Child Care and Early Years workforce funding strategy
The early years are an important time for children to develop the emotional, social and cognitive skills needed to become lifelong learners. Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) play a major role in designing and implementing environments to help kids reach their full potential.
ECEs are crucial to building healthy communities because they support all children and families by inspiring young minds through learning, love and laughter. ECEs foster a sense of community outside of the home, which builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Thank you to all early learning and child care professionals for creating access to meaningful environments for children and families in York Region. Your commitment to building the foundation of early learning and supporting healthy child development will enhance the future of our communities.
About Child Care and Early Years Workforce Funding
The Child Care and Early Years Workforce Funding strategy is a one-time federal investment in workforce funding. The strategy will be aligned with the following key objectives:
- Sustain existing workforce to ensure a stable and high-quality child care system
- Enhance access to opportunities that promote retention and recruitment, including professional development, training and qualification upgrade programs
- Grow the number of qualified staff in the workforce to increase access to care for families
- Attract and support the development of a diverse workforce to reflect the children and families accessing programs
Early Childhood Educator Bursary Program with Seneca College
Now is a great time to start or continue your Early Childhood Education post-secondary studies at Seneca College! Bursary opportunities are currently available in partnership with York Region, the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada under the new Canada–Ontario Early Childhood Workforce Agreement, which provides “one-time federal funding to support the retention and recruitment of a high-quality childcare and early years workforce.”
Please visit the Seneca College program links below for more information on the programs and funding available.
- Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma Full-Time Studies
- Early Childhood Education Accelerated (ECYA) Full-Time
- Early Childhood Education Accelerated (ECYAC) Part-Time Studies courses
- Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma Part-Time Studies
- Early Childhood Education - Resource Consulting Graduate Certificate (Continuing Education)
- Early Childhood Education Administration Graduate Certificate (Continuing Education)
For funding opportunities applicable to other colleges in Ontario, visit ecegrants.on.ca
Becoming an Early Childhood Educator
Please see the following resources and supports available to support you on your journey to becoming an Early Childhood Educator:
- College of Early Childhood Educators
- What to expect from a career as an Early Childhood Educator - Ontario Colleges
- Financial grants for early childhood education programs
Career Path to becoming an Early Childhood Educator
- Early Childhood Education FAQ video playlist
- How has your Early Childhood Education degree shaped your understanding of early learning?
- What are the most important traits students pursuing Early Childhood Education should possess?
- How can people interested in pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education enter the field?
- What challenges do new Early Childhood Education graduates face and how can they overcome them?
- Why is Early Childhood Education a great career path and opportunity for a newcomer to Canada?
- Why is gender diversity important in Early Childhood Education?
Related Resources
- Training and Supports for Early Learning and Child Care Professionals
- Home Child Care
- Merci à tous les éducateurs de la petite enfance
