Submission #2511

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my concern and frustration regarding the recent funding cuts to Early Learning and Child Care on Prince Edward Island, particularly the removal of Pedagogical Support Staff positions.

These positions are not optional luxuries within centres — they are essential supports that help maintain quality care, strong programming, educator mentorship, and inclusive learning environments for children. Removing these roles weakens a system that is already struggling under growing pressures.

Early Childhood Educators are expected to manage increasingly complex classrooms while supporting children with a wide range of developmental, behavioural, and emotional needs. Pedagogical Support Staff provide guidance, resources, and hands-on support that help educators succeed and help children thrive. Without these supports, educators are being asked to do even more with even less.

At a time when there is such a strong public focus on the importance of early childhood education, these cuts feel completely contradictory. Governments speak about investing in the future, yet these decisions directly impact the quality of care and education children receive during the most critical years of development.

The reality is that burnout in this field is already extremely high. Educators are exhausted, centres are struggling to retain staff, and many feel unheard and undervalued. Removing support positions will only push more educators out of the field and create further instability within child care programs across PEI.

Children deserve educators who are supported. Families deserve confidence in the quality of care their children receive. Educators deserve to work in environments where they are set up to succeed, not constantly stretched beyond capacity.

I urge the Government of Prince Edward Island to reconsider these funding cuts and recognize the long-term impact they will have on children, families, educators, and the future of Early Learning and Child Care in this province.