Government emphasis on early childhood development creates jobs in ECE
Burnaby, BC - March 15, 2010 - In British Columbia, 29% of children are developmentally vulnerable when they arrive to kindergarten. These at risk kids may not be well rested or fed and may not have proper hygiene. They may also not be able to climb stairs, use the washroom by themselves or hold a pencil. They may not have even learned any letters of the alphabet.
The provincial government has developed a strategic plan to reduce vulnerability down to 15% by 2015 (the "15 by 15 goal"). Children who are well developed socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively at an early age will have more of a chance to graduate from high school, build a successful career and lead a fulfilling life. British Columbia is seeking to improve access to and quality of early childhood education (ECE), and other health and human services, in order to meet their goal of increasing the healthy development of young children.
The BC government has increased funding to provide voluntary full day kindergarten services to five year olds across the province. All day preschool should be made available to all eligible students across BC by September 2011. Another provincial initiative is StrongStart BC. It is a complimentary early learning program run by credentialed early childhood educators for parents/caregivers and their children. Kids participate in educational activities such as story time, music and art. Parents help lead activities and make healthy snacks, learning techniques to use at home to help with their child's development.
As a child's formative years are being increasingly acknowledged as indicative of future health and success, the role of an early childhood educator is of utmost importance. Early childhood educators are not just about babysitting anymore - they are fundamental pieces to the composition of social work.
With these recent developments, the opportunities for careers in the ECE field will continue to increase over the next several years. For more information on becoming an Early Childhood Educator, take a look at Vancouver Career College's ECE diploma program.