Call for Proposals: Developing Professional Learning to Improve the ECE Experience for Indigenous Children and Families

Status: closed

Introduction

The Canada- British Columbia Early Learning and Child Care Agreement – 2021 to 2025 includes an investment to support the development of professional learning opportunities for early childhood professionals.

The role of BCcampus in this initiative, which is led by the Ministry of Education and Child Care, is to deliver a call for proposals process, including the evaluation of proposals and dispersal of funds to the successful proponents.

The need for high-quality, accessible, in-person and online professional development offerings for early childhood professionals remains high. There is also a need to continue improving the quality and accessibility of priority topics identified by the Ministry and the early-years sector, which include

  • Indigenous cultural competencies
  • Childcare in B.C.
  • Early childhood educator practice in B.C.

The focus of this call for proposals is to improve the experience of Indigenous children and families through training that will help early childhood professionals develop an understanding of social and historical contexts, the impacts of colonization, and the importance of critical self reflection.

Purpose

To provide early childhood professionals with learning opportunities that expand their knowledge, skills, and abilities in providing culturally safe care.

Scope

This is a general call to invite proposals to design, develop, and implement, new learning that fulfills the purpose of this call and meets the standards and criteria detailed below.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

BCcampus is committed to inclusion. From the workplace to our learning spaces, we value diversity and are actively working to decolonize our organization and the ways in which we collaborate with others. We believe that a more diverse team will help us better support the individuals and communities we work with. Please find the BCcampus definitions of equity, diversity, and inclusion on our website.

BCcampus is committed to anti-racism as a practice. We resolve to remove barriers to education and services for Indigenous and racialized people and communities and to do all we can to ensure that no one is further marginalized, nor have this experience exacerbated, through working with us. Read our anti-racism statement.

Deliverables

Deliverables will vary based on the proposed delivery method. For a full description of what is required for each delivery mode, please see the Deliverables document [Word Doc].

Proposed Timeline

Timeline for submission:

  1. Submit proposal by February 5 2023.
  2. Grant will be awarded on February 13, 2023.

Time line for work related to this call for proposals:

  1. Draft due by May 26, 2023.
  2. Submit finished product by June 16, 2023.

Payment

We are offering two $50,000 service contracts for two separate projects. The total amount of each service contract does not include GST. Payment will be tied to deliverables based on the service contract: 50 percent on signing, 30 percent at the mid-point, and 20 percent on completion.

Application

Please submit your proposal using this application [Word Doc] and email to rmckerlich@bccampus.ca. Any questions about this call for proposals can be addressed to the same. Please describe other sources of provincial funding for course development and describe how you would use this funding differently.

You can also submit your proposal by video or by audio (with supporting materials). Creativity is welcomed. Every proposal, regardless of format, will be evaluated using the same criteria.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria will guide the evaluation and selection of the successful proposal.

Need

  • The proposal meets an identified professional learning need for early childhood educators in B.C.
  • The description and details of the professional learning need are clear.
  • Clear explanation of how this funding avoids duplication and/or complements other funding. 

Quality

  • Roles and relevant experience of principal and team members who will work on the project are clearly described.
  • Project steps and milestones are clearly articulated and reasonable for effort noted.
  • Proposed delivery method minimizes barriers to learning for early childhood educators in B.C.
  • Proposal clearly states an understanding of the target learner, deliverables, and intention of the project.
  • If relevant, content includes Early Learning Framework
  • Content demonstrates inclusion, accessibility, and diversity.
  • Universal Design for Learning principles are evident in the design.
  • If online, the content meets interoperability and accessibility standards.

Budget (Template Provided)

  • The budget is reasonable with regard to the work proposed.
  • The budget is easy to understand and clearly outlines the most significant line items required, along with a reasonable timeline for expenses.
  • The budget clearly shows when the project work and related expenses will occur.
  • Budget Template for CFPs [Excel Spreadsheet]