Logo
Local Diploma Programs and Financial Assistance Aim to Attract Future Early Childhood Educators
Bruce County is proud to provide bursary funding through the Ministry of Education’s 2026 Innovation Funding to Georgian College and Fanshawe College to support the recruitment and retention of a high-quality early year’s workforce. Bruce County has subsidized a bursary supporting students pursuing a career as Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) through both colleges. This initiative helps meet the growing demand for child care services across our communities by making education more accessible to future ECEs.
Eligible students may receive up to $2,000 per academic year, with the potential for renewal provided students remain in good academic standing. To be eligible, students must demonstrate financial need, be in good academic standing and have a home address in Bruce County at the time of selection. Interested students should apply directly with Georgian College or Fanshawe College.
“Early Childhood Educators play an essential role in supporting children’s learning, development, and well-being, while helping families access the reliable child care they need,” says Ian Hanney, Director of Human Services at Bruce County. “This investment helps reduce financial barriers for local students and encourages more people to pursue a meaningful career that directly benefits children and communities across Bruce County.”
“Georgian College is committed to helping build a community of skilled, reflective, and responsive Early Childhood Educators who meet the diverse needs of children and families. High-quality early childhood education plays a vital role in supporting children’s development, fostering strong foundations for lifelong learning, and strengthening families and communities,” said Anne-Marie Hardie, Early Childhood Education Lead, Georgian College. “The strong partnership and support our students receive from Bruce County not only reduces financial barriers to education but also helps foster a thriving community of dedicated Early Childhood Educators and supports a sustainable local workforce.”
“Fanshawe is grateful to the County of Bruce for its partnership and support of our Early Childhood Education students; this investment will help transform students’ potential into community impact,” says Mary Harrison, Dean of Fanshawe’s Faculty of Access, Arts, Language and Regional Campuses. “Demand for Registered Early Childhood Educators continues to grow both in Bruce County and across Ontario, and Fanshawe is proud to help prepare the RECEs who will support children, families and communities for years to come.”
“Bruce County is proud to work alongside Georgian College, Fanshawe College, and community partners to support the next generation of Early Childhood Educators,” adds Hanney. “These partnerships are helping reduce barriers for students, address the local need for qualified educators, and strengthen access to high-quality child care for families across our communities.”
Apply Now
Applications are now open for the ECE diploma programs at Georgian College and Fanshawe College, both beginning in September 2026.
More Information