When students in the final year of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies (BECCS) program heard that a new federal-provincial child care agreement had been signed, they wanted to celebrate.
“This is a landmark moment in our field,” says Eagles, who has been working in early learning and child care since first graduating from MacEwan’s diploma program in 1990. “Creating a system for child care that we can rely on for years to come is truly historic. We have never seen this kind of support before, so it felt like something we really needed to celebrate.”
As soon as the agreement was announced on November 15, the classmates began organizing a rally on campus. Less than 48 hours later, BECCS students were decked out in bright blue (the colour of National Child Day, celebrated each year on November 20), holding colourful handmade signs and handing out blue ribbons to passersby.
“There have been many phone calls, lots of advocacy and many ups and downs on the road to get here, but we’re just very thankful that this is happening,” says Eagles. “In this decision, children are truly being considered as citizens – as fully-fledged people who have rights, including the right to quality early childhood learning and care.”
Eagles says she will continue to advocate for the young children she has always dedicated her career to.
“Part of our education is learning about advocacy and standing up for children and families,” says Eagles. “This was an opportunity to practice what we have been learning.”
Eagles, and her fellow educators, plan to continue standing up. “This is such a positive moment, but the work isn’t done,” she says. “We will continue to advocate for school-aged care to be included in this agreement, and to make sure that educators have opportunities for professional development, that they receive a living wage and that they are respected as educators of young children.”
School-aged child care, in particular, is close to Eagles’ heart. She has spent 20 of her 30 years in the field focused on out-of-school care and looks forward to helping centres with curriculum development when she completes her degree.
To be considered for a future Student Snapshots story, or to suggest someone we should feature, please contact our communications team (communications@macewan.ca).
As soon as the agreement was announced on November 15, the classmates began organizing a rally on campus. Less than 48 hours later, BECCS students were decked out in bright blue (the colour of National Child Day, celebrated each year on November 20), holding colourful handmade signs and handing out blue ribbons to passersby.
“There have been many phone calls, lots of advocacy and many ups and downs on the road to get here, but we’re just very thankful that this is happening,” says Eagles. “In this decision, children are truly being considered as citizens – as fully-fledged people who have rights, including the right to quality early childhood learning and care.”
Eagles says she will continue to advocate for the young children she has always dedicated her career to.
“Part of our education is learning about advocacy and standing up for children and families,” says Eagles. “This was an opportunity to practice what we have been learning.”
Eagles, and her fellow educators, plan to continue standing up. “This is such a positive moment, but the work isn’t done,” she says. “We will continue to advocate for school-aged care to be included in this agreement, and to make sure that educators have opportunities for professional development, that they receive a living wage and that they are respected as educators of young children.”
School-aged child care, in particular, is close to Eagles’ heart. She has spent 20 of her 30 years in the field focused on out-of-school care and looks forward to helping centres with curriculum development when she completes her degree.
To be considered for a future Student Snapshots story, or to suggest someone we should feature, please contact our communications team (communications@macewan.ca).
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