I trust my message finds you happy and content on this annual 21st Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day!
When it comes to your profession, you have so much to be proud of. I hope you realize the immense impact your work has on the well-being of not only the children that you provide care for and their families, but on our community and society as a whole. Early Childhood Professionals are a bit like bees, I think. They are so essential that without them the whole eco-system would simply come crumbling down.
Please take the time to turn the local radio on today to hear the following message:
Today, on the 21st annual Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, the District of Muskoka would like to celebrate the education, commitment and hard work of early learning professionals in our community. With valuable, unfailing commitment to our youngest citizens, child care staff lay the foundation for a bright future, a strong economy and healthy, happy children. Join us in recognizing, and thanking our early learning and child care heroes today and every day.
These words are truly meant. Thank you for all that you do!
May you have a beautiful day, filled with love, laughter, nature, and a strong sense of being appreciated.
Stay in touch,
Baa Maa Pii Gaawaabmin (I’ll See You Later)
|
|
Kasia Oxley, Children’s Services Community Facilitator, Children’s Programs and Services
Work Cell: (705) 644-1533
|
|
Please note that the information contained in this newsletter is intended to encourage conversation and self-reflection and is not to be considered as advice. |
|
Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child Care
Time commitment: varies depending on level of exploration
Areas of interest: Innovation, Engagement, Collaboration, Policy
Format: website
The Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child Care was announced in the federal government’s 2020 Fall Economic Statement to build capacity within the government and engage stakeholders to provide child care policy analysis to support a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) system. The Federal Secretariat brings together governments, experts, and stakeholders to collaborate in designing and implementing a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system.
|
College of Early Childhood Educators
Time commitment: varies depending on level of exploration
Areas of interest: Governance, Registration, Regulations, Professional Development
Format: website
The College of Early Childhood Educators (College) regulates and governs Ontario's Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) in the public interest.
The College was established under the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007 (ECE Act), and came into existence in February 2009.
With more than 57,000 members in good standing, the College is one of the largest professional self-regulatory bodies in Ontario and is the only professional self-regulatory body for early childhood education in Canada.
|
|
The Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care
Time commitment: varies depending on level of exploration
Areas of interest: Advocacy, Publications, Research, Campaigns
Format: website
Ontario’s central advocacy group for a universal early childhood education and care system. We want: low fees or no fees for parents; decent work and pay for educators; and an expansion of public and non-profit services.
|
Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario
Time commitment: varies depending on level of exploration
Areas of interest: Advocacy, Policies, Support, Research
Format: website
The AECEO is the professional association for ECEs and its primary purpose is to advocate for respect, recognition and appropriate wages and working conditions for all ECEs. The AECEO serves our members and the ECE community by:
- Building the capacity and leadership of ECEs to advocate for their profession and the children and families they care for.
- Participation in advocacy and advisory towards the provincial government and other decision makers to promote the quality of programs through increased recognition and compensation for ECEs.
- Raising and disseminating ECEs’ questions and concerns arising from new policies and programs and changes to current systems.
- Collecting, analyzing and circulating relevant policy and research with a particular focus on implications and opportunities for the ECE workforce.
- Supporting ECEs to connect with each other and to become more knowledgeable about the policies and systems that impact their daily work.
- Working with partners to advocate for a high quality, publicly funded early childhood education and child care system that serves children from 0 – 12 years old, one that provides professional wages and working conditions for the ECE workforce.
|
|
|
Please write to Kasia to let her know your thoughts on CC Worker and ECE Appreciation Day or any other topic for a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50.00)
|
|
EARLY YEARS PROFESSIONALS IN MUSKOKA |
|
What is your current job, and how did you arrive at it, in other words why do you do what you do?
