From teaching in the Philippines to coordinating YMCA childcare here in Dawson Creek and Pouce Coupe, Kristy Ann Barbaran’s career has always been about education and childcare.
Kristy moved to Dawson Creek in 2022. When asked why she chose the Early Childhood Education and Care program, she explained.
“I chose the Early Childhood Education and Care diploma since I have a teaching background back in the Philippines. I also have some relatives in Canada, so I decided to continue my teaching journey here in Canada and so far, so good!”
She was also able to continue her previous career specialization during her education at Northern Lights College.
“I have also a teaching background in the Philippines for special needs education, that’s why I chose to pursue that specialization, and maybe later pursue a masters for special education as well. I’m looking into some programs but I think I’m not yet ready for now,” she said.
Part of the reason she’s not ready is because she is busy working full time. Luckily that wasn’t a barrier for her while she was going to school at NLC.
Kristy was able to participate in the Early Childhood Education Work Integrated Learning (ECE-WIL) program during her studies. The ECE-WIL program allows students to earn 15 of their 20 credits while working a minimum of 20 hours per week in an early learning facility. The time spent working at the early learning centre or daycare counts towards practicum hours, and any other classes or lectures are offered online in the evenings.
I would always recommend taking the Early childhood Education and Care diploma at NLC because of the knowledge and experiences I had that I think would be very beneficial to other students too.
When asked what her plans for the next few years are, Kristy was excited to share some of the upcoming projects the YMCA is working on.
“We’re still growing the program, and there are plans for YMCA to expand in other schools as well. Hopefully I can help them establish the programs that they are planning to open… I think I’m just seeing myself in the YMCA for now!”
When asked if she had plans to move anytime soon, Kristy was clear that she plans to stay in Dawson Creek for a while.
“I’m not really a big city person and I like the community. I like the relationships in early childhood [education] – we have a good community here. The school district is in support of the different programs in early learning, so yeah, I’m not thinking about going anywhere.”
To learn more about Kristy, read on:
Why did you choose your program?
I chose the ECEC program because it is related to my degree in the Philippines and my work experience.
What was the best part of your program?
The best part is when we started doing our practicum where we really experienced being in different childcare spaces around town.
What three words describe your NLC experience?
Amazing, refreshing, life–changing
If you could go back to your first week of classes and give yourself advice, what would it be?
Be confident and willing to learn.
What would you tell another student if they were thinking of coming to NLC? Or your program?
I would always recommend taking the Early Childhood Education and Care diploma at NLC because of the knowledge and experiences I had that I think would be very beneficial to other students too.
Want to find out more about the ECE-WIL program? Join us on October 16 for our Early Learning and Childcare Expo and NLC Open House!