Spring — the Season of Rebirth — is Finally Here!
After more than a year of lockdowns, PPE, physical distancing and staying home, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is well underway—bringing new hope that this horrible virus (and all the worry and sadness it brought with it) will hopefully soon be behind us. The new season also brings fresh ideas and exciting activities at Family Day to keep our children happy, active and engaged, all while respecting safety protocols.
We are closely following all directives from our Public Health partners to ensure that health and safety—of children, families and staff members— remain a top priority. In this edition of Focus, we have profiled Family Day Licensed Home Child Care. We have also shared examples of how these programs have been revised to manage health and safety and reduce the risks of COVID-19. To our families who have recently returned to their programs, thank you. We are looking forward to the peace of mind the vaccine will provide.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and respect to all Family Day staff members and home child care providers for the work they do every day. Now that our Federal Government has recognized that childcare is essential to a robust and healthy economy, we have renewed hope for the development and advancement of a national strategy. As CEO, I will use every opportunity to communicate with the Provincial and Federal government leaders, and reinforce the importance of high-quality early learning and its critical role in promoting wellbeing for children and families. Equally important is building a strong system that supports the sector, including the professionals who have chosen careers in Early Childhood Education.
Stable and accessible child care is crucial to our post-COVID recovery; people returning to work need to know their children are safe. That’s why we are passionately invested in doing whatever we can to help build a strong, flexible, high quality, inclusive and affordable child care system. As the rebirth of this new season surrounds us, my hopes are high for our sector.
Diane Daley, CEO | April 1, 2021