By Liz Monteiro
“Children are the future! We are so thankful for all the ECEs doing amazing work.”
“Thanks for creating a kind, caring environment for the kids.”
“Our little one appreciates the hugs and care and fun you give.”
“Thanks for always putting our kids first and being there for then when we can’t.”
These were just a few of the dozens of heartfelt messages posted on the wall at two of the YW Kitchener-Waterloo’s childcare centres recently. October 24 marked the 24th annual Early Childhood Educator and Worker Appreciation Day.
recognizing ECE's: a day of appreciation
Each year the day is proclaimed by the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care, recognizing the commitment, skills and hard work of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and staff who work with young children. And here at the YWKW, we appreciate our childcare workers who offer a safe place for children to learn through play and social connection.
showing gratitude at ywkw childcare centres
At each of the YWKW’s four licensed childcare centres in Kitchener, parents showed their appreciation by writing notes of thanks and many caregivers brought coffee, snacks and chocolates to the centres for the early childhood educators and childcare workers.
“It’s a great opportunity to show our appreciation but not just from me but the families too,” said Andrea Hardy, childcare manager at the St. Paul Childcare Centre located adjacent to St. Paul’s Catholic School.
The endearing messages are meaningful coming from parents, Hardy added.
The St. Paul centre opened in 2013, and it’s licensed for 57 spots for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
ywkw childcare centres: supporting families and children
The YWKW has about 80 staff in total working in childcare serving 325 children, said Keri Kane, the YW’s Director of Children’s Services. Other YW childcare centres include Jean Steckle Public School, Duke Street Childcare Centre and Bridge Street Childcare Centre. The YW also operates YW Care for Newcomer Children.
Ana Cabral is the manager at Bridge Street where there at 54 licensed spots. The centre offers programming for toddlers and preschoolers.
Parents were given notes with a heart on it and families choose to write personal notes and some children also participated by colouring the heart and decorating the note with stickers.
A SPECIAL DAY OF APPRECIATION AND AWARENESS
The day also brings awareness to the field of childcare, said Cabral, who along with some other workers wore T-shirts with the slogan “Worth More!” which focuses on educators getting the respect they deserve, referring to decent wages and the crisis around a lack of early childhood workers.
“What (children) take away from play is so much more. They are building on skills and their independence,” she said. “It’s a great start for children,” Cabral said.
