in our community. The Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship program will provide students with the opportunity to develop and practice their skills, and provide high-quality care for our children.”
