Proclamation: Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day

WHEREAS, years of research confirms the benefits of high-quality early learning and child care for young children’s intellectual, emotional, social and physical development; and

WHEREAS, early learning and child care promotes the well-being of children and responds to the needs of families and the broader community by supporting quality of life so that citizens can fully participate in and contribute to the economic and social life of their community; and

WHEREAS, trained and knowledgeable Registered Early Childhood Educators are the key to quality in early years and child care programs – in licensed child care, EarlyON programs, child life programs, and full-day kindergarten;

WHEREAS, Registered Early Childhood Educators and child care workers are vital to the success of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Brian Smith, do hereby declare October 21, 2026, the 26th annual “Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, in recognition of the education, dedication and commitment of child care workers to children, their families and quality of life of the community.