During this episode, we're joined by Safiya Ayuen. Safiya is a policy researcher and analyst with a background in international relations, human rights, and community-informed policy work. She holds a B.A. in International Relations from the University of British Columbia and a certificate in Human Rights and Global Development from Sciences Po, Paris. 

In her recent role as a Policy and Engagement Officer at Pacific Immigrant Resources Society in Vancouver, she worked on a systems-change initiative focused on immigrant and refugee women in British Columbia, where she supported policy analysis, community engagement, and the development of equity-focused policy recommendations. She brings an analytical and community-informed perspective to policy reform and is fluent in French and Spanish. Find out 'Why Child Care Matters: Even if you Don't Have Children' by listening to the episode today!

During this episode, we're joined by Sherlana Shroeder. Chetwynd is the colonial name for the place our guest Sherlana lives. There are many Indigenous peoples that have and continue to call this place home including Cree, Dane-Zaa, Saulteau and many Métis peoples. Chetwynd is on the Treaty 8 Territory, and this distinction between *treaty and *unceded land is necessary.

Sherlana is of Cree and Métis descent from Saskatchewan, though her connection to community is deeply impacted by the colonial disruption of Indigenous families. As an adult, she has been actively reclaiming her heritage through connections with Elders, learning her ancestral language, and engaging with the work of Indigenous scholars. This journey of cultural reclamation fuels Sherlana’s passion and purpose in the field of Early Childhood Education. She is committed to fostering environments where children grow up knowing their stories, cultures, and identities—without needing to reclaim them later in life. Sherlana joined the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC already rooted in advocacy, and with the support of a strong network of colleagues and board members, she continues to strengthen her voice in pursuit of meaningful, systemic change. Listen to this episode and become inspired to act by Sherlana's growing advocacy.

*Treaty is a formal, legally-binding agreement between the Crown (representing Canada) and Indigenous Peoples, defining ongoing rights, responsibilities, and relationships, aiming to reconcile Indigenous sovereignty with Crown sovereignty through historic land-cession pacts, the numbered treaties, and modern land claims. These agreements, protected by the Constitution, establish lasting benefits like resource harvesting and self-government, forming the foundation for nation-to-nation relationships and impacting land, governance, and socio-economic issues. Visit this link to learn What are Treaty Rights?

*Unceded land refers to Indigenous territory that was never formally surrendered, ceded, or transferred to the Crown or Canada through treaty or agreement. It signifies that First Nations retain rightful, ongoing, and, in some cases, legally recognized title to their traditional territories. Significant portions of Canada, including most of British Columbia, are considered unceded.

Become a member of the Coalition of Child Care Advocates

During this episode, we're joined by Rita Chudnovsky, as we explore $10aDay Child Care: Where We Are and Where We Are Going! For more than 30 years, has been right in the heart of BC’s child care advocacy movement and a femtor to many. She’s worked alongside the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC and so many community partners across the province and the country. And if you ask her, she’ll tell you that it didn’t take long before the work—and the people—completely captured her heart. 

Now retired, and a proud mom and grandmother, Rita hasn’t slowed down one bit. She continues to lend her wisdom and energy as a member of the CCCABC Board, helping to push the $10aDay vision forward. The progress the movement has made keeps her inspired and optimistic—and she often says with a smile, “This time, we’re going to win.” 

What we CAN do to continue to hold Government accountable:

·                     Become a plan supporter Endorse the Plan - $10aDay Child Care

·                     Become a member of the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC

Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 4: Rita Chudnovsky or wherever you get your podcasts.

During this episode we explore the BC Early Years Professional Development Bursary Program—what it is, why it matters, and how it’s shaping educators' learning across the province of British Columbia, in Canada. Our guests are two impactful leaders—Kathreen Riel, who manages the bursary fund, and Maryam Naddaf, Director of Frog Hollow’s Reggio-Inspired Learning Centre.  

Kathreen is a Community Engagement Consultant, currently managing the Federal‑Provincial ECE Professional Development Bursary Project through Westcoast Family Centres, working to ensure educators have access to ongoing high-quality professional learning, often with financial barriers removed. Before that she was instrumental in the development of the Early Years Professional Development Web Portal with BCcampus, helping to coordinate and promote training opportunities across the province. Her work has been focused on building capacity, relationships, and equity in early childhood education.

Maryam is Director of the Reggio‑Inspired Learning Centre at Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House in Vancouver, where she worked for over 10 years. Her work is rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy—facilitating workshops, communities of practice, designs curriculum with educators, children, and families, and leads study groups for educators across Metro Vancouver and beyond. Her passion lies in social justice, children’s rights, and creating reflective, inquiry-based learning environments, which led her to a B.A. in Community Rehabilitation Management and many years of working with infants, children, youth and adults with diverse abilities.

