Ontario Early Childhood Educators’ understandings of care, carework and care practices in ECEC Program

This major research paper presents findings from a critical qualitative inquiry study, that includes how seven registered early childhood educators (RECEs) understand care, carework and care practices in early childhood education and care (ECEC). The study used a political economy of care theoretical framework. Findings suggest that RECEs feel: (1) their carework is devalued; (2) care and education activities are different; and (3) there are barriers to caring well in ECEC programs. This paper provides recommendations that can potentially assert the value of care in the ECEC sector and aims to modestly give a voice to the marginalized perspectives of RECEs on the value of their carework in ECEC programs. Key words: Early childhood education and care, care, carework, registered early childhood educator, political economy of are, maternalism, feminization, marginalized, racialization, critical qualitative inquiry