Day honours child care workers, early childhood educators
It was Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day on Thursday, a day to recognize early child care professionals who work with young children on a daily basis.
Officials at Discovery Early Learning & Care in Sudbury said the day is about acknowledging the hard work early childhood educators do, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They have stepped up, they’ve changed everything they’ve needed to do,” said Tracy Saarikoski, executive director.
"When we were closed, there was online learning happening, storytelling, songs, science experiments all happening with children and families to engage them at Discovery Early Learning & Care."
“It’s a lot of heart work and hard work,” she added.
For the past eight years, Nikita Lefebvre has been an educator at Discovery Early Learning & Care.
She said in spite of the pandemic and its challenges, she still looks forward to teaching young kids each day.
“Being able to teach them things like empathy and connection and to be able to move forward with those belonging and skills in their school life and in their adult life ... really does end up leaving a little bit extra special in the world,” said Lefebvre.
Educators said there are a shortage of ECE workers in Ontario as well as here in Sudbury. They said it’s led to some closures within the centres.
“We’ve had to close some programs and groups because we don’t have the staff to manage it,” said Saarikoski.
"So, on top of our regular ratios that’s legislated to us, we also have to abide by these 'cleaners and screeners.' Where do you find those extra humans to help support? We have a job posting that’s been out for probably a year and a half continuously."
Officials at Cambrian College said each year, the enrolment within the ECE program ranges anywhere from 150 to 200 students. The school offers an alternative program as a way to keep people in the field.
“It’s for people that are already working in childcare but don’t have their credentials,” said Janice Clarke with Cambrian College.
"We give them the opportunity in that program to stay working full time, but come to the college full time to get their credentials."
Licensed child care centres said they are always looking for registered early childhood educators and qualified support staff.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.