Submission #2509

Dear Minister of Education and Early Years,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the decision to remove pedagogical support positions from early learning environments. As someone who has worked in child care for many years, I have seen how valuable these supports truly are — not only for educators, but for the children and families we care for every day.

Pedagogical support staff play a huge role in helping educators provide meaningful learning experiences. They support us in planning activities, documenting children’s development, observing and assessing progress, creating inclusive environments, and helping us better understand and meet the individual needs of every child. Their guidance allows educators to grow professionally while also ensuring children receive the attention and support they deserve.

Educators already carry many responsibilities throughout the day. Beyond supervising children, we are managing routines, supporting emotional regulation, communicating with families, preparing materials, maintaining safe environments, completing paperwork, and creating engaging learning opportunities. Removing pedagogical supports does not lessen these expectations — it increases the pressure placed on educators who are already doing everything they can to keep up.

This decision will have a real impact on educator wellbeing. Burnout in this field is already extremely common, and without proper support systems in place, many educators will feel overwhelmed and exhausted. When educators are stretched too thin, it becomes harder to give children the quality care and meaningful connections they need during such important years of development.

Pedagogical support staff are not optional additions to our centres. They are a necessary part of creating strong early learning environments where educators feel supported and children can thrive.

Early childhood education shapes confidence, learning, relationships, and a child’s sense of belonging. The decisions being made today will directly affect the future of children, educators, and families across our communities.

I sincerely hope this decision is reconsidered.

Sincerely,

A concerned early childhood educator

Sadie Doucette