Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Appreciation was underway this week in Portage la Prairie, highlighting those who dedicate their careers to shaping young minds. Local early learning centres are taking time to celebrate their staff for the passion and hard work they bring to guiding kids through their earliest years.
A career built on passion
Cindy Curry, Executive Director of the Oakville Early Learning Centre, says being an ECE is more than a job—it’s a calling.
“Being an ECE, it's such a rewarding, passionate field,” notes Curry. “It's a lot of hard work. You know it's been a successful day when you go home exhausted because you've been playing outside with the children all day.”
Curry says she’s grateful for her team, describing them as dedicated professionals who care about each child’s growth and well-being.
“They're all very passionate people who want the best for the children and who work hard at providing that,” adds Curry.
She encourages anyone interested in the field to explore it with intention, reminding them it’s a profession that must come from the heart.
“You've got to want to do it. There's just so much reward and benefit to seeing those children growing and developing and learning new things and making the connections with them.”
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A place to grow
At West End Daycare Centre, Director Janice Delf says her team goes above and beyond each day, whether it’s through daily care or bringing the wider world into the classroom.
“They are constantly interacting with the children, whether through sensory activities, showing the value of literacy in the program, offering snacks and lunches, going on field trips, exploring the community, or inviting guests in,” says Delf.
Delf believes anyone interested in early learning should consider the profession and take advantage of opportunities right in the community.
Finding joy in the everyday
For Hannah Wright, who has been working in early learning for nearly eight years, her greatest reward has been watching children learn and thrive.
“My favorite part is watching children grow and building relationships with them and their families,” says Wright.
She says her journey began with family and hasn’t looked back since.
“I was lucky enough to be an auntie when I was young, and I decided I loved children,” Wright continues. “When I turned 18, I started working here as a start to see if it was something I would do for my career, and it turns out I never left.”
Support for the entire community
Sydney Dubetz-Zacharias, Executive Director of Wee World Daycare, says ECEs are crucial in centres and the community.
“It is such an important field. We need qualified educators to run the daycares and have quality programming that supports us and our entire community.”
As ECE Appreciation Week comes to a close, centres all over the Portage area are pausing to recognize the dedication of their educators, whose impact often stretches far beyond the walls of their classrooms.
“We are proud of the field we are in, but it is so wonderful to have that week of acknowledgement, and for me, I love being able to celebrate my amazing staff," Dubetz-Zacharias says.
~With files from Brittany Boschman