Early Years Educators

MNBC’s Ministry of Education and Ministy of Skills Training, Employment, and Post-Secondary (STEPS) have partnered with Capilano University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) to offer the Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma. It gives students the competencies and knowledge to work with children under five in licensed preschools and child care centres.

As an MNBC Citizen, you may be eligible to access funding for early childhood education and the wrap-around supports needed to succeed in your education. For more information or any questions, contact ecesupports@mnbc.ca.

The Early Childhood Education Practicum Supplement provides financial support to students required to leave paid positions to complete necessary practicum placements within their post-secondary Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs (basic and diploma). This supplement is available to MNBC Citizens currently enrolled in an ECE practicum program.

The compensation amount will be equal to lost wages for the duration of practicum. Contact ecesupports@mnbc.ca for more information.

Are you a Métis early childhood educator? To show our appreciation and to acknowledge the value of caring for our children, MNBC has created the Métis Early Childhood Educator Supplement. This is designed to support licensed Métis ECEs and ECE assistants who are working in licensed child care programs across the province with a financial supplement.

Contact ecesupports@mnbc.ca for an application.

In partnership with Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC), MNBC is pleased to offer Métis ECE educators and students ECEBC memberships, free of charge. ECEBC supports educating and advancing the rights and needs of early childhood educators, children, and families in British Columbia.

To qualify to have your ECEBC membership paid by MNBC, you must:

• Be a Citizen of Métis Nation British Columbia
• Reside in B.C.
• Include your ECE/ECEA license to practice
• Be in good standing with the ECE Registry
• For students – include proof of enrollment such as a school registration form or student card for attending an Early Childhood Education Program through an accredited post-secondary institution

To apply, please email ecesupports@mnbc.ca.

The Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Appreciation Awards recognize and honour ELCC professionals who play a significant role in providing care to children and incorporate Métis culture into their learning environments to create a culturally safe space for Métis children.

Eligibility

• Self-nominations are accepted.
• Nominations are open to Métis educators (Citizens or self-identifying) and educators working alongside Métis children.

Award winners will be recognized during May is Child Care Month through MNBC channels. All nominees will receive an appreciation gift from the Ministry of Education.

This professional development workshop helps early learning and child care professionals integrate Métis content into their programming. Suitable for educators of Grades Pre-K–3, the training is available as either a 6-hour in-person session or three 2-hour online sessions (please note that Part Three of the online series is delivered in person). This workshop offers valuable, practical opportunities to support Métis-specific teachings in early childhood education.

For more information, please contact ecesupports@mnbc.ca.

Aansaamb aen kiskayhtaamaahk (Learning Together) is Southern Michif, translated by Norman Fleury. 

The Mentorship Program connects new Métis teachers with experienced Métis mentors to provide guidance, encouragement, and culturally grounded professional support. It also empowers K–12 educators to integrate Métis culture, stories, language, and teachings into their classrooms, fostering pride and belonging for teachers and students.

The Community of Practice (COP) creates opportunities for Métis K–12 teachers to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge and resources. It also builds confidence to integrate Métis culture, stories, language, and teachings into classroom practice. Meetings are held at the end of each month, with a break over the summer.

For more information, please contact ecesupports@mnbc.ca.