“Government recognized that there was a shortage of qualified early childhood educators as a result of moving kindergarten into the school system and we worked with our partners to ensure that early childhood educators received the training they needed,” said Minister McIsaac. “Congratulations to all those who have upgraded their knowledge, skills and abilities and continue to provide excellent early learning and child care to our Island children.”

Last weekend, 64 early childhood educators earned their certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education at Holland College through an accelerated program and several more will complete requirements in the coming months.

In 2011 and 2012, eligible staff began their entry level certification at Holland College or Le Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. The blended training program provided non-certified staff in licensed early childhood centres with the opportunity to complete their Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education.

A portion of the students who took the entry level training went on to complete their one year certificate program in Early Childhood Care and Education. Along with the 64 students who graduated from Holland College on Saturday, an additional 11 students are expected to graduate from Le Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. in June.

“Through this program, our educators had the opportunity to upgrade their skills, and as a result, owners and operators of early childhood centres now have more access to trained educators,” said Minister McIsaac. “Island families also benefit from having highly knowledgeable and certified early childhood educators working with their children.”

The blended training program for early childhood educators was created in partnership with the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Canada, the Early Childhood Development Association of PEI, Holland College and Collège Acadie with funding through the Labour Market Development Agreement.