The Ontario Ministry of Education has released a new framework outlining its approach in 2013 to moving towards a system of quality early years care and services. Among its priorities, the Ministry intends to create an implementation approach for Best Start Child and Family Centres and to stabilize and transform the child care sector.
QELN welcomes the Ministry’s framework as a positive step forward.
We believe that Ontario urgently needs to transform and solidify the system, using a comprehensive range of flexible service and policy options. We are encouraged to see priority placed on programming standards, safety and quality improvement, licensing of more providers and leadership development for supervisors and early childhood educators. We especially believe in the importance of helping parents understand what makes up high-quality child care.
QELN also welcomes the government’s recent announcement of three-year stabilization funding. However, it’s only part of what’s needed. To be successful, stabilization and transformation will require substantially increased public funding and a long-term approach.
The government has stated its vision: “Ontario’s children and families are well supported by a system of responsive, high-quality, accessible, and increasingly integrated early years programs and services that contribute to healthy child development today and a stronger future tomorrow.” QELN looks forward to working with the Ontario government to make this vision a reality.