Early childhood education provides the foundation for future learning and it is important to take time to recognize the valuable early childhood educators across the province who have an incredible impact on the growth and development of our youngest Islanders, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Alan McIsaac.

“We are extremely fortunate to have such professional and caring educators and staff in our early learning and child care sector who go above and beyond their role, to encourage creativity and curiosity and nurture our children,” said Minister McIsaac. “I encourage all parents and children to show their appreciation to an educator or staff this week.”

November 5-9 is celebrated as Early Childhood Education Week and the Prince Edward Island Early Childhood Development Association and educators are hosting a number of activities throughout the week.

“As part of the week, we are holding a special contest in partnership with Ocean 100 where we are encouraging all parents and children to submit a story about their favourite educator for a chance to win a special prize package from Owls Hollow,” said Sonya Hooper, Executive Director for the PEI Early Childhood Development Association. “This is great opportunity for parents to recognize a special educator who has touched their lives.”

The annual awards banquet for the Prince Edward Island Early Childhood Development Association will be held on November 9 to honour Early Childhood Educators and staff across the province. The National Child Day Parade will take place in Charlottetown on November 20. For a complete list of activities, visit the Early Childhood Development Association website at www.earlychildhooddevelopment.ca.

Government is pleased to work with the Early Childhood Development Association to enhance the quality of programs and services for children, families and communities. “Over the past five years, we have worked collaboratively to make significant strides to our early learning and child care system,” said Minister McIsaac. “The early childhood sector has been instrumental as we transition to an early learning and child care system.”

The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to building a stronger education system, which begins with early learning and child care. Over the past five years, it has demonstrated this commitment by making significant investments in a provincial early learning and child care system. Prince Edward Island’s Preschool Excellence Initiative is one of the most progressive transformations in the country. Government also made a strong statement when they implemented a full-day, mandatory, kindergarten program into the public school system.