Mature African-American early childhood educator

Programs & Services

YWCA Discover

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YWCA Discover is a free, full-time, 51-week PBLMT Training Program for self-identifying women, delivered by YWCA BC, Sprott Shaw College, and WorkBC. It will provide participants with the skills and competencies they need for a career as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE).

Participants Will

Develop a broad range of skills through the study and practice of certified courses in order to develop and lead daily age-appropriate activities for children aimed to help promote social, emotional, physical, cognitive and early literacy development
Learn to observe children and communicate professionally, when appropriate, children’s progress and/or needs with parents, other staff members and individuals involved with the child’s development
Upon graduation, be eligible to apply for an Early Childhood Education Basic certification from the Ministry of Education and Child Care
Be provided with a variety of practicum placements. This experience within a licensed child care setting enables the practicum supervisor to observe the student in a practice situation while providing the student with the opportunity to gain direct exposure to the chosen career field

This training is provided in partnership with Sprott Shaw College, which is a member of Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC).

Participants Must Be

19+ years of age as of February 16, 2026
Currently be on EI, or had an EI claim in the last five years, or earned more than $2,000 in insurable earnings and paid employee EI premiums on those earnings in at least five of the last 10 years, or be a British Columbia Employment and Assistance (BCEA) client
Be a current resident of Metro Vancouver with Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency (PR)
Be able and willing to complete a clear Criminal Record Check
Be able and willing to demonstrate English language proficiency

Further admissions criteria apply. Priority will be given to residents of Surrey who are immigrants, and/or survivors of violence, and/or facing multiple barriers to employment.

Participants may be eligible to receive up to $650 weekly in living supports.

Please note that all applicants must have a WorkBC Case Manager. If you are not yet registered with WorkBC, please click here to contact your nearest WorkBC Centre.

Training begins: February 16, 2026
Applications open: December 1, 2025
Applications close: January 2, 2026 at 4 PM

Location: Courses will be provided virtually by Sprott Shaw College. Practicums will be in-person at various locations in Metro Vancouver.

YWCA Discover

Contact: discover@ywcabc.org
Office Hours: Monday to Friday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm