MAPLE CREEK, SK – Great Plains College is pleased to announce the launch of a one-time, part-time Early Childhood Education (ECE) Level 1 offering in Maple Creek, beginning November 2026. Applications will open for this program on September 15, 2026.
The post-secondary three-course, level 1 offering will run November 2026 through March 2027 and is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of early learning settings with children.
“We are pleased to see ECE level 1 programming return to Maple Creek campus to align with the expected surge in need for additional daycare staffing with the imminent opening of the Maple Creek Childcare Co-op,” said Keleah Ostrander, interim president and CEO at Great Plains College. “The part-time offering is aimed to provide learner flexibility in balancing employment or other personal commitments while equipping them with the training necessary to successfully acquire fulfilling employment close to home.”
The tuition-free offering will be delivered through local instruction out of Maple Creek campus. Training will give learners understanding of children’s varying physical, social, cognitive, creative and emotional development stages and teaches the importance of play as a vehicle for learning. The level 1 offering is in addition to the current level 2 cohort out of Maple Creek that will conclude their training with practicums taking place this academic year as well as level 3 students that are completing their training in Maple Creek with facilitated remote instruction from Swift Current.
“As a former Great Plains College staff member and student, I can speak to the high quality of training provided that allows students to successfully acquire the skills necessary to achieve local employment,” said Becky Newby, center director of Maple Creek Childcare co-op. “With our full operations set to open in the next few months we are thrilled to see this training being locally offered to help secure the staffing necessary.”
Anyone interested in applying to the Maple Creek Early Childhood Education program can contact Janet Milburn, student adviser, at @email or 306-662-3829.
To learn more about the Early Childhood Education program offerings at Great Plains College, please visit www.greatplainscollege.ca/programs-courses/college-trades-university/early-childhood-education
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For more information contact:
Kalena Greenley, Executive Coordinator
Phone: (306) 778-5463
Email: @email