Creating Pathways to Early Childhood Education

At Vancouver Community College’s downtown campus, a group of 18 immigrant and refugee women participate in the Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) training program.

This tuition-free initiative, offered as a special project by VCC’s Partnership Development Office (PDO), in collaboration with the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS), is much more than a career training program. It’s a vital part of a larger mission to empower newcomer women, help them overcome barriers to employment, and enable them to contribute meaningfully to their new communities. 

The ECEA program is designed to address the growing demand for qualified early childhood education assistants while simultaneously supporting women who face significant challenges in finding employment. For 12 weeks, participants engage in classroom learning, covering topics such as occupational language, skills for success, and early childhood education fundamentals. This is followed by a four-week work experience placement at a local childcare center, providing participants with hands-on experience. Throughout the program, students also receive individualized employment counselling which helps them navigate the job market and build confidence in their career paths.  

“PIRS is dedicated to empowering newcomer women and their young children. Partnering with VCC on the ECEA program is a key part of our efforts to help immigrant and refugee women overcome barriers to employment," says Mariam Bouchoutrouch, Executive Director of PIRS, speaking about the program’s alignment with PIRS’ broader goals. "This training not only prepares participants for in-demand jobs but also strengthens their confidence and sense of belonging in Canada.” 

Lily, one of the program’s graduates, shares her experience: "Since coming to Canada, my focus has been managing my household and raising my three children. With my four-year-old twin daughters starting childcare, I started to think about my own career path. Deciding where to start and taking that initial step toward creating a career was challenging. However, once I discovered the Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA) program, it provided me with a clearer sense of purpose and a new sense of self-worth." 

Lily’s experience is just one example of how the program equips women with the tools they need to succeed. "The ECEA program provided me with a solid foundation in childhood education," Lily says. "What stood out the most was its practical approach to curriculum design, which not only considered my individual needs but also effectively prepared me for real-world work environments. This approach helped me to transition into my future career." 

After completing the program, Lily was hired as a substitute teacher at the childcare center where she did her work experience. She is simultaneously taking further courses at VCC, which will allow her to pursue further studies of her choice at the college. Her journey is a good example of how the ECEA program not only opens doors to employment but also inspires participants to continue their education and strive for long-term goals. 

Instructor Gyda Chud highlights the broader significance of the program, “This program nurtures the confidence and potential in each of these incredible women. Seeing them blossom, follow their passions, and step into fulfilling careers is incredibly rewarding. But beyond that, it’s about building stronger, more inclusive communities. These women bring diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich the early childhood education field and the community as a whole.” 

The ECEA program is a crucial initiative that aligns with the broader missions of both VCC and PIRS. Michael Yue, Director of VCC’s Partnership Development Office says, “For VCC, this program represents a commitment to providing accessible education and opening up career pathways that meet the needs of all community members, particularly those who have faced significant barriers to employment. We are grateful to partner with PIRS on this important project.”

For PIRS, it’s a continuation of nearly five decades of work dedicated to empowering immigrant and refugee women and their children with a trauma-informed approach. Graduates of the program have shared that participating helped them form a strong community with the other women - one that extends beyond the classroom, offering peer support, friendship, and a sense of belonging. 

As demand for qualified early childhood educators continues to grow, programs like the ECEA are not just about filling jobs — they are about building a more inclusive, equitable society where everyone can thrive. By offering comprehensive training and real-world experience, the ECEA program ensures that immigrant and refugee women are not only prepared to meet this demand but are also supported in their journey toward building vibrant and fulfilling lives in Canada. 

To learn more about how your organization can partner with VCC, contact the Partnership Development Office at partnership@vcc.ca.  Funding for this project was provided by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.