For ECEs currently working in licensed child care or Pre-primary, that identify as African Nova Scotian or Black, to earn a diploma in a shortened timeframe.

• Tuition, books, and student fees funded by EECD.
• Work while studying; courses are online and happen outside of work hours.
• Practicums completed at workplace – no need to take time off to complete practicum.
• Post-secondary institutions assess your current knowledge and skills and give credit for your competencies. This rigorous process is called Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and allows ECEs to take fewer courses to obtain a diploma.

NSCC January 2025

What is the Advanced Practitioner Pilot (APP) Program?

• The APP program is currently being piloted (tested) by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in partnership with the Nova Scotia Community College.
• The program provides experienced ECEs the opportunity to enhance their skills in four specialty areas: Infant and Toddler Early Learning and Care, Preschool Age Learning and Care, Outdoor Play, and Pedagogical Leadership. 

Why is the program being piloted and will this impact my ability to enrol?

• The program is being piloted to understand the impacts that advanced training may have on service quality, ECE retention and leadership development. Once the first cohort completes their studies, the success of the pilot will be evaluated, and a decision will be made about whether the program will continue to be offered.
• If an additional program is being planned, enrolment information will be available on our website and proactively shared with the sector.

Who is eligible to participate?

The program was designed for experienced ECEs. To be eligible, you must:

• Hold a diploma or degree in early childhood education that meets EECD’s Level 2 or 3 classification requirements;
• Be currently employed in Nova Scotia’s early learning and child care or pre-primary sector;
• Possess a minimum of 5 years of work experience in a licensed child care or pre-primary program in Nova Scotia;
• Have worked at least 1,080 hours per year in the previous 5 years;
• Have received your employer’s support to participate, and
  • ECEs looking to specialize in Infant and Toddler, or Preschool specializations must have employer confirmation that they work regularly with those age groups.

What is the format of the pilot program?

• The program is a one-year, part-time program delivered entirely virtually by the Nova Scotia Community College. Learners must complete six courses, for a total of 45 credit hours. The courses will follow a modular format, allowing students to move through one course at a time. Each course is seven and a half weeks in duration. 
• The program begins with two foundational-level courses: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-racism in Early Learning Environments and Coaching, Mentoring and Building Communities of Practice in Early Learning Environments. 
• Learners then complete four specialty level courses in the areas of: Infant and Toddler Early Learning and Care, Preschool Age Learning and Care, Outdoor Play, and Pedagogical Leadership.

When is the pilot cohort expected to graduate?

• Approximately 100 individuals participating in the pilot program are expected to graduate this August.

If the pilot continues, will costs be covered by the Department?

• It is possible that a portion of program costs may be reimbursed by the Department upon successful completion of the program. However, anyone planning to participate should be prepared to fund themselves, with the possibility of partial reimbursement upon program completion.

Course and textbook reimbursements available to eligible child care staff pursuing part-time studies in a diploma or degree in early childhood education while working full- or part-time.

• Must apply for reimbursement within 60 days of completing course(s).
• Must be currently working with children in regulated child care, pre-primary program, or be a family home child care provider or agency staff.
• Must be studying part-time toward an early childhood education credential.
• Must read the terms and conditions for full eligibility criteria, including which programs and courses are eligible.
• Part-time diploma options available through Nova Scotia Community College’s eCampus and the Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education; part-time degree options available at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU).

For ECEs working in licensed child care or pre-primary to earn their high school and early childhood education diplomas. (Workplace practicum)

• Tuition, books, and student fees funded by EECD.
• Continue to work while studying – courses are online and outside of work hours.
• No need to take time off to complete practicum – you will be completing it in your current workplace.
• Post-secondary institutions will assess your current knowledge and skills and give credit for what you already know. This process is called Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and allows you to take fewer courses to obtain a diploma.

For individuals not working in licensed child care or pre-primary to earn their high school and early childhood education diplomas. (Regular practicum)

To promote and support a culture of continuous professional growth and lifelong learning, the Online Learning Network provides high quality e-learning courses aligned with department programs and priorities.