NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Minister Howell Announces New Recruitment and Retention Grant for Early Childhood Educators

To encourage more early childhood educators to enter or re-enter the profession in Newfoundland and Labrador, and to recognize the important work of early childhood educators already working in child care, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, announced on September 19 the Early Childhood Educator Recruitment and Retention Grant.

The Early Childhood Educator Recruitment and Retention Grant will provide funding to recruit and retain Level I to IV early childhood educators to become certified and work in regulated child care services. This grant replaces the former Early Childhood Educator Graduate Bursary Program, which will end on June 30, 2024.

Effective September 1, 2023, early childhood educators who meet the eligibility criteria under the grant program will be eligible to receive $2,500 upon initial child care services certification. Further grants of $2,500 up to a total of $7,500 will be awarded following each three-year renewal of Level I to IV child care services certification. The grant includes a commitment for recipients to work in regulated child care services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Access to quality education from a young age, including high quality and affordable early learning and child care, is a key social determinant of health, and is a contributing factor to the well-being of children and families in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government will continue work to grow capacity in the early learning and child care sector in the province.

The Association of Early Childhood Educators in Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Department of Education, will be responsible for assessing and processing all early childhood educator bursaries and grants.

Anyone who wishes to apply for available grants can apply to the association at ecebursary@aecenl.ca  or 709-726-3044.

Quotes

"This grant program addresses some of the feedback received from professionals in the child care field on what is needed to attract and retain early childhood educators to the industry. This is a great time for those considering a career in early learning and child care to take the next step and enroll in a program. I encourage those who may have left the field to take this opportunity and return to what is a truly rewarding career path."

Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

"Recruitment, retention and reattraction of qualified early childhood educators must be prioritized in order to expand quality early learning and child care across Newfoundland and Labrador. The new Recruitment and Retention Grant is another step in recognizing the valuable work of early childhood educators. AECENL looks forward to seeing the development of future workforce strategies and the ongoing commitment from the Department of Education as the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement progresses."

Skye Taylor
Executive Director, Association of Early Childhood Educators in Newfoundland and Labrador

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