A message from the AECEO
We welcome Pride Month this year with heartfelt joy as we celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ folks in our communities. At the same time, we are reminded that 2SLGBTQIA+ children, families, and educators are still forced to hide key parts of themselves to stay safe.
Early learning and child care programs can have a significant impact on 2SLGBTQIA+ children and families’ early experiences of the world. By promoting positive relationships within their communities, challenging harmful practices and standing up against hate and disinformation, ECEs and child care workers are actively building a world where 2SLGBTQIA+ folks are: Safe to fully engage and feel like they belong as their authentic selves, where their expression is gratefully welcomed, and their well-being is a priority.
It is important to recognize not all members of our community are in a position where they are able to live these values for a variety of reasons. As the professional associations for ECEs in Ontario, the AECEO remains committed to creating safe spaces and standing together to advocate for equal access to rights and protections.
On Indigenous History Month, we honour and celebrate the legacy, heritage and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Turtle Island. As we lay the foundation for the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system, it is crucial to address the harm that educational and welfare systems have inflicted upon these communities. CWELCC is an opportunity to build high quality, culturally safe early learning programs where First Nation, Métis and Inuit children, families and educators feel safe, celebrated and empowered.
In our work advocating for an ELCC system that meets the needs of families, children and workers, we must recognize the vital role played by early childhood education and care in healing and reconciliation. We reiterate our commitment to supporting Indigenous communities’ leading the way forward to build an inclusive, culturally safe ELCC system.
At the AECEO, we often say ECEs are world builders. With their intent, skills, and knowledge, ECEs help craft the worlds that children and families experience. As the real world becomes increasingly harder to live in, this world building work has never been more important.
Early childhood educators and child care workers need support and care in the shape of fair pay and good working conditions in order to build worlds where children and families can feel a sense of belonging, and be seen, heard and cared for.
We step into June making space for celebration, reflection, grief and hope, as we acknowledge that the struggles faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and Indigenous communities are rooted in the same colonial, patriarchal and oppressive ideologies that have historically and systemically undervalued education and care. The intricate connection between these issues make the love and the care we put into our work as educators and advocates even more far-reaching, powerful and important. We hope this message reminds you that ECEs and child care workers play a pivotal part in building a kinder, more just world.
Happy Pride and Happy Indigenous History Month!