Multilateral Framework Agreement on Early Learning and Childcare

The Multilateral Framework Agreement on Early Learning and Childcare is an international agreement that aims to improve access to high-quality and affordable early childhood education and care services for young children and their families. The agreement was signed in 2017 by federal, provincial, and territorial governments in Canada, and it establishes a set of shared principles and goals for early learning and childcare across the country.

The agreement recognizes that early childhood education and care are critical to the well-being and development of young children, as well as to the economic and social development of communities and the country as a whole. It also identifies a number of key challenges that must be addressed in order to ensure that all children have access to quality early learning and care services, regardless of their family`s income, location, or cultural background.

One of the main goals of the agreement is to increase the availability of affordable, high-quality early learning and childcare services across the country. This includes expanding the number of licensed childcare spaces, improving the quality of existing services, and making childcare more affordable for families. The agreement also sets out guidelines for improving the education and training of early childhood educators, ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality care and education to young children.

Another important goal of the agreement is to promote inclusivity in early learning and childcare services. This means ensuring that services are accessible and welcoming to children and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as well as to children with special needs. The agreement also highlights the importance of engaging parents and communities in the design and delivery of early learning and childcare services, in order to ensure that they meet the needs of local families and communities.

Overall, the Multilateral Framework Agreement on Early Learning and Childcare represents an important step forward in ensuring that all young children in Canada have access to the high-quality early education and care services they need to thrive. By working together to implement the shared principles and goals outlined in the agreement, federal, provincial, and territorial governments can help to create a more equitable and inclusive society, in which all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.