ChildCareBC Bulletin

Edition 114, March 13, 2026

Archived editions

Removing barriers for qualified, internationally certified early childhood educators

The Province continues to remove barriers for qualified, internationally certified early childhood educators from more than 30 countries, so that they can continue their careers in B.C. and start working sooner.

If you are certified as an early childhood educator in another country, you might be able to apply for a Five Year Early Childhood Educator certificate in British Columbia using your work experience from outside Canada.

Internationally trained early childhood educator applicants with recognized certification and work experience can now apply for certification through My ECE Registry, without needing additional Canadian work experience. Please check the ECE International Applicant web page for more information.

Please note that these changes do not affect early childhood educator applicants trained in B.C. or other provinces. Learn more about international credential recognition on the Office for International Credential Recognition website and in the Credential Recognition: Your Path to Professional Licensure guide.

---

Reminder: Early Childhood Educators of BC bursary applications close March 13, 2026

The Early Childhood Educators of BC (ECEBC) is accepting applications to the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Student Bursary and the ECE Workforce Development Bursary until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Bursaries are available to students enrolled in a program of study for early childhood education through recognized early childhood education institutions and programs. Funding is distributed upon proof of course completion with a passing grade, through the submission of a transcript following the end of the semester. Please note only Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply and receive bursaries.

Transcripts showing completed courses must be uploaded to your online account by 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2026. Please note that ECEBC does not accept transcripts sent by third parties (school or college), or by fax, post, email or in-person.

Please contact the bursary team at bursary@ecebc.ca or call 604-709-6063 ext. 1 if you have any questions or require assistance.

For further information on the ECE Education Support Fund and to apply, please visit the ECEBC website.

---

Reminder: Child Care Operating Funding 2026-2027 renewal open

As of January 7, 2026, child care providers can renew their Child Care Operating Funding agreements and opt into the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative and Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement programs for the 2026-2027 funding year.

Over 3,000 child care facilities are already approved to participate in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative for 2026-2027. Child Care Operating Funding agreements were sent out last month and providers are encouraged to review their agreements carefully so they can confirm their participation by providing full approval of the terms.

As in previous years, providers joining the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative must start with fees that reflect typical rates in their region. Providers already participating may increase approved fees by up to 3% of the regional median fee.

As announced in Budget 2026, the Province is not enrolling new providers into the $10-a-day program at this time. Providers who applied in the most recent intake must renew their Child Care Operating Funding agreements to avoid any interruptions in funding.

Please note an important policy shift in the fee reduction program: As of April 1, 2026, participating providers may only charge optional fees for extended hours after offering a minimum of 9.5 hours of care during regular operating hours.

For more information, please see the fee reduction funding guidelines or the wage enhancement funding guidelines. Important timelines and additional information is available on the Apply for or renew Child Care Operating Funding web page. If you have questions or need support, call 1-888-338-6622 (press 2), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

---