In recognition of the vital role of early childhood educators in providing high-quality early learning environments for children, the Provincial Government is introducing the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development's Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.
The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, announced the awards and provided an update on child care projects in development on August 25. Minister Davis was joined by Lori Chaulk, Associate Dean of Early Childhood Education at College of the North Atlantic.
The Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education will be presented to early childhood educators who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the early learning field. Recipients will be chosen based on their contributions to the well-being of children in their care and commitment to fostering high-quality and inclusive early learning environments. The full nomination package and criteria will be released this fall.
The announcement was held at St. Matthew's School, a future site for a pre-kindergarten program. Once operational, the pre-kindergarten program will offer 20 early learning and child care spaces at $10 a day for families in the area. This is one of 25 early learning and child care projects representing 574 child care spaces newly approved for development in the Avalon and Central regions.
A total of 1,657 child care spaces have been recently announced and are in development throughout the province. A complete list of all projects in development is available in the backgrounder.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues its commitment to providing access to high-quality, affordable, and inclusive child care that meets the needs of families and service providers. The Provincial Government signed on to an extension of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The extended agreements will be in place until March 31, 2031, ensuring predictable and sustainable federal support for early learning and child care.
Currently, there are over 11,200 early learning and child care spaces operating at $10-a-day or less in the province.
Quotes
"Early childhood educators are the heart of our child care system, and their leadership and compassion shape the foundation of lifelong learning for children throughout our province. Through the Minister's Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education, we are proud to honour those who create inclusive, high-quality environments where children thrive. At the same time, we remain committed to expanding access to affordable child care, approving 25 new projects in the Avalon and Central regions that will create 574 $10-a-day spaces. These investments reflect our government's dedication to supporting families and strengthening early learning across Newfoundland and Labrador."
Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
"Early childhood educators are the foundation of high-quality early learning and child care environments that shape children's futures from the very beginning. The Minister's Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education is a meaningful recognition of the dedication, leadership, and care these professionals bring to their work every day. I'm proud to support this initiative and applaud the Provincial Government for celebrating the vital contributions of our early learning and child care workforce."
Lori Chaulk, Associate Dean of Early Childhood Education, College of the North Atlantic
Learn more
- Provincial Government Provides Update on Child Care Space Creation for the Western Region
- Provincial Government Provides Update on Child Care Space Creation for the Avalon Region
- Provincial Government Provides Update on Child Care Space Creation for the Central Region
- Early Learning Gateway
Backgrounder : Projects Approved for Development - Avalon and Central Regions
For more information
Prince Phillip Drive
St. John's Newfoundland
Canada A1B 4J6
www.gov.nl.ca
