We are in the midst of a paradigm shift. Barely five years ago, we still had to defend the very existence of our network, explain the work of early childhood professionals and fight to preserve the funding of early childhood centers / coordinating offices (CPE / BC ).
Today we are completely elsewhere. Today, the old dream of finally completing this network is now a concrete project within our reach. The current Minister for Families has been able to name crucial problems and put in place various measures so that, all together, we can reinvent things. In just a few months, and despite this pandemic that complicates everything, we were able to get to work and touch on this dream that we have been cherishing for 25 years.
Recognition, finally
Of course, the Minister for Families has enabled us to make giant strides in recognizing our network, with the clear support of the Prime Minister, who has noted the essential nature of the work carried out in early childhood.
Because yes, early childhood is finally recognized for its capital importance in our society. A vast majority of the population now sees the expertise of the professionals who work in our network, and supports their quest for better working conditions.
Braked in our momentum
But as we touch the goal with our fingertips, here we are faced with a forced pause. The current negotiations are historically necessary; it was high time to face these challenges.
That said, we are confident that everyone – government, professionals and early childhood professionals including every member of the CPE / BC teams, children and families – will come out a winner in a swift resolution of this labor dispute.
Moving forward !
We have a huge project ahead of us, which will finally lead us to materialize and renew the collective dream. The network of childcare centers is the envy of the whole world, and with good reason, because the professionals who run it do a colossal and essential job. Yes, we all have this network at heart, as evidenced by the way in which we are committed to it, each in our own way.
We look forward to what remains to be accomplished, and we invite you all to move forward, with us.