Submission #2329

My daughter has a difficult transition every morning. She needs extra comfort and time to settle in, and the support staff at her centre are the ones who make that possible. They help her feel safe and calm so she can start her day well. Because of them, I can go to work without guilt, knowing she isn’t overwhelmed or overlooked in a busy classroom.

These roles are essential. They support children who need a little extra help, they reduce pressure on educators, and they make early learning environments safer and more responsive. Early childhood is the foundation of everything that comes after, and our kids deserve the time, patience, and support that these positions provide.

When the province cancelled the Imagination Library, the community spoke up and the program was reinstated. That happened because families made it clear how much it mattered. I believe the same is true here. These support roles matter deeply to children, educators, and families.

I understand that federal funding negotiations are happening, but I don’t understand why these supports couldn’t be maintained until those negotiations are complete. Removing them now creates instability for children, educators, and families at the exact moment when consistency is most needed.

As a parent, I’m embarrassed by some of the recent decisions affecting early childhood programs, and I want more transparency about how these choices are being made. Families deserve to understand why supports that directly impact our children’s well‑being are being removed. Our children deserve better, and so do the people who care for them every day.