Reporting to the community on the past year and what’s to come this year is why YMCA of Northeastern Ontario CEO Helen Francis is in Timmins today. She says she’s taking special advantage of thanking the local Y’s child care staff.
“Who have of course throughout the pandemic have really been unsung heroes of the front line, really helping support essential workers,” she says in tribute.
Now that Queen’s Park and Ottawa have signed the $10-a-day child care agreement, Francis is advocating for the complete program to consider staff that provides child care.
“How are we doing in terms of building early childhood educators that we’re going to need for all these wonderful expansions into the future?” she asks. “Are we able to pay them a compensation level that is adequate and appropriate, particularly given the cost of living challenges that we’re all facing?”
Francis also wants an investment in ongoing professional development, to keep workers on the cutting edge of child care and retaining them in their jobs.