Ministerial Statement – Provincial Government Recognizes Early Childhood Educators’ Week

  • Education and Early Childhood Development

May 30, 2018

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development:


Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May 27 to June 2 as Provincial Early Childhood Educators’ Week. It was a pleasure to join members of the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador earlier today to sign the official proclamation.

The Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador represents approximately 2,200 certified early childhood educators working in child care centres, family child care homes, family resource centres, educational institutions, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations throughout the province. Early childhood educators provide developmentally appropriate education and care to children from birth to age twelve.

For many families, access to high-quality, affordable child care is a necessity. That is why this government entered into a three-year bilateral agreement with the Government of Canada reaffirming our commitment and support to the unique early learning and child care needs of Newfoundland and Labrador. This agreement allocates just over $22 million, over three years for early learning and child care investments across the province.

The funding supports existing programs and will be used to implement innovative approaches to enhance the early learning and child care system. In particular there is funding allocated to support Early Childhood Educators through bursaries for those who wish to complete upgrading; a grant for Early Childhood Education Diploma graduates and enhanced professional learning opportunities.

I ask all Honourable members to join me in thanking members of the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador for their expertise and celebrate the crucial role our early childhood educators play in the lives of our children.

Thank you.

2018 05 30 2:25 pm