If you are interested on attending a shorter version of the ELF series as Maryam talks about on this episode, register for ELF Off the Shelf, a dynamic series designed to bring the BC Early Learning Framework (BCELF) to life. Instead of just reading the ELF, participants will engage in active reflection, critical dialogue, and hands-on exercises to explore key concepts like the image of the child, educator roles, and pedagogical narration.

Session Dates:

• In-person: March 7, 2026 (9:30 AM – 3:30 PM)
• Virtual: March 31, April 14, May 7 (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
• In-person & Frog Hollow Tour: May 29, 2026 (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)

Location (for in-person sessions):
Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre, 2772 E. Broadway, Vancouver, BC., and at Frog Hollow's Learning Centre.

Who Should Attend:
ECEs, ECEAs, school-age care educators, elementary teachers, Strong Start facilitators, district principals, Supported Child Development staff, and all early learning professionals.

Space is limited so register today here: https://www.wstcoast.org/workshops/elf-shelf-4810-8100
Questions? Email: pro-d@westcoastfamily.org

Funded through the Canada–BC Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 3: Kathreen Riel and Maryam Naddaf or wherever you get your podcasts.

During this episode we're excited to kick things off with a special guest who has dedicated much of her career to advocating for the rights and well-being of children and families, especially those from equity-seeking communities. We were honoured to spend time with Gabriela Cervantes, a public policy, and advocacy specialist with OXFAM Canadaand The Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. 

Tune in to learn:

• How inclusive child care policies advance gender equity.
• Why community-driven solutions matter in policymaking.
• Gabriela’s journey from Ecuador to shaping Canadian social policy.
• Look at the Where's Childcare? campaign.
• Help push for a Quality $10aDay Child Care Systemnow!
• Have a look at THROUGH THE LENS: A Photographic Exploration of Exclusion, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Child Care System  by PIRS.

Gabriela is a public policy and advocacy specialist with over eight years of experience driving gender equity, child care, and social protection initiatives across Canada and globally. Originally from Ecuador, Gabriela immigrated to Canada at 18 and has since earned degrees from UBC and Maastricht University, shaping her career around justice-centered, evidence-based policymaking.

Gabriela currently leads the Inclusive Child Care for All project at Oxfam Canada, influencing federal policy through research, movement-building, and advocacy. She also serves on the board of the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC, championing universal child care as a cornerstone for gender equality and societal well-being.

Her work bridges grassroots voices with systemic change, centering women, children, and equity-seeking communities in decision-making. Outside of her professional life, Gabriela enjoys crocheting, cycling, weightlifting, and exploring human-centered design.

Sharon Gregson is the provincial spokesperson for the successful $10aDay Child Care Campaign working with the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. She was twice elected as a Trustee to the Vancouver Board of Education. She represents British Columbia on the Board of the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada (Child Care Now), and previously on the Child Care Human Resource Sector Council and Canadian Child Care Federation. 

Sharon is a feminist with a demonstrated history of working across sectors with stakeholders, including non-traditional allies, in child care public policy. She is skilled in campaign strategy and campaigning, government and stakeholder relations, and in working with traditional and social media. She was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction award in 2018 for her work on the successful $10aDay Child Care Plan and for developing Indigenous cultural competency resources for the ECE sector. Business in Vancouver (BIV) named Sharon in the Power 50 in Vancouver in 2022 - and one of the top 500 most influential business leaders in British Columbia in 2022 and 2023. She received the King Charles Coronation Medal in 2025.
 
She is a past Director of the Early Years at a large unionized agency in East Vancouver managing human resources and child care operations, and she co-chaired the Vancouver Joint Childcare Council of public partners and non-governmental organizations. Sharon is also an ethical vegan and supporter of credit unions!

We are grateful to have Sharon Gregson on our podcast once again, and we are delighted to her share more about her work within the childcare sector. Tune in to hear about the campaign’s renewed momentum and why this moment is so critical for children, families, and the future of child care in our province.

NEW Legislation: Province to remove barriers, make way for more child care at schools

To take action visit the 10aDay.ca site

Click here to select a region to see your odds of getting a $10aDay space!

Wage funding - BC’s 2024/2025 Operating Funding Model (OFM) 

In this episode, we discuss the current state of childcare in BC, highlighting that only 10% of childcare programs are officially $10-a-day programs, leaving 74% of children without access to licensed childcare. 

