Welcome to Family Day!

Welcome!

It’s my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to new and returning families. We’re happy to have you with us and look forward to a time we can connect in a more personal way.

Seeing and hearing children outside again in their school playgrounds and communities is heartwarming. Reduced restrictions are positive and so welcome! I have missed the freedom of going to the gym and working out, as well as connecting socially with others in a restaurant. For me, these activities now feel extra special. It’s also an example of how many of the things we do are centred on social connection.  Recognizing that we still have a way to go in terms of returning to “normal”, Family Day remains focused on managing the risks of COVID-19 and variants of concern. We are working with our  respective public health departments and support the mandatory vaccinations effort for staff across the agency. We will do everything possible to protect the children in our care.

As early learning educators, we know that young children thrive on social connections. It is so evident during play-based learning, daily routines, meal and snack times or indoor and outdoor play. Social connections are central to all Family Day curriculums. Our skilled educators have worked hard to maintain a sense of connectivity—despite wearing full PPE and adhering to rigorous health and safety protocols. Just imagine, for our very youngest children — born during the pandemic — this is the only world they know. Our usual spontaneous physical connections and interactions look different now.

Family Day is very proud of the skills, knowledge, and expertise of educators. They play such a critical role in fostering the well-being of young children. With the federal election behind us, we hope the national commitment to providing a high-quality, licensed childcare system maintains its momentum. Accessible, inclusive, high-quality child care along with skilled educators must be a priority for the sector.

Here’s hoping we can all be together soon!

Diane Daley, CEO |  October 25, 2021