As the demand for childcare grows, the provincial and federal governments are working with post-secondary institutions to support students pursuing careers as early childhood educators.
A $1.68-million investment has been made at Southeast College to offer ECE courses at no cost to domestic students. The funding will cover tuition, books, and materials for Levels I, II, and III. The program, running from September 2024 through spring 2026, aims to enhance the certification levels of early childhood education in the province, explained Sheena Onrait vice president of communications and strategic enrollment for Southeast College.
"The funding comes directly to Southeast College, so we apply for the funding as part of a project," explained Onrait."When the students then apply to us, everything is all looked after. They don't pay an application fee, and they don't pay books or tuition or anything like that."
The program will be available at the Estevan, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, and Cowessess First Nation campuses (full-time), as well as at the Weyburn, Indian Head, Moosomin, and Assiniboia campuses (part-time). However, Onrait noted that the Estevan courses are already at capacity for the upcoming semester. "Our program in Estevan is currently sitting full with a waitlist. That starts within the next couple of weeks here."
The initiative aligns with efforts to enhance childcare spaces and increase funding for early childhood learning centres across Saskatchewan.
Jody Holzmiller, interim president and CEO, expressed excitement about the funding approval. "The two-year funding agreement is greatly appreciated. Having a two-year agreement in place will allow students to enroll tuition-free while obtaining their diploma. This funding, in addition to the delivery model Southeast has implemented, which allows students to remain employed during their schooling, is a win-win situation for students and Early Learning Centres in the southeast region."
The funding will allow up to 211 students to receive training free of charge, with the goal of adding a significant number of ECE professionals to the province.
The federal and provincial governments have agreed to increase the number of regulated childcare spaces by 28,000 and provide $10-per-day regulated childcare spaces to families. The funding comes from Saskatchewan's Ministry of Education and aims to recruit and retain qualified early childcare employees to support programming in regulated childcare facilities.
"Anytime there are programs like the ECE grant or the Emergency Medical Services grant, it just benefits students going back to school or students going to school to start a career or continue to make career changes and enhancements," said Onrait.
She added that the college is pleased with enrollment numbers this year, with a number of them having waitlists.
"We have new programs this year that we've brought on board that have really great enrollments. New programs are sometimes a challenge because you've got to get the word out, but we're extremely pleased with the response."
Holzmiller emphasized the importance of the funding. "This significant investment not only strengthens our commitment to early education but also underscores our dedication to the families and labour force of the southeast region of Saskatchewan. It represents a crucial step towards enhancing the quality of early childhood education and ensuring that our communities have access to well-trained professionals."
Onrait also highlighted the importance of offering these programs in the community. Offering free training removes financial barriers and helps address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators.