UCN Announces Expanded Child Care Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2023
(The Pas/Thompson, MB) – The University College of the North is excited to announce the significant expansion of its childcare programs following approval from the Manitoba Department of Advanced Education and Training.
The expansion includes modifications to the following programs:
” Early Childhood Education Diploma program
” Early Learning and Child Care Post-Diploma Certificate program
” Early Childhood Education Workplace Diploma Program Distance
” Child Care Assistant 40-hour course
This expansion is funded through the Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CW-ELCC) Agreement, which is in place through 2025/26. Additional operating funding will be provided to support the growth of these programs.
UCN President Doug Lauvstad said, “We are thrilled to be part of this significant investment in UCN and the child-care sector. This expansion will provide greater access to training for northern and Indigenous communities in Manitoba, supporting student success and addressing labour market demands.”
Five public post-secondary institutions, including the University College of the North, will receive funding to expand training for child-care professionals. The University College of the North will receive $5.5 million over three years.
These initiatives support Manitoba’s commitment to expanding the early learning and child-care workforce over the next three years. Additionally, the ECE Tuition Reimbursement initiative will continue until 2026, providing eligible applicants with a reimbursement of up to $5,000 per academic year.
UCN ECE Program Coordinator and Instructor, Laura Ayres, added, “These program expansions will benefit our students and contribute to the growth and quality of the early learning and child-care sector in Manitoba. We are excited to see the positive impact this will have on our communities.”
The proposed program changes aim to offer greater access to training in northern and Indigenous communities in Manitoba, allowing students to study closer to home with face-to-face instruction. These modifications are expected to address labour market demand, support student success, offer flexibility in learning, and accelerate program completion timeframes. The goal is to contribute to the success of the Manitoba Child Care Expansion initiative.
University College of the North provides learning opportunities to northern communities while respecting diverse Indigenous and northern values.
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CONTACT: Monte Koshel
UCN Director of Marketing, Communications & Recruitment
communications@ucn.ca | 204.627.8244