Municipal Staff support the Ontario Government putting children and learning
first
TORONTO, April 27 /CNW/ - The Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) supports the new direction for child care announced today by the Government of Ontario. This multi-pronged announcement outlines a vision for Ontario that OMSSA feels finally recognizes the key role that child care plays in a child's overall learning and development.
"The care and learning opportunities that children receive between the ages of 0 and 12 outside of classrooms plays a vital role in their growth and development," says Patti Moore, President of OMSSA. "Municipal staff in Ontario are confident that moving child care under the authority of the Ministry of Education is a positive step forward in the continuum of learning for children, and recognizes the important role played by child care programs in this process."
Municipal staff have been working with the government on the new vision for early learning in the province that expands beyond the long-standing boundaries and age definitions. Last year's introduction of full-day learning for 4 and 5 year olds and today's announcement sets out a new progressive shift in social policy that identifies Ontario as a leader in Canada, and elevates Ontario's early learning strategy to a level that can be found in many other jurisdictions around the world.
OMSSA is also pleased with the government's commitment to continue to work together to identify the next steps to ensure the success of these changes and new directions.
"We are happy that the government has included funding to address some of the challenges that may be ahead for child care programs as children who come under our care shift to the school system," remarks Kira Heineck, Executive Director of OMSSA. "We also applaud the government for investing in our children given the serious fiscal restraints the province is facing."
OMSSA is a non-profit organization representing staff across the province who plan, manage and deliver human services to Ontario families and communities. OMSSA believes that "investing in people makes sense".
For further information: Stephanie Rullo, OMSSA Communications Coordinator: (416) 642-1659
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