Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Black history in Canada has not always been celebrated or highlighted. Though this month is an important time to reflect on, learn about, and address anti-black racism, it is also an important time to recognize and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today.

Black History Month offers an important opportunity to celebrate and amplify Black voices while continuing to address racism and embrace anti-racism in our lives. There are many ways we can celebrate Black Canadians everyday – including supporting Black-owned businesses, immersing yourself in storytelling and culture while supporting Black storytellers, and learning more about the rich history and contributions of Black Canadians.

If you’re not quite sure where to start, here are some suggestions:

For more information about Black History Month in Canada, visit:

Early Learning and Child Care Enabling Accessibility Funds

The Government of Canada is accepting applications for the Early Learning and Child Care small projects component under the Enabling Accessibility Funds. “The Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) small projects component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) aims to improve accessibility and safety in regulated and/or licensed ELCC centres. This will help support children with disabilities, parents/guardians with disabilities and/or employees with disabilities. The goal is to ensure that all Canadian families have access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive early learning and child care.”

The deadline to apply is January 28, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. See the Government of Canada website for more details: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/enabling-accessibility-fund-early-learning-child-care.html

Celebrating Child Care Worker and ECE Appreciation Day

On October 21, 2021, TBDSSAB recognizes Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day as a special tribute to our heroes in early learning who work tirelessly to support children’s wellbeing and engagement every day. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be the second year in a row without an in-person celebration.

“CCW & ECE Appreciation day is an opportunity to celebrate the educators and child care professionals in our communities. Child care is essential to the success of families and our community as a whole. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you to the heroes in early learning across our District for all that you do to support children in the early years.” Lucy Kloosterhuis, Board Chair, TBDSSAB

“The pandemic has been a challenge for the child care system. I encourage the community to support CCW & ECE Appreciation day and take the time to say a special thank you to our child care professionals.” – William (Bill) Bradica, CAO, TBDSSAB

Families, children, and community partners are encouraged to show their appreciation and support for child care professionals in a meaningful way. Free downloadable resources are available on the TBDSSAB website to help the community support Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day. For more information, please visit: www.tbdssab.ca/heroesinearlylearning/

Heroes Rising Up Virtual Rally

The AECEO in partnership with The Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care, and Toronto Child Care are hosting a virtual Rally & Action on Tuesday October 19, 2021 from 7-8:30PM Eastern Time.  You can register to attend this rally here. This event will celebrate the work of staff in Child Care and Early Years programs.

The AECEO are also seeking “snapshots” of individuals working in the Child Care and Early Years sector throughout Ontario.  These “snapshots” would be shared in a slideshow/movie, as well as other public facing components for the campaign. These are due by October 13 via email to jtomas@aeceo.ca

More details and a consent form to submit can be found below:

Snapshots Request

Consent Form