The BALSEWA Center holistically supports women working in the informal economy by providing quality affordable daycare, health check-ups, and educational programmes for children between 0-6 years old.
The childcare center is run by the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) in India and serves SEWA members.
Canada is working to create a universal child care program. My provincial government has introduced $10 a day care. This is a great initiative for families! We need more affordable programs so all kids can have an equal start. But to open more programs we need more Early Childhood Educators. The government needs to show our work is valued. We need fair compensation for our educated workforce. Early Childhood Educators are educators; we should be treated as such.
Sharon Shu, Early Childhood Education and Senior Councilor, CUPE 1936, British Columbia, Canada
Early childhood educators are the heart of a quality, affordable, accessible child care system. But we must address issues of recruitment, retention and training so that the next generation of educators can grow into their career and be compensated and treated like professionals. This will be key to building the quality child care system that all children need to thrive. Children want to learn and grow- quality child care can nurture that growth.
Anoshika Buthgamuwa, Early Childhood Educator (ECE) at the YMCA Child Care-Beach Centre in British Columbia, Canada. She is a member of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU)