The Honourable Paul Dinn, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, joined Skye Taylor, executive director of the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador, today to sign a proclamation declaring May 24 to May 30 as Early Childhood Educators Week.
Early Childhood Educators Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of early childhood educators in Newfoundland and Labrador as they enrich the lives of children in their care. As skilled professionals, they provide welcoming, play-based programs that help young children grow and learn – physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. The dedication, knowledge and compassion of early childhood educators shape the lives of children throughout our province.
Minister Dinn also extends congratulations to Louise Pedersen of Corner Brook on receiving the 2026 Joanne Juteau Early Childhood Education Scholarship, as presented by the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Pedersen is currently completing the final semester of the Early Childhood Education Diploma program at College of the North Atlantic and has maintained a 4.0 GPA during her studies. A biography of Ms. Pedersen is included in the backgrounder below.
There are currently 2,025 early childhood educators in the workforce.
Budget 2026 includes close to $33 million to support child care spaces. This includes support for approximately 1,200 spaces in progress and the creation of an additional 400 new spaces. There is also more than $3.6 million for inclusion supports for child care services. This will strengthen inclusive child care, celebrate diversity, and help ensure all children can access the care and early learning they deserve.
Quotes
“Early childhood educators are integral to our children’s early learning and development. Their expertise and dedication help shape our children as they make friends, learn, and play together. I encourage everyone to celebrate them during Early Childhood Educators Week and commend their work as they guide our children every day while demonstrating their passion for the profession and each other as early childhood educators.”
Honourable Paul Dinn
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
“Early Childhood Educators Week is an opportunity to celebrate the meaningful contributions Early Childhood Educators make in the lives of children, families, and communities. AECENL values the knowledge, relationships, and commitment that ECEs bring to their practice each day, creating inclusive, play-based learning environments where children experience belonging, curiosity, growth, and joy throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Skye Taylor
Executive Director, Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador
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BACKGROUNDER
Biography of Louise Pedersen
Louise Pedersen is known for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to her peers and community. She has organized class fundraisers, coordinated study sessions, edited classmates’ work, and shared study materials. In addition to her academic achievements, Ms. Pedersen volunteers with Canadian Parents for French and Enactus. Her passion for early childhood education is reflected in her goal of furthering her education in early childhood education and one day opening her own early learning centre with a focus on outdoor play and nature-based learning.