To address a lack of early childhood educators in Grand County, Grand Beginnings and the Fraser River Valley Lions Club are offering a scholarship to help cover the costs of the qualifications.
Beginning in 2020, two people will be chosen to receive support for the completion of Early Childhood Education classes at the community college level. They will also be eligible for retention bonuses at the end of their second and third years working in a licensed early care and education program in Grand County. Ultimately, the scholarship will provide up to $7,100 over three years.
The opportunity is available to both high school seniors and professionals already working in the field. Applications will be available in January at West Grand or Middle Park High School counseling offices, licensed early care and education programs in Grand County and Grand Beginnings.
“Grand County has a critical shortage of qualified professionals for the early childhood workforce,” said Maegan Lokteff, executive director of Grand Beginnings. “These scholarships and the support of the Fraser River Valley Lion’s Club go a long way to recognize the hard working professionals who provide early care and education and support new professionals just entering the field.”