Bruce County is proud to collaborate with Georgian College and Fanshawe College to support the recruitment and retention of a high-quality early years workforce.
"A child's early experiences lay the foundation for lifelong learning, and the cornerstone of this foundation is their relationship with educators," says Tina Metcalfe, director of Human Services at Bruce County. "Through Early Childhood Education programs, students can make a meaningful and lasting impact for children in our community."
Georgian College in Owen Sound offers a full-time, in-person Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program. Plus, a bursary is available to eligible, local students.
Bruce County subsidizes a bursary supporting students pursuing a career as Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) through Georgian College. This initiative helps meet the growing demand for childcare services across our communities by making education more accessible to future ECEs.
Eligible students may receive up to $2,000 per academic year, with the potential for renewal provided students remain in good academic standing. To be eligible, students must demonstrate financial need, be in good academic standing and have a home address in Bruce County at the time of selection. Interested students can apply for this bursary.
"Georgian College is proud to offer pathways that help early childhood educators earn the credentials they need to become skilled, knowledgeable and capable professionals," says Deb Bumstead, program coordinator at Georgian College. "Thanks to our partnership with Bruce County, aspiring early childhood educators in the region have access to meaningful support as they pursue their careers in the early learning sector."
Fanshawe College offers an Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program from a satellite campus situated in Port Elgin. In addition, financial support is available for local students.
The Fanshawe College program is a satellite site of the Clinton campus and follows a hybrid format, allowing students to attend classes either in person or online. Courses are scheduled during evenings and weekends, making it possible for students to work during the week while pursuing their studies. Additionally, students with relevant diplomas, degrees or professional experience may qualify for an expedited pathway.
Bruce County subsidizes tuition support to eligible students, covering up to half of tuition costs for Fanshawe's ECE diploma program offered in Port Elgin.
"Fanshawe is excited about the opportunities this partnership brings to Bruce County, as part of our commitment to unlocking the potential of our students and the communities we serve," says Heather MacKenzie-Card, acting associate dean of Fanshawe's School of Access Studies and Regional Delivery. "We are proud to be contributing to addressing a vital need in the community."
"Working together with community partners to attract students to early childhood education is an integral goal in our child care and early years service system plan," adds Metcalfe. "Increasing enrollment in early childhood education programs will help address the local need for qualified early years educators, ultimately benefiting our communities by ensuring access to high-quality childcare."
Apply Now
Applications are now open for the ECE diploma programs at Georgian College and Fanshawe College, both beginning in September 2025.
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