Assiniboine College will offer an accelerated Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program in Brandon, MB starting on January 7, 2025.
Through the college's ECE Accelerated Mentorship program, students attend classes two days per week while gaining hands-on experience working at an early learning centre three days per week. This "earn while you learn" model allows students to develop their skills in real-world settings while pursuing their studies. Graduates will obtain their ECE diploma in just 18 months.
Classes for this program are located at the Victoria Ave. East campus, but students may be employed at any early learning centre or seek employment upon starting the program. Applications for the program are open, with spaces still available.
"This program is an excellent choice for anyone considering a career in early childhood education, regardless of their prior experience in the field," said Karen Hargreaves, Dean of the School of Health and Human Services at Assiniboine. "We're proud to offer this in Brandon, Winnipeg, and Morden in 2025, so that ECE educators living in those communities and regions have an opportunity to advance their career in early learning close to home."
This ECE program in Brandon was made possible as part of an $11.4 million investment from the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada to expand ECE training at Assiniboine.
Students interested in this program may qualify for financial supports, including a $5,000 tuition reimbursement available through the Province of Manitoba, meaning not only can students earn while they learn, their tuition may be covered as well.
Early learning centres hiring new employees to participate in the program may be eligible for the Province of Manitoba's staff replacement grant, making this an excellent opportunity for both students and employers.
"This increased investment in early childhood learning is an important step in increasing access to this training and encouraging new people to enter and stay working in this field. A career in ECE is not only fulfilling, but also an important piece of our social and economic fabric," said Hargreaves.
Interested applicants should visit assiniboine.net/ecementorship for more information, or to apply now and secure your seat visit apply.assiniboine.net.
