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The recent federal throne speech sends a strong signal that the federal government is preparing to keep its promise of a national early learning and child care system, says the Early Childhood Development Association of P.E.I.
"It feels like history is in the making," said Sonya Corrigan, ECDA's executive director.
"The argument to support Canada's early learning and child care system has already been made by early childhood educators, parents, economists, researchers and opinion leaders.
"For years, we've been saying that children and families deserve it, the country's economy depends on it and society requires it," Corrigan said.
"It has become a national expectation and now the federal government seems ready to act on it. Let's hope sooner rather than later."
ECDA agrees with the principles at the foundation of this system - quality, accessibility, universality and developmental.
Corrigan said she is pleased to see that the system will evolve based on a national framework with flexibility to respond to specific needs of the provinces and territories.
It's also encouraged by the statement that the system will focus on results, build on best practices and report on progress to Canadians.
"We look forward to working collaboratively with the federal and provincial/territorial governments to chart the next steps towards building the system that will benefit all children and families," said Laura Cannon, ECDA's provincial president.
"We're extremely proud of the strides our profession has made and we're eager to lend our expertise as the system is developed."
- reprinted from the Charlottetown Guardian