Sheridan College partners with Halton, Peel Regions to boost child care workforce

A new Sheridan College program being introduced this fall will help create leaders in the Early Childhood Education field.

The college, with campuses based in Mississauga, Oakville and Brampton, is starting up a new Early Childhood Education Leadership micro-credential which students can enrol in beginning in September.

The partnership between Sheridan’s Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS) located at the Mississauga campus and the Regions of Peel and Halton will help create career and leadership pathways that ensure effective recruitment, retention and growth in the child care and early years sector.

Funded by the Province of Ontario, and the Government of Canada, the program is designed for professionals trained in Early Childhood Education who are currently employed in leadership positions or who are aspiring to be leaders in the field.

“Sheridan is thrilled to partner with the Regions of Halton and Peel on this innovative initiative which will enhance access to opportunities for the workforce in our campus communities and beyond,” said Allison Okopny, Manager for Curriculum Development and Excellence at Sheridan. “Supported by this important federal funding, Continuing and Professional Studies at Sheridan has the unique capability and skills to develop and deliver the micro-credential program, thanks to our team of experts with both academic and practical expertise.”

Both the Regions of Halton and Peel approached the local college to help develop a program to strengthen their communities’ child care and early years workforce.

The college and regions collaborated on the curriculum development on the program’s priorities and then tailored the program to address gaps in the ECE leadership community.

Efforts to address recruitment and retention of early childhood educators have been a priority for Halton and Peel for several years. The new micro-credential addresses a gap in learning opportunities for individuals to build essential skills in administration, human resources and leadership which are needed for those in supervisory and/or director roles.

“We are proud to work with world-class institutions like Sheridan to strengthen and develop the early years and child care sector in Halton,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Our partnership is not only enhancing opportunities for learning and job growth for professionals, but is another way to increase access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive child care as the Region continues to grow.”

Those interested in enrolling can learn more here.

Grants may be available through the Ontario ECE Grant Program.