We’re Working For…
We’re working for a better future
Together we’re working for a better future. A world where ECEs are respected for their pedagogical skills, knowledge, intent and care. Early Childhood Educators create the environments where children grow, families are supported, and communities thrive.
To frame our advocacy for Decent Work, we use the Ontario Early Childhood Sector Decent Work Charter, which was developed by the AECEO’s Decent Work Taskforce after deep engagement with ECEs across Ontario. The Decent Work Charter aligns with Ontario’s pedagogical document, How Does Learning Happen, demonstrating that educators’ working conditions are children’s learning conditions. We cannot build a high-quality early learning and child care system without YOU.
Decent Work
Structures and resources that recognize the critical role early years staff perform in the delivery of quality programs.
Strategies to provide professional pay for professional work.
Structures and resources that promote belonging, inclusion, diversity, well- being, engagement and expression in the work environment.
Structures and resources to support early years staff in all aspects of ongoing professional learning.
Together we are fighting for Wages and Working Conditions…
Publicly-Funded ELCC Salary Scale starting at $30/40/hour for RECEs and $25/hour for ELCC staff
Decent Working Conditions, like enhanced staff:child ratios, paid planning time, paid sick days, and communities of practice.
Recognition through the development of practitioner roles and career ladders that value credentials, experience and knowledge.
Professional Learning that meets your needs and interests, centres ECE knowledge, is paid and accessible in times that meets your needs…
… as part of an accessible and affordable early learning and child care system.
Our Vision
Early Childhood Educators would know that they are the heart of the system. ECEs know that they are respected for their pedagogical knowledge and skills, have decent paying positions that reward their education and ongoing professional learning, and know that, no matter where they work, they can have a rewarding, lifelong career.
Children would know that there would be a caring and joyful place for them to play and learn. They could form attachments with educators, confident that those same educators would be there each day.
Families would know that their child could access early learning and child care in their neighbourhood. Whether through EarlyON and family support programs, the Kindergarten program, LINC programs or licensed centre and home-based child care, there will be a space for them.
Operators and service managers would know that they have the resources and capacity to work collaboratively to plan and meet early learning and child care needs in their local community.
Together, our advocacy is critical to building a system of accessible and affordable early learning and child care for all!
To learn more about our policy recommendations, check out the Roadmap to ELCC.
It Only Takes a Few Minutes to Make a Difference for ECEs in Ontario!
One Click Message
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Tell your politicians to sign the $10aday child care agreement and follow the Roadmap to Universal Child Care in Ontario.(2 MINUTES)With only months until the end of the current Canada-Ontario $10aDay child care agreement, Ontario still has not signed a new funding agreement – putting this game changing program for families at risk. The community has a plan! Tell your politicians to sign the agreement. Add your voice here! |
Contact your MPP
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Send email to your MPP(4 MINUTES)The Minister of Education needs to hear from you! You are the expert in your lived experience, and you know what you need to thrive in the ELCC sector. Whether you are an ECE, child care worker, family member, parent, or concerned citizen, your voice matters in pushing for decent work and pay for ELCC professionals. Find more information including an email template here. |
Find your community
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Join your local CARE Collective(10 MINUTES)Together, we can do anything! With your local CARE Collective, you can hang out with other ECEs, discuss the issues that matter most to you, and take collective action. Attend a meeting and see how we’re working together – we can’t wait to meet you! To get involved, please fill out the interest form. |
Want to build a better future for ECEs and families in Ontario?
Becoming an AECEO member is the BEST way to build community, fuel advocacy, and make sure ECEs lead the way in our profession. When you become a member, you will…
- Be part of a movement of thousands of ECEs across Ontario, fighting for positive change.
- Have your voice heard through member meetings and gatherings (you’ll also access exclusive events and be able to vote at our annual meetings)!
- Directly impact real, positive outcomes for our profession – your membership fees allow us to advocate, spread awareness, and get ECEs in front of decision-makers when it matters most!