Submission #2506

The email I have sent to the Minister of Education and Early Years:

Dear Minister of Education and Early Years,

In writing this to you I hope you take sincere action against the decision of taking away our pedagogical supports.  I have 8 years experience in the Child Care industry and have seen first hand how incredibly effective, important, supportive, nurturing, and impactful pedagogical support staff are in children’s learning and development. 

Without these supports how are we as educators supposed to find the time to plan, document, observe and assess children’s development, prepare activities/materials, manage behaviours, maintain routines and safety standards, support inclusion and diverse needs, complete paperwork and administrative tasks, collaborate with coworkers, continue professional development, support children emotionally and socially, build meaningful relationships, communicate with families, and create engaging learning environments?

Now, when you look at that list you’re probably thinking that’s a lot – imagine how us educators feel when we see/hear the words “cuts to pedagogical support staff” we panic a bit right? Honestly, we should. We are given the wonderful opportunity to be a part of an amazing community where we help shape children’s early learning, development, confidence and sense of belonging. We are help shaping what’s going to be our future. 

The burnout us educators will face without pedagogical support staff is very real. We are already balancing planning, documentation, observations, family communication, routines, behaviours, and the emotional needs of children every single day. Removing pedagogical supports does not take those responsibilities away – it simply places even more pressure on us educators who are already stretched thin. 

Without these supports, us educators risk becoming overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotionally drained. Time that should be spent creating meaningful connections with children will instead be spent trying to keep up with the paperwork, expectations, and responsibilities that only continue to grow. Burnout affects not only us educators, but also the quality of care and learning environments that children and families rely on. 

Pedagogical support staff are not “extra” – they are essential. They help educators feel supported, capable, and able to provide the high-quality care and learning experiences every child deserves. 

We are not robots, we are human. We matter. The children’s lives matter. The future matters. The actions in the present matter. 

Sincerely, 
A passionate educator deeply worried about the future of early learning. 

Mariah Wallace