Grant resources for Canadian students pursuing Early Childhood Education careers
Are you considering a rewarding career as an Early Childhood Educator? You’d be playing an important role in the development of our children.
If you are a Canadian, you may qualify for grants or other resources to support your ECE educational and employment journey. This article will introduce you to these resources.
Qualities of an ECE teacher
An Early childhood educator position requires a formal education in the industry and a strong set of related soft skills. Qualities of a good ECE teacher include:
- Patient and kind
- Good problem-solving skills
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances
- Passion for teaching and childcare
- Creativity
- Good organizational skills
- High energy
Educational grants for ECE Students
At Capital College, we understand the importance of affordability in pursuing your educational goals. Our ECE courses, which vary in length depending on the program, are designed to be accessible. For instance, the 5-week ECE Assistant course costs $2,384 for Canadian residents and PRs, while our most comprehensive 80-week program is $21,894.
We also offer various scholarships and bursaries to further assist you in managing the costs of these programs.
The ECE Bursary is for Canadians and Permanent Residents. It provides funds to help you pay your ECE program tuition at a recognized post-secondary institution, such as Capital College. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $500 per course, up to eight courses, and $4,000 total. You’ll only receive the bursary if you complete (graduate) the courses.
You must submit your own application for the bursary; your school can not submit it on your behalf.
The following Capital College programs accept this bursary:
- ECE Basic
- ECE Infant and Toddler
- Montessori- ECE Combined
- Montessori Basic
- Montessori Infant and Toddler
If you are already in the ECC field and want to upskill, you may qualify for the ECE Workforce Bursary. This funding supports current ECEs, ECE Assistants, Responsible Adults (as defined in the Child Care Licensing Regulation) and StrongStart BC Facilitators. To apply, you must prove current, active employment within a licensed childcare facility (or a StrongStart program). The award can be up to $5,000 per semester. It can be applied to your tuition to assist with school travel or compensate for lost wages.
Other forms of student aid may be available for deserving students. Ask your admissions advisor about your options. You can often apply for other scholarships to apply to your tuition.
Other costs to consider
When budgeting for your ECE education, there are other expenses aside from tuition fees to consider:
- Books: You may be required to purchase books for your classes. Some may be available in digital formats. You can expect $100-500 on your reading material (depending on your course and length).
- Application Fees: Some schools may charge an extra fee to process your ECE student application. This is typically $100-250 (more for international students)
- Transportation: You may need money for a public transit pass to and from school and your practicums. Otherwise, you should budget for your car, gas, and parking.
- Course materials: Some classes may require the purchase of additional materials (such as notebooks and school supplies).
- Graduation fees: There is likely a small extra charge to cover the cost of graduation.
Are you an international student?
If you’re not a Canadian resident or permanent resident of Canada, you don’t qualify for the above bursary programs. However, you can help cover your tuition costs by working while attending school.
Your Canadian study permit needs to specify that you can work during your stay in Canada. Typically, you will be allowed to work off-campus if:
- You’re a full-time student (Part-time is allowed if you are in your last semester or were a full-time student prior to your last semester of study)
- Enrolled in an approved school
- Your program is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Your classes have already commenced.
- You have a Canadian Social Insurance Number.
Under this allowance, you can work up to 20 hours per week as long as you remain in school. You may be eligible for additional hours, mainly around school breaks. You may also be allowed to work for an employer outside of Canada while attending school in Canada if needed. These hours for out-of-country employment don’t count towards your 20 hours per week limit.
Eligible ECE programs at Capital College
Capital College hosts flexible learning opportunities to help you work in childcare, early learning schools, or Montessori classrooms. Here are five of our most popular programs:
ECE Programs: This comprehensive program can be completed in 52 weeks (for a Certificate) or 80 weeks (for a Diploma). It includes 480-923 academic hours and 434-669 practicum hours.
Montessori Programs: To be eligible to teach in Montessori settings, you need a certificate (38-week intensive program) or Diploma (52-week infant and toddler education program). These programs include 210-374 in-classroom hours and 540 practicum hours.
ECE-Montessori Combined Program: This 70-week program offers the most comprehensive education, teaching you everything you need to know to become an ECE or Montessori teacher. It includes 678 academic hours and 726 practicum hours. You’ll receive your ECE Certificate and Diploma in Montessori ECE upon graduation.
Ready to join us at Capital College?
Your rewarding career in childcare and early childhood education is around the corner. The career counsellors at Capital College are happy to discuss your financial situation to help you find funds to pay for your ECE education.
Start your application online today, or contact us if you have questions about paying for your ECE or Montessori education at Capital College.