The Manitoba government is recognizing the incredible work of child-care providers throughout the year and as heroes helping heroes during the province’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Week of the Early Childhood Educator is even more significant this year, as the care, compassion and commitment of Manitoba’s child-care sector has been on display throughout our response to the pandemic,” said Families Minister Heather Stefanson. “On behalf of all families, I would like to thank the heroes in child care who are helping our heroes on the front lines and those who are providing essential services. This week is also a time for us to recognize the incredible dedication early childhood educators, child-care assistants, and licensed home-based providers show every day in providing quality early learning and child-care services for Manitoba’s children and families.”
Manitoba has declared April 26 to May 2 as the Week of the Early Childhood Educator, an annual event recognizing and celebrating their many contributions to children, families, the community and the provincial economy.
“During these unprecedented times, the proclamation by the minister of families for the Week of the Early Childhood Educator is particularly meaningful,” said Jodie Kehl, executive director, Manitoba Child Care Association (MCCA). “MCCA acknowledges and thanks all our members for their commitment and professionalism. The early learning and child-care sector continues to demonstrate their dedication in supporting Manitoba’s children and families.”
The minister applauds early childhood educators and child-care providers that have chosen to remain open to serve families during the COVID-19 pandemic response. Families seeking care can visit the province’s online portal at eswchildcare.ca to find an open child-care centre that meets their needs.
To provide ongoing support to all licensed child-care facilities in Manitoba, full provincial operating grants totalling more than $30 million were provided on April 1. Child-care providers are encouraged to reopen at a reduced capacity of 16 children for child-care centres and eight children for home-based providers. All child-care providers can contact cdcinfo@gov.mb.ca or call Manitoba Government Inquiry at 204-945-3744 or (toll-free) 1-866-MANITOBA (1-866-626-4862) to be included in the online portal.
The province has also created an $18-million grant program for early childhood educators so that they can provide child care in their homes and communities. Interested early childhood educators can read more about this program at manitoba.ca and they are encouraged to apply by filling out the e-form at forms.gov.mb.ca.
