Open
Source verified July 31, 2026
Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program
Wage support for ECE training in the Columbia Basin
Offered by
Latest source updateLast Update: July 31, 2026Latest change: The program guide and application form were revised, with updated funding rates, contact details, and application instructions now visible.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 31, 2026
Latest change: The program guide and application form were revised, with updated funding rates, contact details, and application instructions now visible.
ECE Training Wage Program revised
The 2024 program guide and application form now show updated funding terms and contact information for the ECE Training Wage Program. The hourly training wage is now $17.40/hour for ECE Assistants and $20/hour for ECEs, while the 16% MERCs rate remains visible and the support phone number now appears as 1.877.489.2687 ext. 3440 instead of 250-420-3233. The application instructions were also expanded on the online form, including login requirements, draft-saving guidance, one active draft per program, and a contribution agreement step for approved employers. The form and guide together now present a more detailed submission process and updated support contact details.
Funding available
$ 12,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
The Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program supports licensed non-profit and for-profit child care providers in the Columbia Basin Trust region with $17.85 per hour for ECEA training and $20.85 per hour for ECE training. It supports part-time credentials, instructional course hours, and MERCs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 12,000 $
- Up to 16% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 4 employees maximum
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Primary and Secondary Education
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Part-time ECE credential training for ECE Assistants.
- Part-time diploma or certificate upgrades for certified ECEs.
- Training support for staff working in licensed child care facilities.
Documents Needed
- Education plan
- Timeline
- Confirmation of enrollment into a recognized ECE program
- WorkSafeBC clearance letter
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Licensed non-profit child care providers.
- Licensed for-profit child care providers.
- Providers in the Columbia Basin Trust region.
- Facilities with Group Child Care, Multi-Aged Child Care, Preschools, Family Child Care, or In-Home Multi-Age Child Care designations.
Who is not eligible
- Facilities designated as Occasional Child Care.
- Facilities designated as Registered License-Not-Required Care.
- Facilities designated as License-Not-Required Care.
- Facilities designated as In-Child’s-Own-Home Care.
Eligible expenses
- Training wage support for in-class or online instructional course credit hours.
- Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs), including Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, WorkSafeBC and other mandatory benefits.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Practicum hours.
- Courses already started or completed before approval.
- Courses not successfully completed.
Eligible geographic areas
- Columbia Basin Trust region.
How to apply
- Read the Program Guide before beginning your application and contact the College of the Rockies if you have questions.
- If you want to work offline, download the Application Worksheet; it is optional and cannot be used as your application.
- Complete the online application at ourtrust.org/ece-training-wage-program/ by clicking Apply Now.
- You may save drafts and submit the form at any point.
- If you are submitting more than one application under this program for multiple ECEAs or ECEs, complete and submit one before starting another one.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed as they are received.
- The review process usually takes two to three weeks.
- Applicants are notified by email if approved.
- Approved employers sign a Contribution Agreement with the College of the Rockies.
- Additional information may be requested during review.
Additional information
- Applications are accepted on a first-received, first-served basis.
- Approved employers sign a Contribution Agreement with the College of the Rockies.
- Reporting is required under the agreement.
- Applications may require clarification during review.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program Program
What is the Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program?
The Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program supports licensed non-profit and for-profit child care providers in the Columbia Basin Trust region with $17.85 per hour for ECEA training and $20.85 per hour for ECE training. It supports part-time credentials, instructional course hours, and MERCs.
How much funding can be received?
Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program Funds up to 16% of admissible expenses, capped at $12,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program program?
To be eligible for the Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program program, you must:
Providers must be located in the Columbia Basin Trust region and be licensed child care facilities in good standing.
Employers must continue to employ the ECEA or ECE during training and commit to permanent employment after completion.
Employers must work with the employee to develop a mutually agreed upon education plan and timeline.
What expenses are eligible under Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program?
Part-time ECE credential training for ECE Assistants.
Part-time diploma or certificate upgrades for certified ECEs.
Training support for staff working in licensed child care facilities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program?
You can contact Columbia Basin Trust by email at ecetrainingwage@ourtrust.org or by phone at 250-420-3233.
Where is the Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program available?
The Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program is a Grant and Funding