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
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.