The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development:

 I rise in this honourable house to mark Early Childhood Educators Week which takes place from May 25 to May 31.

Early childhood educators are highly skilled professionals whose dedication, knowledge and patience shape the lives of children throughout our province. This week celebrates their commitment and dedication as they support enriched early childhood experiences for children in their care.

The Provincial Government is committed to growing the early learning workforce and is supporting efforts to recruit and retain early childhood educators. As we work toward a future where child care is affordable, accessible, inclusive and high-quality for all families, the role of early childhood educators is essential.

We have signed on to an extension of the Canada-wide Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. This extension supports the continuation of $10-a-day child care until 2031.

Speaker, there are currently 1,400 early childhood educators working in the province, and hundreds more are enrolled in early childhood education programs.

Let us celebrate the hard work and dedication of all early childhood educators in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.