A Vancouver Island community that decided to tackle its childcare crunch with money is poised to see a real return its investment.
A rapid reduction in staffing forced the District of Tofino’s Community Children’s Centre to slash its hours in the summer of 2021, leading to afternoon closures and fewer available spots.
With efforts to attract new employees falling flat, the district took the unusual approach of offering to pay for a successful applicant’s $5,185 tuition at North Island College’s 10-month, Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate program as well as any housing costs associated with living in Port Alberni during the duration of that education.
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