Minister Recognizes Early Childhood Educators Week

Representatives from the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador joined the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services earlier today to proclaim May 26 to June 1 as Early Childhood Educators Week.

“I am delighted to recognize early childhood educators, also known as ECEs, throughout Newfoundland and Labrador during Early Childhood Educators Week,” said Minister Johnson. “Our government will continue to support the vital role early childhood educators play in our communities, as well as assist with the retention, recruitment and training of early childhood educators through our 10-year child care strategy.”

The 10-year strategy, Caring For Our Future: Provincial Strategy for Quality, Sufficient and Affordable Child Care in Newfoundland and Labrador, which was officially released in February 2013, details a fiscally-responsible approach to creating long-term improvement in regulated child care services by focusing on the three key areas of quality, sufficiency and affordability.

Within the area of quality, the availability of qualified staff to develop and deliver child care programs is essential to a strong and effective system of regulated child care. Currently, there are over 2,500 certified early childhood educators throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. These professionals work in diverse settings including child care centres, family child care homes, family resource centres, educational institutions, businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

“On behalf of the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador, I would like to acknowledge the important work done by early childhood educators across the province,” said Mary Walsh, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador. “I encourage anyone who knows an ECE to take a moment this week to thank them for the valuable work they do for children and their families.”

Early Childhood Educators Week will consist of a series of activities taking place throughout the province, such as webinars, workshops and seminars, that will provide early childhood educators with professional development and networking opportunities.

Through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, the Provincial Government remains committed to enhancing child care in Newfoundland and Labrador with an investment of $31.1 million in 2013-14.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Michelle Hunt
Director of Communications
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
709-729-5148, 725-1593
michellehunt@gov.nl.ca 

2013 05 27             10:40 a.m.