Monday 30 April 2012

Child Care Month in B.C.

It is my pleasure to rise in the House today to recognize and celebrate the upcoming month of May as Child Care Month in B.C.

Every year in May, the B.C. government, families, child-care providers, early childhood development professionals, community organizations, and municipalities join together to commemorate this important month.

It’s about shining the spotlight on child-care providers – and the important work they do each and every day – for young children and their families!  These children are our youngest learners – and they are growing, learning, and thriving, thanks in part to the dedication of child-care providers across the British Columbia.

The high quality of child care in this province is evident - and it definitely shines through when you walk through the doors of child-care facilities.  Child care providers in family child care environments and in group child care centres organize and offer an array of play-based learning activities for babies, toddlers, and children.

Child care also gives young children a chance to interact and socialize with other young children – an important part of the early years.  What this means for families – is peace of mind.  It means that parents can pursue career, education and training opportunities, knowing their children are safe, happy and well-cared for.

We are very fortunate here in B.C. to provide many options for parents – ranging from large, group child care facilities, to smaller, family- based care.

Many child care programs are tailored to meet diverse needs - Aboriginal child cares offer cultural programming for children to help them stay connected to their cultural roots, and programs are available for young parents who are still in school.

Child-care providers and early learning professionals – caring, committed and skilled individuals who take on the important role of helping to care for our children – carry out their extremely valuable work throughout the year. THe annual Child Care Awards of Excellence – honouring child-care professionals, organizations, and local governments who have demonstrated outstanding service to children and families – will be held on May 11 in Vancouver.
The B.C. government is also recognizing the valuable service child-care providers provide by proclaiming May 17 as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the members of the House join me in celebrating Child Care Month and the extraordinary work of thousands of child care professionals across the province.