Early Years Continuing Education Program

The Early Years Continuing Education Program provides reimbursement-based financial support for eligible staff undertaking part-time studies relevant to early childhood education while employed in regulated settings. The funding is contingent upon the applicant's employment status and workload commitment.

• Reimbursement amounting up to $1,000 per year is available for part-time employees (working 70-120 hours per month).
• Reimbursement amounting up to $5,000 per year is available for full-time employees (working more than 120 hours per month).
• Recipients of this funding must commit to working in a regulated Nova Scotia child care program for 750 or 1500 hours, depending on the reimbursement amount and timing.
• Funding is disbursed following the submission and approval of the Continuing Education Application for Reimbursement form within 60 days post-course completion.

To be eligible for the Continuing Education Program funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be studying part-time and currently working with children or families in a regulated child care or Pre-primary program, or a family home agency or program.
• Work directly with children as an early childhood educator, a director or assistant director, inclusion staff, family home child care agency consultant, or family home child care provider.
• Be taking courses towards obtaining a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 classification or leadership training in specific approved programs.
• Submit the Continuing Education Application for the Reimbursement form within 60 days of the completion of the course(s).

Who is eligible?

Eligible expenses

The Continuing Education Program offers financial support to child care staff by reimbursing educational courses that enhance their qualifications and skills within the early childhood education sector. These activities are focused on helping individuals achieve various levels of certification and leadership capabilities.

• Studying part-time towards a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 classification in early childhood education at an approved Nova Scotia post-secondary institution.
• Pursuing an undergraduate degree in Child & Youth Study at Mount St. Vincent University.
• Enrolling in the Early Childhood Administrator Continuing Education Certificate Course at Mount St. Vincent University.
• Participating in the Early Childhood Leadership Training Program at NSCC.
• Undergoing the Leadership en petite enfance program at Université Sainte-Anne.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically for individuals working in regulated child care programs within Nova Scotia, as defined by the funding body. Eligibility is strictly limited to those contributing to early childhood education within this region.

• Applicants employed in Nova Scotia regulated child care programs.