When community partners speak with one voice on early learning and child care, families benefit in big ways. A unified front helps ensure the issues that matter most, such as access to affordable spaces, qualified educators, and inclusive programs, are heard by decision-makers. This coordinated advocacy strengthens the system, supporting parents to work, children to thrive, and communities to grow.

In January 2026, leaders from several organizations supporting early learning and child care (ELCC) met with MHA Paul Dinn, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. They spoke about key issues affecting families, children, and educators across the province. Here’s a summary of what they shared:

1. Early Learning Supports Families and the Economy

• Affordable, high-quality early learning is essential for healthy communities.
  
  
• Child care allows parents to work, helping the economy grow.
  
  
• Early learning jobs are stable, and communities with strong child care systems are attractive places to live and work.
  
  
• Investing in child care is investing in the province’s future and yet we still need more public funding and a universal system.

2. More Spaces, Better Access

Child Care Now shared that:

There aren’t enough child care spaces in Newfoundland and Labrador, which affects parents’ ability to work. Key points include:

• Rural and remote communities, as well as Indigenous populations, need more options.
  
  
• Early learning should be part of the public education system, just like K–12.
  
  
• Programs like CWELCC help make child care more affordable, but we still need more spaces to meet demand.

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3. Family Child Care Matters

Family and Child Care Connections emphasized that:

• Family child care is a vital alternative to centre-based care, especially in rural areas.
  
  
• It can offer infant and toddler care, non-standard hours, and seasonal support.
  
  
• Since CWELCC began, family child care has reached many communities that previously had no options.
  
  
• Continued growth is key to creating quality, affordable, inclusive care.
  
  

4. Fair Wages, Benefits, and Pensions for Educators

Early Childhood Educators Human Resources Council specified:

• Qualified early childhood educators are crucial for a strong child care system.
  
  
• Government wage increases have helped, but experienced educators still earn only slightly more than new graduates.
  
  
• Priorities include: higher pay for early childhood educators, paid sick leave, pensions, paid planning time, and a workforce strategy with clear targets and timelines.
  
  

5. Quality Care Depends on Qualified Educators

Association of Early Childhood Educators NL highlighted that:

• Professional standards, fair compensation, and career pathways keep educators in the field.
  
  
• Stable staff means better relationships with children, which improves outcomes.
  
  
• Expanding spaces without qualified staff risks lowering quality.
  
  
• Early learning and child care should be a provincial priority, supporting children, families, and the economy.
  
  

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6. Inclusion and Reducing Child Poverty

Jimmy Pratt Foundation stressed:

• All children, regardless of ability, background, or needs, should have full access to child care.
  
  
• Inclusive programs help children learn and belong alongside their peers.
  
  
• Poverty affects one in four children under six in NL. Affordable child care helps families work and children thrive.

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Collectively these organizations continue to advocate for:

• More quality child care spaces across the province
  
  
• Fair compensation, benefits, and support for early childhood educators
  
  
• Inclusive and equitable programs for every child
  
  
• A universal, public early learning and child care system as a foundation for healthy communities and a strong economy
  
  

Together, these voices are pushing for a stronger, more accessible, and sustainable early learning and child care system in Newfoundland and Labrador.