Conestoga is helping prepare the next generation of early childhood educators through a new mentorship project designed to support students, strengthen professional development opportunities and address workforce challenges in the childcare sector.
The college’s Department of Child Development and Education Studies has received funding from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada’s Innovation Hub (iHUB) to launch From Placement to Profession: A Mentorship Model Transforming ECE Workforce Pathways.
The project, running from September to December 2026, is supported in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative.
With more than 15,000 children on child care waitlists across Waterloo Region, the initiative aims to help address the ongoing demand for qualified early childhood educators (ECEs) by creating meaningful learning and professional development opportunities for both students and practicing educators.
The project brings together two groups of learners: full-time Early Childhood Education students completing their required field placements and practicing ECEs enrolled in part-time mentorship modules.
Through the mentorship model, students gain hands-on experience and guidance as they prepare to enter the profession, while experienced educators develop their mentorship and leadership skills.
The initiative also provides opportunities for participating child care organizations to play an active role in preparing future educators. By working directly with students and supporting their professional development, organizations can strengthen recruitment pathways, build relationships with prospective employees and support workforce retention.
The collaborative approach recognizes child care organizations as partners in education, helping create supportive learning environments that benefit students, educators and employers.
By connecting classroom learning with practical workplace experience, the project aims to support a more sustainable early childhood education workforce and contribute to improved access to child care services for families across Waterloo Region.
The initiative is supported through CEWIL Canada's Innovation Hub, which funds innovative work-integrated learning opportunities that help post-secondary students develop skills and prepare for their careers.
Conestoga's Early Childhood Education program prepares students to work with children and families through a combination of classroom learning and practical field experiences. Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to support children's learning, development and well-being in a variety of early learning environments.