Ukrainian Nursery School Director Lori Carpenter says there is a significant shortage of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) in Portage la Prairie. She’s uncertain why this is happening, but notes that daycare facilities have long waiting lists due to the lack of ECEs. She speculates on the potential causes.
“Maybe it’s because for a long time, we were underpaid and perhaps not respected in the community the way we could have been. It’s joyful work, but not easy, and I think that’s why there’s a shortage. People often look to university courses, thinking that’s where they need to go to build a career. However, I took the Red River College course a long time ago, and I still use what I learned there every day. The training is invaluable, and the work is rewarding.”
Carpenter explains that some centres in the province currently operate with provisional licenses due to a lack of trained Early Childhood Educators.
“I’m hoping we can spread the word that there’s training available locally. The high school offers an early years training course where students can take classes, complete practicums at childcare centres, and leave with a Child Care Assistant certification after a 40-hour course. They can start working at a daycare right away. Once they gain experience, they can apply to the workplace program at Red River College here in Portage. That program allows students to attend school two days a week while working at their centre three days a week.”
Carpenter says these students maintain their wages while they study and can apply for tuition funding. She notes the government is covering tuition for two years.
Carpenter also acknowledges that people with prior childcare experience might consider returning to the field.
“Anyone who used to work in the field but moved on to something else could reconsider. The pay has improved, and so have the working conditions. We have new and renovated spaces, and the pay scale is increasing. I think the government is doing good work to address the situation. Locally, we need to talk to people who enjoy working with preschool children and encourage them to consider it as a career, even if just for a short time.”
She explains that Red River College is recognized by the province, and tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 is available.
“You have to pay the tuition upfront, but you’re reimbursed at the end of the year if you successfully complete the program. That’s been helpful.”
Carpenter adds that after many years in the profession, she finds it more fulfilling and rewarding than any other job.
“It’s made me a better person. The connections we build in the community are heartwarming, and you feel like you’ve made a real difference—not just for the kids, but for the parents, too. We try to be a good support system for families. When you have a baby, you take prenatal classes and then they send you home with your child. You might get a few visits from a health nurse and some books, but child care can be an ongoing support for families, and I think that’s really important.”
Carpenter outlines the daycares in Portage la Prairie, including Wee World, which has three sites, West End Day Care with one site, Portage Daycare with four sites, and West Park School, which has just been approved for new spaces.
The only nursery school is the Ukrainian Nursery School, where Carpenter works.
“We’ve been waiting a long time for the government to figure out how to fix the staffing shortage, and I think they’re doing what they can,” Carpenter says. “I’m really hoping the community will get involved, encourage people to look into child care as a career, and maybe reach out to the centres. It could be as simple as visiting a daycare, talking to Carrie Rose at the high school about the training program, or contacting Guy Moffat to learn more about Red River College’s program. Parents who have children in these programs are also great resources, as they’ve experienced what a child care program entails firsthand.”
She adds that many people might be a perfect fit for ECE work without even realizing it. Carpenter lists some traits that may suggest someone would thrive in the field.
“Someone who enjoys the spontaneity of children, respects their right to make choices throughout the day, enjoys being part of a caring community, and wants to make a difference. For me, seeing the kids I’ve worked with over the years grow up and come into their own is extremely fulfilling. It makes me happy to meet them again later in life.”
Carpenter reflects on the joy she’s found in her 45-year career.
“Sometimes, I’ll have children of former students in my class, and they’ll tell me, ‘My mom said you told her this when she was little.’ That was a long time ago, but it’s something that needed to be said. When children are feeling obstinate, I believe that means they’ll grow up to be strong-willed individuals, and that’s a good thing. Sometimes parents just need to hear that their child’s behaviour is normal, and that’s part of who kids are. We need to appreciate their spontaneity and creativity because it lights up the day.”
Carpenter notes that the community of Portage la Prairie should take the ECE shortage seriously. She emphasizes the vital role early childhood care plays in any community.
“Whether you’re an employer, employee, or grandparent with small children in need of care, it affects so many people. When industries consider moving into a community, one of the first things they look at is the availability of childcare for prospective employees. Without it, staff won’t come to work here. Child care supports economic development, but it also supports families. We need to view it as an integral part of the community.”
*With files from Brittany Boschman