We encourage you to visit their websites to explore the many resources available, and urge you to get involved by becoming a member of the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. Whether you’re a parent, an educator, or an advocate, there are ways to get involved —whether by signing petitions, joining community actions, or simply staying informed about the latest developments in child care policy. Child care is not just a personal issue; it’s a societal one. A well-funded, high-quality, and accessible child care system benefits everyone —helping families thrive, supporting early childhood educators, and strengthening our communities and economy. The progress we’ve seen in recent years has been the result of decades of advocacy, and it’s clear there is still more work to do. 

Sharon Gregson is the provincial spokesperson for the successful $10aDay Child Care Campaign working with the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC. She was twice elected as a Trustee to the Vancouver Board of Education. She represents British Columbia on the Board of the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada (Child Care Now), and previously on the Child Care Human Resource Sector Council and Canadian Child Care Federation. 

Sharon is a feminist with a demonstrated history of working across sectors with stakeholders, including non-traditional allies, in child care public policy. She is skilled in campaign strategy and campaigning, government and stakeholder relations, and in working with traditional and social media. She was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction award in 2018 for her work on the successful $10aDay Child Care Plan and for developing Indigenous cultural competency resources for the ECE sector. Business in Vancouver (BIV) named Sharon in the Power 50 in Vancouver in 2022 - and one of the top 500 most influential business leaders in British Columbia in 2022 and 2023. She received the King Charles Coronation Medal in 2025.

She is a past Director of the Early Years at a large unionized agency in East Vancouver managing human resources and child care operations, and she co-chaired the Vancouver Joint Childcare Council of public partners and non-governmental organizations. Sharon is also an ethical vegan and supporter of credit unions!

We are grateful to have Sharon Gregson on our podcast once again, and we are delighted to her share more about her work within the childcare sector.

In this episode we dive into the latest innovations shaping early childhood education and child care. Gyda guides this conversation with two incredible women entrepreneurs —Bridgitte Alomes, founder and CEO of Natural Pod, and Rory Richards, founder and CEO of NUQO. These two B Corp-certified companies are partnering to tackle one of the biggest challenges in child care today—access to high-quality learning environments. With demand for child care spaces surging and over half of families in B.C. struggling to find care, their collaboration couldn’t come at a better time. NUQO brings expertise in modular, culturally grounded construction, while Natural Pod specializes in sustainable, non-toxic, and durable school furniture. Together, they’re streamlining the process—from funding applications to fully furnished classrooms—ensuring that communities, especially those underserved, get the support they need.

Bridgitte Alomes is the CEO and founder of values-based learning solutions company Natural Pod, a local BC business. Natural Pod strives to enhance the well-being of students by addressing the needs of learners and educators from early childhood into elementary and beyond in educational environments. Bridgitte is a thought leader in the design of learning spaces that encourage the development of agency, foster collaboration and promote open-ended play and has given talks around North America on sustainable furniture including a TED Talk on space and intention. Her focus is on the creation of inspiring spaces for learners and educators regardless of location, pedagogy or demographic. 

Rory Richards is the President & CEO of NUQO Modular, a female-led, proudly Indigenous construction company recognized for its sustainable and culturally grounded approach to modular building. Rory's dedication to affordable, culturally appropriate Indigenous design and her unwavering community-first approach, exemplify the spirit of true leadership. Rory remains a dedicated advocate and a passionate voice for a number of important issues, including Indigenous housing and affordable childcare. Committed to community empowerment, NUQO partners with top architects and partners to deliver high-quality, environmentally responsible, and culturally significant child care and other building solutions.

We are grateful to have Bridgitte Alomes and Rory Richards on our podcast, and we are delighted to them share more about their work with the early childhood education and child care sector.

Viveca is a founding member of the organization; in 2014, she banded together with other lone mothers impacted by poverty and lack of access to legal aid, housing, and child care, to mobilize grassroots leaders and advocate for public policy solutions to lone-parent family poverty in BC. The Centre for Family Equity is a membership-based organization of low-income parents and caregivers across BC. Through research, advocacy, and legal action, they work to address family poverty with a focus on affordability, livable incomes, labour market access, and resilience. Their initiatives, including the Parental Mental Health Initiative, directly support parents impacted by gender-based violence.

In past roles, Viveca has worked for the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition as the founder and coordinator of the BCPRC's Community Action Network, then led the Coalition through the pandemic as Interim Community Organizer until her departure to create the first staff role at what was then the Single Mothers’ Alliance in 2021.

