The Burnout Crisis: A Call to Invest in ECE and Child and Youth Workers

The Saskatchewan Federation of Early Learning joins the call to action to address this incredibly important issue to our members. We know that:

• Stronger minds allow for stronger workers. COVID-19 has taken an enormous mental toll, and burnout among frontline staff workers has a lasting impact on the quality of care for children and youth.

• 37% of Canadians, including our frontline child and youth workers, have suffered deteriorated mental health post-pandemic. By improving mental health support we can provide significant returns to the economy, while also supporting children’s development

"Burnout among frontline staff working with children and youth has increased during COVID-19. This policy brief surfaces emerging areas of concern for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and Child and Youth Workers during the pandemic. We explore these challenges through an intersectional approach, including gender, race, and socioeconomic considerations. The brief puts forward areas requiring further research and exploration on how to better support the mental health of front line workers – particularly those experiencing marginalization. In addition, it includes recommendations for how each level of government can best support the mental health of these populations to reduce burnout, foster good mental health, and avoid further mental health issues. This is particularly relevant now as the federal, provincial, and territorial governments look to implement the national child care program."

To view the report download below or click here

Authored by BGC Canada, Canadian Child Care Federation, Canadian Mental Health Association and YWCA Canada.