Waterloo Region Offering $5K Bursary to Students in Conestoga College ECE Apprenticeship Program | Globalnews.ca

Students enrolled in Conestoga College’s Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship Program hit a mini-jackpot on Thursday.

Waterloo Region announced that it will award a $5,000 bursary to students enrolled in the program at the college’s Doon campus in Kitchener.

Barb Cardo, Children’s Director, said, “We want to help students become[registered early childhood educators]by removing existing barriers and encouraging anyone working in a licensed setting to enroll in the program, Where they can continue to work and earn a living.” services, said,

“The early years and child care practitioners play an integral role in a child’s learning. This investment will help support those seeking a career in this rewarding profession that is important to the children and families in our community.”

The $125,000 that the region has allocated for this program is coming from $4 million in federal government funds to help address staff shortages in early childhood education centers.

Conestoga’s program lasts three years and offers those working in child care settings without formal education the opportunity to address this on a part-time basis.