October 24th, 2024

Ontario NDP marks Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day

QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Teresa Armstrong (London Fanshawe), NDP critic for Childcare, released the following statement to mark Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Appreciation Day:

"Today, we honour the dedication, skills, and tireless efforts of ECEs and child care staff who nurture and educate young children across Ontario. This year’s theme, 'Worth More!', serves as a powerful reminder that, despite their essential role in the lives of families and communities, ECEs and child care workers continue to face challenges.

“The $10 a day child care program should have been a big step in the right direction that gave hope to many families. But Ford has dragged his feet so long that affordable childcare is harder than ever to find. Families deserve the confidence that high-quality care will be available when needed, yet growing waitlists and the uncertain availability of services paint a different picture.

"ECE advocacy groups have long called on the government to address key issues like equitable wage grids, access to benefits, and opportunities for recruitment and professional development, which are essential for building long-term, sustainable careers in this field.

“The Ontario NDP stand united with ECEs, childcare workers, and families in the ongoing effort to improve Ontario’s childcare system. We will continue to hold this government accountable and advocate for the necessary investments and support to make $10/day care a reality for all families, while giving childcare professionals the respect and resources they deserve."

Quick facts

  • In May, the Ontario NDP introduced Bill 191: the Childcare and Early Years Workforce Strategy Advisory Committee Act, 2024, which proposed a targeted and collaborative approach with childcare professionals, operators, and industry leaders to find solutions to the problems in the sector.
  • The NDP have also committed to a salary scale starting at $25/hour for all childcare workers and $30/hour for RECE’s, paid sick days, paid professional development time, and paid programming time.