Early childhood education is a rewarding career and the work is in high demand. That was the marketing tool for Vancouver Island University (VIU) as it reached out to the Powell River community last fall for expressions of interest in the training.
Response motivated VIU to offer the program at its Powell River campus starting September. Provincial funding is available for the program which recently dropped its requirement that participants have already acquired grade 12 English.
“Many people who are extremely well suited to provide care to our young children don’t have this requirement,” explained Alison Taplay, disability studies coordinator for VIU Powell River campus. “To make the program work for these applicants, VIU has agreed to allow students to begin the Early Childhood Education and Care Program in September and take English 12 at the same time.”
English is available through VIU as an adult basic education program. It is a literature-based writing course in which students get a combination of teaching, support and ongoing feedback to help improve their academic writing skills. “Class times provide lots of opportunities to get help with assignments, and learn how to document sources,” she said. “We ensure our students receive the individualized support they need, we are committed to our learners.”
With so many young families relocating to the community, early childhood educators are needed for preschools and daycares. “That’s why VIU, Powell River will help applicants achieve their English 12 while getting their training underway this fall,” said Taplay.
To find out more about the Early Childhood Education and Care Program, interested readers can call 604.485.2878 or drop in to the campus on Nootka Street.
