How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 5000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Early Years Continuing Education Program?

Early Years Continuing Education Program is funded by Government of Nova Scotia, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (NS)

What are Early Years Continuing Education Program's eligibility criterias?

Applicants must be studying part-time and currently working in a regulated child care or Pre-primary program, or a family home agency or program. Applicants must be taking courses towards a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 classification or leadership training in specified early childhood education programs. The Continuing Education Application for Reimbursement form must be submitted within 60 days of course completion.

Early Years Continuing Education Program

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Financial support for continuing education for childcare providers

Early Years Continuing Education Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $5,000

Timeline

Open Date : June 1, 2016

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Educational services
Health care and social assistance

Grant Providers

Government of Nova Scotia
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (NS)

Program status

Open

Overview of the Early Years Continuing Education Program program

Access a reimbursement available to child care and Pre-primary staff, and family home child care providers working in regulated child care centres, approved family home child care, or the Preprimary program who wish to pursue education in the field of ear

Financing terms and conditions

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.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant focuses on enhancing the skills and qualifications of individuals working in registered childcare environments by providing financial support for continuing education. The eligible activities are centered around obtaining various levels of certification or completing specific leadership training programs.

Pursuing an Early Childhood Education diploma at an approved Nova Scotia post-secondary institution.
Enrolling in an undergraduate degree program in Child & Youth Study at Mount St. Vincent University.
Completing the Early Childhood Administrator Continuing Education Certificate Course at Mount St. Vincent University.
Participating in the Early Childhood Leadership Training Program at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).
Undertaking Leadership en petite enfance training at Université Sainte-Anne.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 5,000

Developing a resource-sharing network for child care providers

$ 5,000

Providing specialized training for family home child care providers to enhance service quality

$ 5,000

Providing continuous professional development for Pre-primary educators focused on inclusive practices

$ 5,000

Implementing a training program to improve early childhood educators' skills

$ 5,000

Facilitating a specialized early childhood education course for new daycare staff

$ 5,000

Offering advanced training to child care staff to improve educational services

Eligibility criteria of the Early Years Continuing Education Program program

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 applicants for the Continuing Education Program funding must be individuals studying part-time who are also currently employed in a regulated child care or Pre-primary program, or a family home agency or program. Specifically, eligible employees include early childhood educators, directors or assistant directors, inclusion staff, family home child care agency consultants, and family home child care providers.

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.

How to apply to the Early Years Continuing Education Program program

Preparation of Documentation

Review the Continuing Education Program Terms and Conditions for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the program.
Gather relevant documents to support your application, such as enrollment confirmation and completed courses.

Complete Application Form

Fill out the Continuing Education Application for Reimbursement form accurately.
Prepare the Accumulated Hours Reporting Form if required.

Submission of Application

Submit the completed application form and required documentation via email to eceTraining@novascotia.ca.
Alternatively, mail the documents to:
ECE Continuing Education Program,
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development,
Early Childhood Development and Pre-primary Branch,
PO Box 578,
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2S9.