Submission #2285

I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the recent decision to reduce funded hours for pedagogical support staff within Early Years Centres across Prince Edward Island.

This issue is not only important to me as a professional, but also as a parent. I have two children currently enrolled in an Early Years Centre, and I see firsthand the impact that strong, supported environments have on their growth, development, and daily experiences. Our centre would not operate the same without our pedagogical support staff. They are not just behind-the-scenes support—they are actively involved in caring for our children while also supporting the educators who guide them each day.

Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) are known for their ability to adapt and pivot. Time and time again, they step up to meet the growing needs of families, teams, and communities. However, while the PEI government is working to create more child care spaces—which we all recognize is needed—these efforts are being undermined by cutting the supports that make these spaces function effectively.

Pedagogical support staff play a vital role in our centres. They:
– Give educators time to thoughtfully plan meaningful learning experiences
– Support the quality programming and daily operations of the centre
– Allow educators to be fully present with the children
– Step in to provide direct care and support for children when needed

When this support is reduced, the impact is immediate:
– Educators take on more work beyond their paid hours
– Burnout increases
– Staff retention becomes more difficult
– The quality and consistency of care for our children is at risk

Your government has committed to reducing burnout, retaining educators, and building a strong early childhood system. However, it is not possible to expand child care spaces while simultaneously removing the very supports that sustain them. More spaces will not matter if we do not have the people, capacity, and structure to properly care for the children within them.

I respectfully ask that this decision be revisited. As both a parent and someone who deeply values early childhood education, I can confidently say that our educators deserve better support, and our children deserve a system that is stable, well-resourced, and built to thrive.

The Early Childhood Development Association (ECDA) has created an opportunity for educators, families, and community members to share the meaningful impact that pedagogical support staff have had on their centres and communities. I strongly encourage you to take the time to read these stories and truly consider what is at stake.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
A mom of two