We have heard the voices of Early Childhood Educators from across Ontario about the lack of support for the ECE workforce and child care programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. ECEs, early years staff and child care providers have been on the front lines in this pandemic for almost 2 years, have risen to every challenge, and ensured that children in their programs are receiving the care and learning experiences they deserve. They have been professional in their response the changing protocols and conflicting communication, have worked to build confidence in families, and they have done this while being concerned about the health and wellbeing of children, their communities, themselves, and their own families.

The workforce crisis is a reality in Ontario. We know that wages and working conditions are the primary problem being experienced by the ECE workforce and have called for action to address it, and the implementation of sustainable, long-term solutions such as a workforce strategy with a publicly funded wage grid.

We have shared these concerns in our meetings with Ministry staff, and also in a letter to Education Minister Stephen Lecce. We encourage you as well to share your concerns directly with the Ministry at: [email protected].