Produced in 2023, The Merrily podcast was supported by Better Together with the goal of changing the way we talk about early years education by taking an upstream-downstream approach, Merrily puts early years educators in conversation with thought leaders in the field (upstream) and encourages those outside the early years to think about how the learning in these earliest stages of life is critical for all citizens today and tomorrow (downstream.)
Renowned child psychiatrist Dr. Jean Clinton explores the vital role of high-quality early childhood education in supporting children’s development. Dr. Clinton discussed why a well-trained and fairly compensated workforce is essential to delivering that quality, and how investing in educators benefits children, families, and society.
This presentation examines key challenges and opportunities in the early years sector, with a focus on Newfoundland and Labrador. Drawing on national data, lessons from a recent Ontario workforce study, and examples from other jurisdictions, it highlights workforce and system pressures and identifies promising and best practices relevant to the province.
Ontario’s ECE Workforce in Context examines the state of Ontario’s early childhood education workforce through a cross-jurisdictional lens. Using national and provincial data, the presentation explores workforce challenges related to compensation, retention, and staffing shortages, and highlights lessons and promising practices from other provinces that offer insights for strengthening Ontario’s system.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Early Years Sector provides an evidence-informed overview of early childhood education and care in Canada, with a specific focus on Manitoba. The presentation draws on lessons from Ontario and national data to examine workforce conditions, funding, and governance, while highlighting promising practices that support system quality and sustainability.
Better Together for Early Learning and Child Care is an Ontario-based coalition that convenes early learning and child care system leaders to support collaboration and shared approaches to sector priorities.
Presented at the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) Policy Conference in December 2025, this session examines the state of Ontario’s early childhood education workforce in the context of CWELCC implementation. Drawing on national and provincial data, including workforce trends, wages, retention, housing insecurity, and the growing use of Director’s Approvals, the presentation identifies structural pressures shaping recruitment and retention across regions. Comparative evidence from other provinces, including Prince Edward Island, is used to highlight policy levers that have demonstrably improved workforce stability. The session was designed to support regional and local system leaders and policymakers in understanding both the scale and uneven geography of Ontario’s workforce challenges, and the policy choices that could strengthen system sustainability.
Welcoming the Rainbow is an inclusive resource from City-Wide Training designed to support early childhood educators in creating affirming, respectful, and celebratory environments for all children and families, including those who are 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and sexual and gender diverse). This learning resource focuses on equity, diversity, and inclusion in early years settings, helping educators reflect on their own practices and build the skills to support diverse family structures with dignity and understanding.
This resource provides a clear, accessible overview of the College of Early Childhood Educators - Ontario’s professional regulatory body for early childhood educators. It explains the College’s mandate to protect the public interest, outlines its key responsibilities, and clarifies what it means for RECEs to be part of a self-governing profession. The guide also describes how membership fees are used and highlights the role of professional standards, continuous learning, and accountability in supporting both educators and the families they serve.
Learn Through Active Play (LTAP) is a professional development program that empowers early childhood educators and child care professionals with the skills to build confident, meaningful active play habits that fit naturally into every part of your day. You’ll learn how to create inclusive environments that invite movement, support smooth transitions, and strengthen relationships with children and colleagues. LTAP is delivered to the entire early learning and child care workforce, as well as to ECE students in post-secondary programs, ensuring everyone has access to this shared foundation. LTAP provides ongoing support and mentoring to increase pedagogical capacity in early learning environments, access to additional fully funded workshop opportunities, and a range of resources available on our website. LTAP brings together simple, consistent shifts and practical strategies that make active play accessible, joyful, and sustainable so active play doesn’t interrupt your day, it enhances it.
