Toronto, ON - October 21, 2024 As seen in the Globe and Mail.
The first five years of your child’s life are some of the most important. It’s during these years that they start to learn the social, emotional, and thinking skills that shape the rest of their lives. How they interact with others, express feelings and solve problems all begin to develop during this time. Behind this crucial development is the highly trained early childhood education workforce – professionals who create enriched environments where young children can grow and thrive.
Early childhood educators and assistants don’t just supervise – they deliver high-quality, evidence-based child care programs that help children get ready for school and future success. Through play and exploration, they nurture a child’s curiosity. They design activities based on each child’s needs and interests, and they know that every moment is an opportunity for learning. With their expertise in child development, health and safety, early childhood educators are at the heart of providing quality child care across Canada.
The work of these professionals goes beyond helping children – it also strengthens families and communities. Accessible, high-quality child care allows parents, especially mothers, to return to work or school, knowing their children are in good hands. As communities continue to grow the Canada-wide early learning and child care system, our educators are helping more families to flourish.
A thriving early childhood education workforce is critical to high-quality and inclusive child care, positive family outcomes, resilient communities and a strong economy. Recognition of their vital role is long overdue. This is a specialized profession that requires skills, care and dedication. They deserve better pay, increased supports and public recognition, today and every day.
At the YMCA, the largest not-for-profit provider of early learning and child care in Canada, we deeply value our more than 10,200 educators working in our early-years and before- and after-school programs. These dedicated professionals, the majority of whom are women, are deeply committed to providing high-quality experiences to over 60,700 children and supporting thousands of families every year.
That’s why we continue to advocate to increase their pay and ensure access to benefits, pensions and growth opportunities. Our recent report with the Centre for the Study of Living Standards underscores the crucial role of early childhood educators and illustrates the significant benefits of better wages for these professionals and society.
Early childhood educators are champions for young learners, setting the stage for future thinkers, leaders and innovators. By supporting the early childhood education workforce, we help ensure that every child has the chance to reach their full potential.
Peter Dinsdale, president and chief executive officer of YMCA Canada, sums it up well: “Early childhood educators must be recognized for who they are – highly trained professionals who play a crucial role in shaping the future. By celebrating and supporting these champions, we elevate their work and ensure they receive the respect and recognition they deserve.”
At the YMCA, we celebrate the excellence of our early childhood educators. They are the spark that lights the potential in every child, and their impact will be felt by families and communities for generations to come.
Prepared by YMCA Canada