May Proclaimed Early Childhood Education Month

Released on May 2, 2018

May has been proclaimed Early Childhood Education Month and is an opportunity to acknowledge the important role early childhood education plays in the growth and development of children.

May 9, 2018 has also been proclaimed Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day to recognize the thousands of early childhood educators who contribute to the physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development of our children.

“Early Childhood Education Month is our opportunity to celebrate the many quality early education programs across our province that help give children a good start in life,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant said.  “Thank you to all the early childhood educators who have dedicated themselves to providing safe and caring environments for our children to learn and grow.”

The 2018-19 Budget continues to provide quality early learning opportunities for Saskatchewan children by providing $76.8 million for nearly 17,000 licensed child care spaces, including the $20.8 million federal investment through the Canada-Saskatchewan Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.  It also provides $20.5 million for 316 Prekindergarten programs to support the early development of more than 5,000 three and four-year olds.

The Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association (SECA) is a membership-based non-profit organization that promotes professional development opportunities for early childhood educators and advocates for the importance of early learning and those working in the profession.  Recently, the Ministry of Education provided support to SECA to create two videos designed to highlight the importance of early childhood education and the value of a career in early childhood education.

"We are happy to see May proclaimed as Early Childhood Education Month again and on behalf of SECA, I would like to thank each early childhood educator for guiding the children of Saskatchewan toward brighter futures by providing wonderful early learning and care environments,” SECA Executive Director Georgia Siourounis said.  “While moving forward as a profession, it is wonderful to have a whole month dedicated to you and what you do!  In the early childhood education sector, it is easy to get wrapped up in caring for others and facilitating their learning.  Don't forget to take time for yourself!”

The videos are available to view by visiting SECA’s website:
“Early Childhood Education” - http://seca-sk.ca/
“A Child’s Early Years” - http://seca-sk.ca/2018/02/21/389/

The Ministry of Education continues to work with its human service partners to implement Saskatchewan’s Early Years Plan 2016-2020 by focusing on alignment and co-ordination of services across the early years sector.  These actions are improving service responses for children and families, and supporting child development and school readiness outcomes.

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For more information, contact:

Chris Hodges
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: chris.hodges@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506