Submission #2490

I know most people have seen all the discussion about the cuts to Early Years funding on PEI. For me, these funding cuts are devastating, especially for those of us who already hold a certificate and had plans to continue our education using these grants to earn our diploma. Luckily for me, I will get that but some coworkers and many people who are in sector won’t.

Five years ago, I joined the Steps for Success program and absolutely fell in love with working in a childcare centre. Before that, I had already spent 12 years working as a private home care provider, but this was different. It felt like exactly where I was meant to be.

After finishing Steps for Success, I was hired at the centre where I completed my placement, and I’m still proudly working there today. Since then, I was able to join the accelerated program to earn my Associate certification, and now I am currently completing the accelerated diploma program and will graduate in June.

Without this funding, none of this would have been possible. With the cost of living today, pursuing further education simply would not have fit into my budget.

It breaks my heart knowing this may become the reality for so many others in the coming months. We all want quality childcare, and programs like these are exactly what help make that happen.

I’m incredibly proud to be part of ECDA and everything they offer, how they advocate for us, support us, and most importantly, listen to us.

I truly hope the funding and our pedagogical staff are reinstated. Our children need this.