Hastings County is making a $150,000 investment into Loyalist College’s Early Childhood Education program.
The funding will establish the Hastings County ECE Scholarship at Loyalist and is part of one-time federal funding to address urgent shortages in Canada’s childcare and early years workforce.
Over the next two years, the College will distribute up to $3,000 in financial support to 50 qualifying students pursuing childcare careers in Hastings County.
Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick says the scholarships are critical in ensuring more students can access post-secondary education and find employment that will immediately benefit families in our community.
Many Hastings County childcare providers contend with significant waitlists and a pressing need for qualified early childhood educators.
“We are excited to partner with Loyalist College to recruit ECEs in Hastings County,” said Bob Mullin, Warden of Hastings County. “It is vital that we retain, recruit and value educators as they enrich the lives of children and prepare them for success in the future.”
