Investing in Childcare Careers for Refugees

Ontario continues to face a major shortage of early childhood professionals, even as many qualified newcomers face barriers such as limited occupation-specific English, unfamiliarity with Canadian childcare standards, and a lack of Canadian experience.

Northpine Foundation has invested in The Learning Enrichment Foundation to help refugees in Ontario enter the early childhood education sector. The initiative combines childcare-specific language training with a recognized ECA program, supervised placements, First Aid and CPR, WHMIS, Food Handler certification, employment preparation, and wraparound supports.

Participants will gain practical experience in licensed childcare settings and connect with The Learning Enrichment Foundation’s network of centres and employer partners.

Northpine’s investment will also support the development of language-learning tools to make the pathway more flexible and accessible for future cohorts.