Submission #2284

A pedagogical staff is essential. With AQI out and putting more on educators- it is essential to have that support. The sector is trying to stay strong and effective while maintaining professionalism and building healthily relationships with children, parents and between staff. Speaking from experience: pedagogical supports are always a key piece in how smoothly a centre can run. It is not just anyone that is put in that role! They are kind, caring, gentle and supportive. They assist in transitions, activities, clean up after messy play, and even offering a cuddle or hug to a child who just needs that extra snuggle. They help assist educators who are dealing with big emotions or some behaviours of the children.
Learning what the children and staff need in each moment makes a huge impact. There are thousands of times through the day where that support system is essential.
They build long lasting friendships with the children and staff.
I understand there needs to be cuts somewhere. However, centres NEED this role to stay fully funded. It is essential! By cutting back this, you are putting even more on our plates as ECE’s. This will lead to more burn outs and people leaving the sector which I know is the last thing the province needs.

Pedagogical support means something special to everyone. ECEs all around the province are hurt and angered by this decision. This will make the day to day of our work harder and for that reason- the quality of centres and childcare that we strive to attain will be greatly affected. Through AQI, we are seeing a shift on the quality already. While we are working towards the best care possible for the children, it’s no secret that it’s added pressure. However, the support staff is what keeps that quality of childcare up. It provides direct support and it apart of the foundation for making the AQI work.

Less support= less ECEs and less parents being able to get to work. By cutting back funding for this necessary support, it will put more pressure on the sector and people in it, which in turn, impacts many other parts of the province in a negative way.