Early Years Continuing Education Program
Highlights
This program is designed for you if you are working in a regulated child care or Pre-primary program, or a family home child care agency. It offers financial support to help you attain an Early Childhood Education (ECE) credential while continuing to work part-time. This means you can enhance your skills and qualifications without having to leave your job.
What You Get
- Up to $1,000 per year if working part-time (70-120 hours per month)
- Up to $5,000 per year if working full-time (more than 120 hours per month)
Benefits
- Reimbursement for your education costs, making it easier to afford further training.
- Improved qualifications can lead to better job opportunities and career advancement.
- Commitment to work in a Nova Scotia regulated child care program ensures job stability.
This program is easier to qualify for than many others, as it is specifically tailored to those already working in the field. By applying, you can invest in your future while continuing to make a difference in the lives of children and families.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Reimbursement
Repayment Terms:
- No repayment required. This is a reimbursement program, meaning you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses after they are incurred and approved.
Eligible Expenses:
- Tuition fees for courses leading to Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 classification.
- Courses in Early Childhood Education diploma programs at approved NS post-secondary institutions.
- Undergraduate degree in Child & Youth Study at Mount St. Vincent University.
- Early Childhood Administrator Continuing Education Certificate Course at Mount St. Vincent University.
- Early Childhood Leadership Training Program at NSCC.
- Leadership en petite enfance at Université Sainte-Anne.
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used exclusively for the eligible expenses listed above.
Restrictions on Use of Funds:
- Funds cannot be used for non-educational expenses such as travel, accommodation, or personal expenses.
- Funds cannot be used for courses or programs not listed as eligible.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with applying for or receiving this reimbursement.
Qualifications
- Must be studying part-time.
- Must be currently working with children or families in a regulated child care or Pre-primary program, or a family home agency or program.
- Must be staff working directly with children as an early childhood educator, a director or assistant director, inclusion staff, family home child care agency consultant, or family home child care provider.
- Must be taking courses towards obtaining a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 classification or leadership training in one of the following programs:
- Early childhood education diploma at an approved NS post-secondary institution.
- Undergraduate degree in Child & Youth Study at Mount St. Vincent University.
- Early Childhood Administrator Continuing Education Certificate Course at Mount St. Vincent University.
- Early Childhood Leadership Training Program at NSCC.
- Leadership en petite enfance at Universite Sainte-Anne.
Must submit the Continuing Education Application for the Reimbursement form within 60 days of the completion of the course(s).
Disqualifications:
- Not working in a regulated child care or Pre-primary program, or a family home agency or program.
- Not working directly with children in the specified roles.
- Not taking courses towards the specified classifications or programs.
- Failure to submit the application form within the required timeframe.
Description
This program offers financial support to help your business recruit and retain staff in regulated child care centers, Pre-primary programs, and family home child care agencies. If you or your staff are working part-time or full-time in these settings, you can get reimbursed for continuing education courses.
You can get up to $1,000 per year if you work part-time (70-120 hours per month). If you work full-time (more than 120 hours per month), you can get up to $5,000 per year. This money can be used to pay for courses that lead to an Early Childhood Education (ECE) credential or leadership training.
To receive this funding, you need to commit to working in a Nova Scotia regulated child care program for a certain number of hours—750 hours for part-time funding and 1,500 hours for full-time funding. This makes it easier for you to improve your skills while continuing to work, benefiting both you and your business.
Program Steps
Read the Terms and Conditions: Before starting your application, read the full Continuing Education Program Terms and Conditions. This will provide you with detailed information about the program requirements and eligibility.
Gather Required Documentation: Prepare the necessary documents for your application. You will need:
- Proof of enrollment in an approved part-time Early Childhood Education program.
- Employment verification from your current regulated child care or Pre-primary program.
- Course completion certificates or transcripts.
- Accumulated Hours Reporting Form.
- Continuing Education Application for Reimbursement form.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Continuing Education Application for Reimbursement form. Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
Submit Your Application: Submit the completed application form and all required documentation within 60 days of completing your course(s). You can submit by:
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail:
ECE Continuing Education Program
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Early Childhood Development and Pre-primary Branch
PO Box 578
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2S9
Await Confirmation: After submitting your application, wait for confirmation from the program administrators. They may contact you if additional information is needed.
Commit to Work Requirements: If approved, you will need to commit to working in a Nova Scotia regulated child care program for the required hours based on the reimbursement amount (750 or 1500 hours).
Receive Reimbursement: Once your commitment is verified, you will receive the reimbursement for your course expenses as per the program guidelines.
