Norfolk to celebrate Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day
October 16, 2023 —Haldimand-Norfolk Health and Social Services is pleased to celebrate the 23rd annual Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day on October 17.
The day was established to recognize the skills, dedication, and commitment of early childhood educators (ECEs) and child care workers to children, their families, and the local community.
Norfolk and Haldimand Counties are home to 20 licensed child care operators and 43 licensed child care sites. More than 300 ECEs employed across both counties make a difference in the lives of more than 1,400 children each day.
Early learning and child care providers respond to the needs of families and the community to promote the well-being of children, contribute to early learning success, and prepare the youngest learners for a transition to the classroom.
“ECEs and child care workers are vital to our community, the province, and the country,” said Mayor Amy Martin. “They deliver high-quality early learning programs that impact childhood development, ultimately strengthening our economy. Please join me in thanking these dedicated, talented individuals.”
Across the province, the day is celebrated by municipalities, school boards, child care centres, early learning and child care agencies, unions, and allies.
For more information about early childhood education in Ontario, visit hnss.org/ece.
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Haldimand-Norfolk Children’s Services partners with Ontario Early Years and Child Care Service System Managers to raise awareness of licensed childcare sector
03/07/2023 — Haldimand-Norfolk’s Children’s Services is partnering with all 47 of Ontario’s Early Years and child care service system managers to launch a province-wide marketing campaign aimed at generating an increased understanding of, and support for, Ontario’s licensed childcare sector.
The goal of the campaign, which will run through 2023, is to increase public awareness and provide key facts to ensure the province can maintain a stable early education system that is equitably available, accessible and affordable.
“High-quality licensed child care and qualified early childhood professionals are vital to the economic growth and success of Haldimand County and Norfolk County,” said Stephanie Rice, acting director of Haldimand-Norfolk Social Services and Housing. “This important sector provides opportunities for parents in the workforce while also improving outcomes for children in academic learning and socio-emotional well-being.”
Quality child care supports the economy
COVID-19 highlighted child care as an essential service that enabled emergency services to continue. Quality licensed child care will continue to play an important role in helping families and the economy rebound from the impacts of COVID-19.
Quality child care is important for a child’s development and future success
High-quality licensed child care provides Ontario’s children with safe, responsive, and caring interactions that help them develop vital skills, build a strong foundation for their well-being and continued development, and grow into healthy and productive adults.
Early Childhood Educators are essential for quality childcare
Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) are trained professionals with expertise in child development who are a key element of quality child care. These professionals must be recognized, valued, and fairly compensated for their role in the lives of children, families, and communities. All communities need qualified and engaged Registered Early Childhood Educators to perform and deliver child care’s evidence-based early learning and child care benefits.
“It is our hope that this campaign will generate public awareness of this sector and acknowledge its professionals for the value they bring to the lives of children and families through the work they do.” said Stephanie Rice.”
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