CNC's early childhood education program to be expanded

Room for a dozen more students will be added to the College of New Caledonia's early childhood education program starting in September.

The addition is being made possible through a $109,000 contribution from the provincial government, Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training said Thursday.

"When we give students the skills they need to enter a rewarding career in early childhood education, we are helping to nurture the future of our province," said Advanced Education, Skills and Training Minister Melanie Mark in a statement.

"The expansion of the program in Prince George at the College of New Caledonia gives students access to a career with better employment prospects, children a strong start, and families peace of mind that their children are being cared for by qualified care providers."

Based on the 2017 Labour Market Outlook, B.C. will need 9,100 additional early childhood educators by 2027.

"As a college, CNC has the ability to respond to labour market and training needs with relevant educational programming," said CNC president Henry Reiser. "We're thrilled for the investment in early childhood education at CNC. It's an investment in our students, the children they care for and the communities we serve."

The funding is part of $7.4 million over three years the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training has committed to fund an additional 620 early childhood educator graduates at public post-secondary institutions throughout B.C.