Huron County, Ontario – October 22 is the 20th annual Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day in Ontario. There are approximately 220 Early Childhood Educators and Child Care workers who are providing care and education in a licensed child care centre or an approved Huron County Home Child Care home. The County of Huron would like to recognize and thank all Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), staff of child care centres, and Home Child Care providers for the commitment, hard work and education provided to the youngest citizens of Huron County.
“The work that each of you engage in every day is helping to build the foundation of lifelong learning for young children in our community,” said Barbara Hall, Director of the County of Huron’s Social and Property Services department.
This year has brought forward some extraordinary challenges to all sectors of the local community, including child care. In March 2020, all licensed child care centres were mandated to close, with the exception of licensed home child care. Many Huron County home child care providers remained open and ECEs returned to work to provide emergency child care in a safe and welcoming environment for children whose parents/caregivers were essential workers.
As the province began gradually re-opening, many local businesses were permitted to re-open their doors. ECEs and home child care providers were dedicated to putting all necessary health and safety protocols in place to be able to welcome children back into caring learning environments so their parents/caregivers could return to work.
This year’s theme for Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Education appreciation day is Rising Up! The Child Care sector has faced many challenges this year, but ECEs and providers were able to embrace these difficulties and continue to welcome children into their centres and homes with open arms. The educators and providers have risen to the challenge and are now Rising Up to call for better wages and support for the sector. Each year, the day is proclaimed by municipalities and school boards across Ontario and marked in hundreds of child care centres. (www.childcareontario.org)
“Early Childhood Educators provide an essential service and shape the lives of our young children,” said Warden Jim Ginn. “The County of Huron would like to recognize, appreciate, and advocate for our child care providers. Take a moment to give thanks and recognition to the amazing Early Childhood Educators and child care workers in our local communities. It may only take a moment of your time, yet be long remembered by our child care professionals.”
For more information on the County of Huron’s Children’s Services, visit https://www.huroncounty.ca/childrens-services/.
Huron County continues to urge all residents to practice physical distancing and proper hygiene protocols outlined by the Provincial Medical Officer of Health. Stay informed on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Huron County by visiting the Huron-Perth Public Health website.