Conestoga College brings ECE, other programs to Stratford campus

The expansion of programming available at Conestoga College’s Stratford campus will address the shortfall of registered early childhood educators (RECE) by 2026.

Conestoga College will offer several more programs at its Stratford campus, including the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program starting in the fall of 2025. Carolyn Finlayson, chair of child and education development studies at Conestoga College, said there is a cohort of ECE students working for the City of Stratford. The partnership revealed the demand for ECE’s in Ontario also applies to Stratford.

Currently, the Province of Ontario is expecting a shortfall of 8,500 ECEs by 2026. The City of Stratford needs about 40-50 RECEs annually to offer full-time support, and the estimate doubles when all of Perth County is considered. The expansion targets of opening upwards of 800 more child-care centres in Perth County within the next five years means about 150 RECEs in the coming years will be required.

The ECE program at the Stratford campus will be offered as a two-year diploma, apprenticeship and part-time through continuing education.

“Lots of flexible options for studying ECE,” said Finlayson, “And then pathways into ECE diploma through upgrading opportunities, we think, is going to be really great to support the labour-market needs in the early learning sector in the City of Stratford and adjacent communities."

Tanya Kell, dean of the School of Community Services, Access and Continuing Education at Conestoga, said affordable child care is essential for all families with parents working in all types of jobs.

“It enables people to participate in the workforce,” she said. “Therefore, it really supports all industries. Without essential childcare, that really impacts all of the economy in the province. So, it's really critical that we have more ECEs going in to fill those gaps."

In addition to the ECE program, Conestoga College will bring the following programs to the Stratford campus:

• Media Foundations

• Personal Support Worker (PSW)

• Office Administration – General

• Event Management

• Health Office Administration

• Payroll and Bookkeeping

• Academic Upgrading

• Business – Marketing

• Dual credit for high school students

The Stratford campus will be moving to a new building on Erie Street, which allows for the program expansion not previously possible due to lack of classroom space and adequate parking at 130 Youngs St. Kell said there were many requests over the years to expand the Stratford campus’ programming.

“This was an opportunity for us to now do what we've been asked for, for many, many years in this new space, which will allow us to bring new supportive services for our students and more classrooms to be able to support the community,” Kell said.

"Student support is really something that we take seriously."

More information about Conestoga College programs at all campuses can be found at continuing-education.conestogac.on.ca/program-courses.