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Produced by the Mowat Centre in partnership with the Ontario Nonprofit Network, Change Work examines how the concept of decent work can strengthen stability, equity, and effectiveness across the nonprofit sector. The report identifies seven dimensions of decent work including fair income, stable employment, access to benefits, opportunities for advancement, and inclusive workplace culture, and shows how each contributes to stronger organizations and better outcomes for communities. The report calls on nonprofits, funders, and policymakers to change work by improving compensation, benefits, and development opportunities, and by embedding workforce well being into funding and governance models that support long term sustainability.

Developed by SHARE and the Atkinson Foundation, this guide positions decent work as a core investment consideration and offers a practical roadmap for integrating workforce well-being into responsible investment strategies. Aimed at trustees, fund managers, and institutional investors, it outlines seven steps to embed decent work principles from board governance and asset manager oversight to shareholder engagement and proxy voting. Through case studies and practical tools, the guide shows how fair wages, stable employment, and safe workplaces strengthen long term value creation. For the early learning and care workforce, it demonstrates how decent work standards can inform funding, procurement, and investment decisions that build a sustainable and high quality system.

Gordon Cleveland is an economist and Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto Scarborough who has spent more than thirty years studying early childhood education and policy design. His writings, featured on his blog at ChildcarePolicy.net, examine the economics of early learning and care, with a focus on workforce compensation, service quality, and the balance between for profit and non profit models. Cleveland brings an accessible, evidence informed perspective to issues such as universal low fee child care, tax credit models, and workforce challenges in Canada and internationally. His work offers valuable insights for policymakers, advocates, and practitioners working to build a high quality, accessible early learning and child care system.

The Halton Resource Connection (THRC) partners with individuals and organizations in the Halton community to support children and youth. It provides curriculum resources, services, equipment, and professional learning opportunities to improve the quality of care in early learning and childcare settings.

The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice outlines the professional expectations, skills, and values for Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs). It defines the scope of the profession and informs both RECEs and the public about their responsibilities. As regulated professionals, RECEs are expected to uphold integrity and adhere to these standards both in their workplace and within the community.

Stay informed about the early learning and child care sector by subscribing to the Atkinson Centre's weekly newsletter, which features key updates and time-sensitive notifications.

The YMCA is a charitable organization that has supported Canadians since opening in Montreal in 1851. With over 1,700 locations across the country, it helps more than 2.25 million people annually through programs that promote health, wellness, and personal growth, supporting individuals in strengthening their bodies, minds, and communities.

The Early Childhood Development Association (ECDA) of PEI is a non-profit promoting quality early childhood education across Prince Edward Island. It supports access to affordable, sustainable programs for children from birth to age five and provides resources for families and educators, along with professional development opportunities to enhance the early learning and care system across the province.

The Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF) is an organization dedicated to advancing high-quality early learning and child care across Canada. The Federation connects educators, families, and policymakers while offering valuable resources, professional development, and community support. CCCF advocates for accessible, affordable, and inclusive child care, focusing on children's well being and education.

Building Blocks for Child Care (B2C2) is a charitable organization dedicated to increasing access to affordable, high quality non-profit and public early learning and child care in Ontario. It works to preserve and expand these services to support families and communities across the province.