Hello CCCF Readers,
Let’s face it, the current political and economic tensions we feel from our southern neighbours are bringing Canadians together. We are reminded of what is important to us as Canadians and the values we hold dear. It’s a beautiful thing eh? So, continuing to build our national child care system is more important than ever. We can look to the inspiring impact of Canada’s Child Care system and the $10-a-Day plan, which are truly making a difference for families across our beautiful nation. By making high-quality child care more accessible and affordable, these initiatives not only lighten the financial load for parents but also strengthen the overall vitality of our communities.
The $10-a-Day plan is a significant step forward to ensuring every child can experience safe and nurturing learning environments that support their growth and development. As families save on child care costs, they gain the freedom to invest in their futures—whether that means pursuing new educational opportunities, advancing their careers, or simply enjoying more of a sense of security with family members.
However, if we are to maintain this positive momentum and continue building the system we want, we need our federal government to make targeted investments that support the dedicated child care and early learning workforce. With a federal election coming this spring, we need to voice our visions of what we know is needed for a truly high-functioning child care system — a strong and supported ECE community.
Attracting and retaining talented Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) is essential, as many are leaving the profession due to inadequate wages and challenging working conditions. Their passion and professionalism is vital to providing the quality care and education our children deserve.
This is where national child care organizations like the Canadian Child Care Federation come in! We are here to uplift and support Early Childhood Educators through their profession, creating a vibrant and empowering community where they can connect, share experiences, and advocate for their invaluable contributions to children and families.
CCCF’s monthly webinars, evidence-based learning and professional development resources, online training programs, shared research and practice tools support educators at every stage of their careers. In May we are launching Canada’s only national Family Child Care Training Course online. June will see the launch of a new online course in Gender Diversity. Together, we can highlight best and promising practices that ensure our youngest learners receive the highest quality care.
Let’s continue to champion the best in child care, paving the way for a brighter future for our children, families, and the economy as a whole. Together, we can make a difference!
Warmly,
Marni Flaherty
Interim CEO Canadian Child Care Federation
