NDP MLAs say more ECEs will be trained to provide childcare in Victoria

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VICTORIA – New Democrat MLAs Grace Lore, Lana Popham, and Rob Fleming say that families in Victoria will benefit as more people are trained to become early childhood educators.

“COVID-19 has reminded us of the critical role child care professionals play in creating healthy communities, supporting families, and building a robust economy, said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “These new ECE seats will make it easier for people to begin a meaningful career and create more opportunities for parents to enter the workforce with the peace of mind that their kids are being well cared for.”

The New Democrat government is investing $1.26 million to add 108 early childhood education seats at public post-secondary institutions across the province, including 16 seats at Camosun College in Victoria. Early childhood educators play a vital role in shaping learning experiences of kids from birth to age five, giving them the best possible start in life.

The majority of the seats will be in work-integrated learning programs, which offers childcare workers the opportunity to become certified while employed in the sector. There will also be seats in a traditional in-person or online program, followed by a field practicum in a childcare environment.

New Democrats are helping to train more people for high-demand jobs, while ensuring children and families have the quality care they need.

This investment is part of B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan, to help people, businesses and communities recover and come out of COVID-19 stronger and better prepared. B.C.’s total provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic exceeds $8.25 billion.

Quotes:

Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South:

“The pandemic has highlighted how the economy and our health care system depend on access to child care. We are investing in these new seats in order to train up more educators, so families are better supported now and into the future.”

Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake:

“Child care providers have been on the frontlines of this pandemic and I want to thank them and all essential workers for their professional dedication and exemplary service to keep our communities safe. Our government recognizes the urgency of educating more people to gain the skills they need to enter this incredibly important in-demand field and that’s why we are funding these seats.”

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/23629