It would be something of an understatement to say Amy Laughren and Ashley Minifie have much in common when it comes to their careers.
They both have educational backgrounds in Early Childhood Education. They both worked in childcare facilities – Amy in Ontario and then Alberta, where she was Program Director of a facility before going on maternity leave and moving to Victoria; and Ashley as owner and operator of her own In-Home Multi-Age childcare facility, also in Victoria.
Each became interested in Licensing Officer roles when considering their next career goals. After learning about the Advanced Specialty Certificate in Community Care Licensing program at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC), they both enrolled.
They met after signing up for their first online course with JIBC, when they were paired together for an assignment. They ended up taking all the same courses and became fast friends.
Upon completion of JIBC’s Community Care Licensing program, the only program of its kind in Canada, they were both hired by Island Health as Child Care Licensing Officers within a month of each other.
I have a great job, doing something I'm really passionate about and taking this program was a huge factor in that
Community Care Licensing Officers (CCLO) are employed through provincial health authorities, providing regulatory oversight to support the health and safety of the most vulnerable members of our society – children, seniors and people with disabilities – in licensed facilities such as child care, youth residential care, adult residential group care and long-term care facilities in BC. CCLOs conduct inspections, complete investigations, and provide education and support to licensees of such facilities.
For Ashley and Amy, while their child care work experience provided a useful foundation, it was the JIBC program that gave them the skills and knowledge to become CCLOs. Both appreciated the flexible nature of the online program, which allowed Amy to do her school work in between caring for her young children while Ashley could continue to work at her own pace while, at the time, still running her child care facility.
“I think the entire program was useful and memorable,” said Ashley. “I really enjoyed having a wealth of education and experience in the program – whether it’s new people looking to get into the licensing field or experienced licensing officers (both child care and residential) they can all bring their experiences and expertise during our assignments and discussions.”
Both say the JIBC program went a long way in preparing them for the CCLO role and to have the confidence to apply for such positions.
“I have a great job, doing something I’m really passionate about and taking this program was a huge factor in that,” said Amy. “Because I had never worked in child care in BC, taking the course allowed me to become familiar with BC legislation, the health authorities and understanding of what it is to be a regulatory practitioner.”
The two agree that they use their JIBC training every day at their jobs, citing in particular the courses on how to conduct inspections and investigations.
“My experience with JIBC was excellent,” said Amy. “This program was made by Licensing Officers for Licensing Officers. Three of the instructors I had throughout the program are now my co-workers and I continue to learn from them every day.”
Ashley said she would also highly recommend the JIBC CCLO program.
“Not only was I able to get hired as a licensing officer, but I was also able to complete the program during my employment,” she said. “I can honestly say that I love my job and it was a great career decision. It has helped open my eyes to the vulnerable population and be a resource in the community that people can come to for answers.”
For more information visit JIBC’s Advanced Specialty Certificate in Community Care Licensing page.