Working in ECEC

Ruth Bancroft, Head Teacher
Langara Child Development Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia

Ruth Bancroft says the child care centre located on the Langara College campus is where she belongs. It’s a place known for its creativity and nurturing of children and families.

Ruth's day is varied. She spends most mornings in the toddler program. In the afternoon, it's time for administrative tasks, such as budgets, meetings with the College's early childhood education (ECE) department or dealing with ministry staff about contracts, licensing or funding requests. Ruth is responsible for staff hiring, orientation and performance appraisals. Another important part of her job is working with families who need the services of community organizations, support for children with disabilities or help with fee subsidies.

Ruth came to Langara in the late 1970s with a BA specializing in early childhood education. Most centre staff have at least an ECE community college certificate with an additional infant/toddler or special needs credential. A few have degrees in social work or psychology.

The staff work as a team and all have input into the centre’s program. Langara is unionized, so staff salaries and benefits are better than most in the sector. Turnover is low; morale, high.