I provide administrative support for the Children’s and Seniors Services team at the District of Muskoka. A great deal of the work I do relates to supporting the various Children’s Programs and the Manager of Children’s and Seniors Services. I have worked in other departments at the District of Muskoka and prior to that, with non-profits and government agencies, both locally and internationally. I have travelled and worked around the globe, but I have found the human connection to be the most meaningful aspect of any position. Loving what you do, who you do it with and who you do it for, are important to me. It has been amazing to be part of a team that cares about the nurturing and development of children.
Without disclosing confidential information, please tell me about how your involvement within the early years profession created a better outcome for a child/family.
I am quite often the first point of contact when someone isn’t sure who they need to speak to. Often the inquires we receive are straightforward and I am able to provide the information or refer them to the appropriate colleague. From time to time there are unique questions that aren’t so straightforward or are not related to services the District provides. Many times I have been able to help a frustrated or desperate parent connect with resources or information I have picked up professionally, or along my own parenting journey, which has helped make that parent’s journey a little less stressful.
What's most challenging about the work you do?
The most challenging (but also exciting) aspect of my job is juggling the different things I do for different people. This has been especially true throughout the pandemic when we have often been in “reactionary mode” and things are ever-changing. I also receive calls from parents asking for information regarding child care in Muskoka. It’s challenging confirming that the waitlists they are already on would have been the same ones I would have suggested.
|
|
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy doing things outside in nature. I have always loved the outdoors and now I share that with my children. We enjoy hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, camping, canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking and we try to fill most of our weekends with some form of activity.
What book/resource could you recommend to our readers?
When my children were little, I used to teach baby sign language classes and consulted many online resources. Many of those are no longer active, but I would strongly encourage anyone who works with infants and/or toddlers to look into this! It can lessen a child’s frustration by allowing them a method of communication. The book Difficult Conversations was amazing for anyone wanting to do some self-examination and learn how we interact with one another. Also, Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske, and The Whole Brained Child by Daniel. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Begin each day with a grateful heart” ~ unknown
“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” ~ Maria Montessori
Who inspires you and why?
I am constantly inspired by my own children. It is wonderful to see the world through the innocent and untainted eyes of a child. I am always amazed with my children’s ingenious problem solving skills and creativity. Ina May Gaskin “the mother of authentic midwifery” has also been an inspiration as she has advocated for respectful, safe maternity practices for all women.
In the last couple of years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
In the last couple years I have decided I need to get back into a more consistent workout routine. I recently completed a challenging 90-day workout program (which I had not done for about ten years), and I am making it an intentional daily practice to be grateful. You’d be surprised how much it can change your day!
What have you learnt to say “no” to?
As I have gotten older (and wiser?), I have learned to set better boundaries and not over-extend myself. I find it very easy to over-commit to family and friends, activities and sports my children want to do, or take on too much at work. I have learned that it is ok to look after myself and my family first and not to spread my time and energy so thin that I will grow to resent it later.
Could you name a song that can easily put you in a good mood?
“Walking on Sunshine” - Katrina & The Waves
“Get Some Sleep” - Bic Runga
Anything else that you would like to share?
I think it is amazing that the Early Years sector has been able to continuously deliver services throughout this pandemic. Everyone has been constantly adapting to the ever-changing regulations and challenges while finding alternative ways to serve families in Muskoka. I really think there should be more recognition given!
|
|
For a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50.00), please write to Kasia at kasia.oxley@muskoka.on.ca to let her know what CC Worker and ECE Appreciation Day means to you.
|
|
Agencies Providing Services for Children and Families in Muskoka |
|
Gravenhurst Against Poverty
Gravenhurst Against Poverty - or G.A.P. - is an inclusive, open, and transparent grassroots organization, with the goal of reducing poverty within the greater Gravenhurst community.
|
|
For a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50.00), please submit a reflection of yours to Kasia on a topic of your choice that you would like to be considered for publication in one of the upcoming newsletter editions.
Your submission does not have to be in a form of an essay, other forms of expression are welcome, such as: poetry, video footage, note, opinion piece, interview, photos accompanied by a short text, review, etc.
|
|
Was this content helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
