We, the undersigned, are calling on the Ontario Ministry of Education to take stronger action to address gender imbalance in Early Childhood Education (ECE).

ECE is still a highly female-dominated profession. The College of Early Childhood Educators reported that 98% of its members identified as female in the 2021–2022 fiscal year. Statistics Canada also found that men made up only 4% of early learning and child care workers in Canada. These numbers show that men remain significantly underrepresented in the field.

We believe children benefit from seeing diverse role models in caring and teaching roles. A more gender-diverse ECE workforce can help challenge stereotypes, strengthen inclusion, and create more welcoming early learning environments for children and families.

We are asking the Ontario Ministry of Education to support:

• targeted recruitment campaigns for men in ECE
• mentorship opportunities for male ECE students and educators
• scholarships or bursaries that reduce barriers to entering the profession
• public awareness efforts that challenge stereotypes about men working in early childhood settings

By signing this petition, we are showing support for a more inclusive and balanced ECE workforce in Ontario.