University College of the North in The Pas and Thompson offers Early Childhood Education courses throughout the year.

 

For anyone interested in working in a childcare facility, ECE coordinator Laura Ayers explains what an Early Childhood Educator does.

 

UCN offers three levels of training for those looking to enter the field.

 

The first is a 40-hour evening course that runs throughout the year and introduces the basics of working in child care.

 

The second option is the two-year full-time diploma program, which leads to the provincial ECE Level II designation. The next intake for that program will take place in The Pas and Thompson this September.

 

The third pathway is for those who already have one to two years of experience working in childcare. Students can apply for the Early Learning and Child Care Certificate, an 18-month program that leads to ECE Level III designation. That program runs semi-annually and will be offered again early next year.

 

UCN also offers a workplace training program, and a new version is starting in The Pas. Students will spend two days a week in class and three days working in a childcare centre, gaining experience while completing their studies.

 

More information about the Early Childhood Education programs and available support services can be found at UCN.ca.