The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, today joins the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador to proclaim May 26 to June 1 as Early Childhood Educators’ Week.
Minister Howell joined Skye Taylor, Executive Director of the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador, in signing a proclamation recognizing the week.
Early childhood educators play a significant role in the lives of children during their early learning years. This week celebrates their commitment and dedication as they support enriched early childhood experiences for children in their care.
Minister Howell also extends congratulations to Carla Saunders of Baie Verte on receiving the 2024 Joanne Juteau Early Childhood Education Scholarship, as presented by the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Saunders is completing her Early Childhood Education diploma from Academy Canada this summer, and she has maintained a 4.0 GPA each semester. A biography of Ms. Saunders is included in the backgrounder below.
The Provincial Government is committed to growing the early learning workforce and is supporting efforts to recruit and retain early childhood educators. Close to $33 million has been allocated through Budget 2024 for the continued implementation of the early childhood educator wage grid, and for bursaries and grants for students to become an early childhood educator.
Access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive early learning and child care for families continues to be a priority for the Provincial Government. There are currently close to 9,400 child care spaces operating at $10-a-day or less in the province and a further 2,000 spaces are in development.
Quotes
“Let us celebrate the hard work and dedication of all our early childhood educators in this province, and those that are currently in programs to become an early childhood educator. The work you do is appreciated as you encourage and nurture the youngest of our province as they make new discoveries every day. I am also pleased to send my sincere congratulations to Carla Saunders, recipient of this year’s Joanne Juteau Early Childhood Education Scholarship.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education
“Early Childhood Educators Week honours and celebrates the significant contributions of early childhood educators to our society. We extend our gratitude to these educators for their dedication to guiding children’s early learning and development through thoughtfully designed, inclusive play-based programs, and for providing vital support to families in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Skye Taylor
Executive Director, Association of Early Childhood Educators NL
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BACKGROUNDER
Biography of Carla Saunders
Carla Saunders came into the early learning field as a mature student looking for a career change and to follow her passion. Through her volunteer contributions and raising two children she has combined her love for the community and children. Ms. Saunders’ volunteer work has included the Kids Eat Smart program, Spree by the Sea and the AYSC Youth Centre. She helped develop and implement a Sunday school program and, as a girl guide leader, has taken on a leadership role to oversee the organization of the program in her community.