“I have been an RECE with my organization for 5 years. I have always loved working with the children and their families, and truly value the relationships I have built. I am fortunate to work for an organization that does its best to pay employees well. What I find frustrating in this line of work is a culture of disrespect and disregard for ECEs as educated professionals.
This frustration is amplified lately: frontline educators are not being consulted as important decisions are being made. There is no one more equipped to determine what is needed for the success of a program, than those who are working in it.
Our wellbeing is not being considered as we face very real health concerns in caring for young children during a pandemic. That tells us educators that we are just accessories in keeping centres open, no matter what levels of discomfort or anxiety we are experiencing. It seems like the messages from our government are that we must stay open at all costs – but have they weighed the costs? Child care centres are not human storage facilities to keep parents in the workforce – we are shaping future generations, literally!
ECEs are educated individuals, each with worlds of knowledge and experience to offer. When will we be valued as such? When will we be asked what WE need for our programs to succeed? When will we be asked what WE need to feel safe in the workplace again? Educators need to be valued – period!
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Early childhood educators, early years staff, and child care providers deserve better. We know that the caring relationships we create with children and families make learning possible. We know that the pedagogical work of ECEs deserves to be valued. Educators deserve respect, recognition, decent work and pay, and to be listened to in the process of policy change. It’s time for a national child care plan.
Share your story. Sign the petition. Rise up for child care. https://www.childcareontario.org/risingup