2007
Health and Community Services

In addition to her many other responsibilities as a Provincial Child Care Services Consultant, Christine McLean has spent much time researching and planning the most effective methods of supporting licensees of child care centres to enhance their services to children. She was instrumental in the development of the Enhancing Quality and Inclusive Practices (EQuIP) Program which is currently being delivered by many operators of child care centres in the province. She provides unwavering support in an effort to improve the experiences children have in these centres, and works co-operatively with those who deliver the program. Without her outstanding ability to work with others, the programming success realized to date would not have been possible.

Initiating the EQuIP Program was a challenging undertaking. Christine worked many evenings and weekends to provide workshops and consultations to provide accurate information and encourage participation in the program. Provincial Child Care Services staff take a team approach to policy and program development. Christine’s enthusiasm for all aspects of her work, her creative approach to challenges, her willingness to share her expertise, and her positive attitude are valuable contributions to the team experience.

Christine has demonstrated innovation and leadership and utilized partnerships to advance quality programming in child care facilities and address work force issues. She works consistently to advance the calibre of child care services in the province. Christine has consistently proven her commitment and capacity to manage multiple tasks, and is known to go the extra mile to recognize co-workers and increase morale.

Recognized by her peers as a champion in the field of child care research and training, Christine is known for her passionate approach in providing quality early learning experiences. She has been described as positive, thoughtful and open to new ideas, and has nurtured many long lasting partnerships with child care stakeholders.

Those working with children in the child care centres have expressed a higher degree of enthusiasm and understanding of their work a result of Christine’s efforts. She has made an indelible mark on the best practices in programming for these centres, helping to make Newfoundland and Labrador a leader in this area.