Peel celebrates early childhood professionals on October 21

BRAMPTON, ON (October 9, 2025) - Every October, Peel Region recognizes the dedication of our early childhood professionals to show appreciation for the work they do to support children and families in Peel.

This year, Regional Council is recognizing October 21, 2025, as Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day to show our commitment to Peel’s EarlyON, Peel Inclusion Resource Services (PIRS), and licensed child care professionals.

Today, Regional Council welcomed early childhood professionals representing programs across Peel’s early years and child care sector who shared insights about their profession, and what it means to serve children and families.

In a story featured on our website, early childhood professionals also reflect on their joys, challenges, and hopes for the future. These essential professionals say while helping children thrive and witnessing important milestones is deeply rewarding, high workforce turnover and burnout are challenges that continue to take a toll on the sector. Gaining professional recognition, and respect for the vital role they play in shaping the minds of the next generation is a shared hope for the sector’s future. They also want to see fair wages, strong benefits, and ongoing professional development opportunities that will help them grow in their field.

Peel families and children are accessing our early years and child care programs every day. Early childhood professionals are making an impact in the lives of our youngest residents, their families, and the community.

• In a recent community engagement survey, families said the most important aspects of the licensed child care experience include qualified staff (49%), strong staff-child relationships (46%), and safety (44%).
• Almost 54,000 children enrolled in licensed child care received high-quality care from dedicated, knowledgeable, and trained educators.
• In 2024, early childhood professionals with experience and training in child development supported 646,598 family visits to EarlyON Child and Family Centres.
• Currently, 88 PIRS resource consultants provide special needs resourcing services to 2,825 children who need extra support so that they can fully participate in child care.

Without a question, early childhood professionals are essential to our community. Join us in thanking them for helping families and children learn and grow in safe, inclusive, and engaging spaces.