On June 13, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, announced further commitments for child care services through a partnership on early childhood education with the Republic of Korea.
Through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Education, the South Korean Ministry of Education and the College of the North Atlantic, eligible Korean students are able to participate in an early childhood education work placement program in Newfoundland and Labrador. The program is managed by the department and College of the North Atlantic.
The first group of 14 students have arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador and have started their work placements in child care centres in the St. John's area. The Department of Education is coordinating with work placement sites to ensure continued programming and supports for students during their time in the province.
The Memorandum of Understanding is the result of working relationships established during a visit in fall 2023 by Minister Howell and representatives from the early learning sector to support mutually beneficial educational opportunities. Delegates from the Republic of Korea recently visited Newfoundland and Labrador to tour early learning and child care centres and to learn more about the province.
Quotes
"I am excited about this partnership with the Republic of Korea and I am pleased to welcome the first cohort of students to our province. This agreement is another tool that helps address our need for early childhood educators so that we can provide access to affordable child care and early learning spaces for families. We know parents and guardians are eager to have more spaces available as quickly as possible. The work placement program demonstrates our commitment to working with other international jurisdictions to find solutions to help families here at home."
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education
"I extend a warm welcome to the first group of early childhood education students from the Republic of Korea. Together, it is my hope that while working to address labour demand challenges in the care of children, we are able to share and learn from each other's cultures, continue to enrich our communities and build on this growing relationship, while once again showing Newfoundland and Labrador as a welcoming place to live, work and raise a family."
Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
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