New funding for education benefits the newest generation

Early Childhood Education gets program support from B.C. government

by Marie Milner — May 28, 2018

Melanie Mark, minister of advanced education, skills and training, listens to children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Program at College of the Rockies on May 25, 2018.

On May 25, 2018, Melanie Mark, minister of advanced education, skills and training, heard from youngsters who benefit from the Early Childhood Education Program at College of the Rockies. — Marie Milner photo

The College of the Rockies can now double the number of students it can accept into its Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, thanks to new funding from the government of British Columbia in the amount of $130,000.

B.C.’s Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training visited the college on May 18, 2018, to announce the program funding.

“Improving childcare and making life easier for families and caregivers throughout B.C. is a priority of our government,” Melanie Mark said. “(We) cannot build a universal childcare system without a quality, well-supported workforce. Increasing the number of early childhood educators will ensure our kids can access quality early childhood education programs. These seats are going to ensure that we have a thriving next generation.”

“We truly appreciate this funding,” said Heather Hepworth, vice-president, academics. “Early childhood educators are vital contributors in this developmental stage. Their work helps to develop social skills and attention spans to better prepare children for grade school, and can even instill in them a passion for lifelong learning.

“This important groundwork not only creates long-term benefits for children, it also leads to improved societal and economic outcomes.”

Linda Porter, early childhood educator, had this to add: “Over the years I have definitely seen the need for more trained early childhood educators and support workers, and this is evident from the long wait lists for daycare spaces throughout the region. I think it’s great that the college will be able to train even more individuals in this rewarding field.”

“In the next three years, almost 3,000 (ECE) spots are going to need to be filled in British Columbia,” Mark said. “We’re just getting started.”