In 2026, we sought to learn more about the experiences of educators by speaking directly with them. ELCC workers from both home and centre based child care programs, EarlyON Family Support Programs, the Full Day Kindergarten Program, and members of the South Asian Women’s Rights Organization (SAWRO) participated in focus groups. We asked these individuals to share experiences about their specializations. This was defined as self-motivated interests, skills, and passions that ELCC workers bring to their work that fall outside of their job description. Please click here to read the Focus Group Findings Report.

In 2025, the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (AECEO) surveyed 652 individuals working in Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC). We asked qualitative and quantitative questions to better understand the experiences of early years professionals currently working in the ELCC sector in Ontario. Please click here to read the executive summary of our Listening & Storytelling Community Research.