A dual credit arrangement between the Coast Mountains School District and Coast Mountain College which began with a focus on the skilled trades now includes early childhood education.
Secondary school students in Hazelton, Terrace and Kitimat can now take two courses providing credit toward their high school graduation and first year college credits leading to post-secondary early childhood education certification.
The goal is to provide students with the opportunity to learn a career that fits with regional workforce needs, said school district work experience and careers coordinator teacher Kim Hoekstra.
"Students who secure placements in local daycares — either paid or volunteer — can earn Work Experience 12 credit, further supporting their high school graduation and career readiness. These placements give students a chance to apply what they’re learning in class while building professional connections in the field," she said.
"Students complete foundational courses such as Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE 104) Health, Safety and Nutrition and are now finishing their final class, ECCE 167: Guiding Young Children."
They also receive childcare CPR and first aid certification with the school district paying for the first aid course and tuition.
Four students from Caledonia Secondary in Terrace, two from Parkside Secondary in Terrace, one from Hazelton Secondary and eight from Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary School in Kitimat are taking part.
Several students have already been hired at Kitimat and Terrace daycares, said Hoekstra.
“It’s also been incredible to see the support from local daycares, Head Start programs, and early learning facilities. They’ve opened their doors to mentorship and work experience opportunities, helping bridge the gap between theory and hands-on learning," she said.
