This is Early Childhood Educators Week across Newfoundland and Labrador, a time to recognize and celebrate the work that ECEs do.

Yolande Pottie-Sherman is a parent who is part of the advocacy group Child Care Now.

Pottie-Sherman has a child in pre-kindergarten, and says the work of ECEs is very important to her.

She says educators have helped her son learn how to do things like express his emotions and navigate relationships, as well as help him build relationships with his family.

Pottie-Sherman states that she can see the benefit of ECEs, noting that the benefits can follow children into early adulthood. “So, early childhood educators are really shaping who children become.”