Education and Early Childhood Development
May 29, 2017

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

Minister Kirby Recognizes Early Childhood Educators’ Week

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May 28 to June 3 as 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.

This week presents a valuable opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the crucial role our early childhood educators play in the lives of our children. They are critical to the provision of quality child care. Their knowledge and expertise guide children’s early learning and development through play-based learning, and they provide essential support for families.

As a government, we remain committed to supporting the important work of early childhood educators. Budget 2017 included a $1.3 million increase to the annual Early Learning and Child Care Supplement to enhance financial support for regulated child care services. In fact we just recently concluded consultations with sector stakeholders to find out how the increase can be best administered, and will provide an update in the near future. Budget 2017 also added $2 million to the Child Care Subsidy program to make child care more affordable for families.

We have approximately 2,200 certified early childhood educators in this province. Every day, these individuals work in child care centres, family child care homes, family resource centres, educational institutions, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations to help our children learn and grow.

While there is special acknowledgement of early childhood educators during Early Childhood Educators’ Week, we should recognize their dedication and hard work every week of the year. I ask members of this Honourable House, and all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, to join me in recognizing the outstanding work of early childhood educators in communities throughout our province.

Thank you.

2017 05 29                              2:05 p.m.