The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on Ontario’s early years and child care sector. From temporary closure, developing  emergency child care for essential service workers, implementing new health and safety procedures, Early Childhood Educators and child care workers have been vitally important to keeping our communities safe and supported. But little is known about the impact of the pandemic on the workforce itself, how it has changed their work life and their well-being. 

In an effort to learn what current challenges are facing the workforce, the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario and the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care carried out a survey of Ontario’s early years and child care workforce between February 17th and March 1, 2021, with questions exploring current working conditions, mental health and well-being, as well as perspectives on vaccination.

This report presents highlights of the survey findings along with direct quotes from respondents describing their experiences and perspectives. We then present “Stories from the Frontline”, in which we draw out themes that emerged through qualitative analysis of the respondents’ comments. Finally, we present conclusions and recommendations for government.

To read the Survey Report, click here.

To read the Summary, click here.