ECEBC News

For Immediate Release: Child Care Moved to the Ministry of Education

Published: February 8th, 2022

ECEBC welcomes the news, of the move of child care into the Ministry of Education, in today’s Provincial Throne Speech. View the ECEBC press release along with a letter from Minister Jennifer Whiteside and Katrina Chen.

Early Childhood Educators of BC
Emily Gawlick - Executive Director
Executive.director@ecebc.ca

February 8th, 2022

For Immediate Release
Child Care Moves to the Ministry of Education

ECEBC welcomes the news, of the move of child care into the Ministry of Education, in today’s Provincial Throne Speech. This move signifies important early learning opportunities and support for future educational success. Since 2011, the Community Plan for Public System of Integrated Early Care and Learning, also known as the $10aDay Plan, has included this recommendation as a means to strengthen childcare infrastructure and stability for the sector.

What does the move to the Ministry of Education signify for families, educators and child care programs?

Being in the same ministry with K-12 programs, we anticipate that early care and learning will be afforded similar access and consideration that the ministry provides to schools. The creation of six new regional offices will help with the transition of child care to the Ministry of Education, support and maintain the uniqueness of the sector and eventually be established as the main point of contact for the child care sector. It moves ECE away from the currently fragmented structure that exists today.

Families can expect better access to quality, inclusive child care and choice. Violet Jessen, Chair of ECEBC states,” The Early Learning Framework and ECEBC Code of Ethics must continue to influence this work to ensure pedagogical practices that reflect the values and beliefs of our sector”.

We hold the government accountable for their commitment to honour Indigenous leadership on child care matters as it remains a right and self-determined process.

At ECEBC, we will continue to engage with Government to ensure that the voices of ECEs are heard and that the role of the early childhood educator remains a critically important piece of building a new childcare system.

The Early Childhood Educators of BC advances early childhood education and educators in the province of British Columbia. Since 1969 we are dedicated to building respect for early childhood education and educators and advancing the profession.

Media Contact
Emily Gawlick, ECEBC Executive Director
778-994-8001

ECEBC Media Release
(PDF Format)