The Manitoba government is rolling out a new $5,000 Recruit‑Back Incentive aimed at bringing trained Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) back into the province’s licensed non‑profit child‑care system. The program targets ECE II and ECE III–classified workers who have been out of the sector for at least two consecutive years and are prepared to return to full‑time employment beginning June 1, 2025. Funding is provided through the Canada‑Manitoba Canada‑Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
The incentive is designed to help non‑profit centres and licensed home‑based programs address ongoing staffing shortages by encouraging experienced educators to re‑enter the workforce. Eligible applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and commit to working full‑time—defined as at least 30 hours per week—for two consecutive years in an approved facility. Employment will be verified by the employer as part of the application process.
Funding is distributed in two installments: the first after three months of full‑time employment, and the second one year later. Applicants do not need to reapply for the second payment, though they must notify the province of any employment changes, including leaves or moves to a different licensed non‑profit centre or home.
Prospective applicants must submit their Recruit‑Back Incentive application by January 1, 2027. Those still seeking work can use the Manitoba Child Care Search tool to find openings in licensed non‑profit centres and homes across the province.
For application requirements and other pertinent info click here.
