Child, Youth and Family Services
April 27, 2010

I rise today to recognize the significant contributions of Early Childhood Educators across Newfoundland and Labrador during Early Childhood Educators' Week which runs from April 25 to May 1.

Research shows that children's experiences in the first five years of life have a lifelong effect on well-being and overall success. It is in the earliest years that children gain the fundamentals of learning.

Currently, there are over 1,500 certified early childhood educators across our province. These dedicated individuals work with families and children in a variety of settings, including child care centres, family child care homes, and family resource centres. Many other ECE professionals act as instructors and consultants in a variety of sectors.

The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of this work and is committed to attracting and retaining ECE professionals in this province through educational supplements of up to $6,660 annually; loan forgiveness or bursaries of $5,000; and by facilitating professional development opportunities.

We also partnered with the College of the North Atlantic to introduce the ECE program online last year. This makes early childhood education as a career choice more accessible to a wider range of people, especially those in rural communities. It also makes it easier for those already working in child care to upgrade their qualifications. I am pleased to be able to say that this investment has led to an increase in enrollment.

In addition, we have also worked to make child care more affordable and accessible for families in Newfoundland and Labrador. The eligibility threshold for the child care subsidy is one of the highest rates in the country. Currently, over 1,900 children in Newfoundland and Labrador are able to attend a child care centre as a direct result of the subsidy program.

We also have a capacity initiative in place that assists community groups in rural or under-serviced areas to start a child care service. Through this initiative, we have created over 160 spaces since the fall of 2006, and there are 19 projects currently in development with the potential of creating over 300 more spaces.

As minister of the newly formed Department of Child, Youth and Family Services, I thank the Association of Early Childhood Educators in Newfoundland and Labrador and all ECE professionals across the province for the passion they have for their work and for their commitment to fostering the healthy development of children and families throughout the province.

2010 04 27                                                    2:45 p.m.