ELCC becomes part of Newly Established Ministry

On Tuesday, January 18, 2022, Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) became part of the just created Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning.

Advocates have questioned for years about the logistics of why ELCC was  part of Families (Social Services) when ECEs are also Educators. For many children, a quality ELCC program is their first tier of education. 85% of brain development occurs before the age of 5. Children do not start “learning” the day before Kindergarten. Why was the educational importance of ELCC not being recognized as such?

Although many questions remain about this uncharted territory, MCCA is cautiously optimistic about the announcement. Uniting ELCC with Education is an opportunity to put both systems on the same level, to legitimize the sector and offer consistency between the two systems.

MCCA has been aware of this possibility for many years. In 2009, its provincial Board of Directors approved a position statement on exploring the feasibility of the Integration of Early Learning and Child Care and Education

Key principles that must be considered:

• Substantial lead time, complete engagement and communication in advance of changes
• All decisions made in the best interest of children and families
• There be a true and equal partnership between education and child care systems, which includes child care within the learning continuum from birth forward and based on the educaring principles of consistency, collaboration and communication
• The distinct knowledge, skills and abilities of ECEs be recognized and included as equal partners in early learning and child care

This is an exciting shift into a new direction in Manitoba. Time will tell its full impacts, but for now, we remain excited and hopeful.

Categories: News

Posted by Jodie Kehl at 10:16 am