Early Years Continuing Education Program ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Licensed childcare centres (non-profit and for-profit) - Family home day care agencies - Organizations operating within regulated early childhood education sector - Facilities with active licenses from provincial/territorial regulatory bodies - Agencies must demonstrate current operational status and compliance with licensing requirements ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Type: Non-repayable contribution - Funding Structure: Direct grants to eligible organizations - Amount: Varies by program stream and provincial allocation (specific amounts determined by provincial/territorial administrators) - Matching Requirements: Program-specific; some streams may require cost-sharing or in-kind contributions - Repayability: Grant funds are non-repayable, provided compliance conditions are maintained ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Professional development and training courses for childcare staff - Continuing education tuition fees and program costs - Certification and credential-upgrading programs - Staff attendance at workshops and seminars related to early childhood education - Educational materials and resources supporting staff competency development - Mentorship and coaching programs for childcare workers - Wages/salaries during approved training attendance (where permitted) - Accreditation or professional designation pursuit ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Recipient organizations must maintain active childcare licensing throughout funding period - Staff benefiting from funding must remain employed with the organization for specified retention period (typically 12-24 months post-training) - Funds must be spent within designated fiscal year or program timeline - Detailed reporting on training outcomes, staff retention rates, and program impact required - Receipts and documentation of educational expenses must be retained - Preference may be given to training in areas of critical need (e.g., special needs support, infant care) - Compliance audits and financial reconciliation mandatory at program end - Organizations must demonstrate linkage between training and improved staff retention metrics