In 2017, Viveca was nominated to the Minister's Advisory Forum on Poverty Reduction to design BC's first poverty reduction strategy and resulting legislation.  In her spare time, Viveca can be found trying to keep up mountain biking with her 15-year-old son and paddling her canoe on BC's remote lakes and rivers. 

We are grateful to have Viveca Ellis on our podcast, and we are delighted to have her share more about her work for the community.

Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 4, Episode 4: Viveca Ellis or wherever you get your podcasts.

We are honoured to welcome back Joan Gignac from the Aboriginal Head Start Association of BC for part two of a deeper conversation about the LOVIT Way (Learn, Observe, Value, Inspire, Transform).

The Aboriginal Head Start Association of BC has been a cornerstone for early childhood development in Indigenous communities, fostering holistic growth through culture and language. Joan’s extensive experience as an Early Childhood Educator and her dedication to advancing early years programming have made her a vital advocate in this field.

We are grateful to have Joan Gignac on our podcast, and we are delighted to have her share more about the LOVIT Way and Aboriginal Head Start programs in BC.

Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 4, Episode 3: Joan Gignac or wherever you get your podcasts.

Joan is committed working with others, values collaboration, and working together to find new and empowering ways to advance and uphold the Early Childhood and AHS Profession and quality Early Years programs in BC and beyond.

We are grateful to have Joan Gignac on our podcast, and we are delighted to have her share more about the Aboriginal Head Start programs in BC.

As a lifelong feminist advocating for gender equality, Michelle's insights couldn't come at a more critical time. 

Learn more by listening to the episode now!

We are grateful to have Sharon Gregson, the spokesperson for The Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC - CCCABC as our special guest, so we can learn more about the improvements we have seen over the last little while and the positive impact these have had in the ECE world.

Learn more by listening to the episode now!

We are honoured and grateful to welcome Carrie McCormack to share insights on  exploring how to create and sustain meaningful, relevant, and what Carrie describes as “heart changing” professional development through communities of practice:

My name is Carrie McCormack and I am the Program Coordinator at Women's Contact Society for Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR), in Williams Lake, BC.  I was born in Williams Lake, grew up in the 100 Mile House area and then jumped on a Greyhound bus headed for Vancouver, about an hour after graduation.  I worked with TELUS (formerly BC Tel) for 20 years, BC Parks and The Terry Fox Foundation before returning to Williams Lake to support a career opportunity my husband had.  Full circle moment!  

I am a big hearted, passionate and silly Grandma to 2 grandchildren, a partner and friend to my funny guy, Ron, a Mom, a sister, a daughter to Metro (Ukrainian) and Shirley (Huron Nation and French Canadian) and a friend to most everyone and those creatures that don't scare me too much.  I love sharing food and having a table full of family, friends, or the many strays my children brought home over the years. 

I attended University in 2019 to begin my Human Services education.  I gained a certificate as a Community Support Worker/Education Assistant, after year 1, and completed my practicum at Women's Contact Society.  I was offered the position of Program Coordinator for CCRR and accepted it with excitement and little apprehension.

Age and experience have taught me that if I want to continue to grow and enjoy life’s continuous surprises, I should always take the path that is a little uncomfortable, unknown or even a little awkward.  So right after I said yes to working with the ECE Bursary Team my first thoughts were, "What exactly does a Program Coordinator do? Who is ECE Pro D Bursary? and What's an ELF Communities of Practice?  ELF must be a game they teach us to play with children!"

Here I am, over three years later wrapping up our fifth Communities of Practice on April 20th, 2024.  I can’t wait to spend time in person with this group and Katie Crosby, Occupational Therapist, who has been working with us for over two years now.  It feels more like I’ll be attending a high school reunion than a professional gathering as we have created such deep connections, support, trust in each other after sharing our stories, lots of laughs and some tears.    

I am so grateful to the ECE Pro D Bursary team for their encouragement and support over the past three plus years.  The debriefs after each COP session were game changers for me and impacted the way I approach training and sharing information.  And to the participants who showed up for me, the children, their families, themselves.  Thank you for showing up, sharing, leading, questioning and impacting my heart, my work, my life.  What a gift you all have been.     

I will close with this thought.  Prepare, plan, set the table and serve an appy (topic of discussion or something to ponder) and then let go and immerse yourself in the dinner conversation.  And maybe…just maybe, someone might ask about something that’s not on the table.  Wowzer! 

If you’re interested in starting your own community of practice with child care educators in your region reach out to us by visiting the ECE Professional Development Bursary website at eceprodbursary.org.

Learn more by listening to the episode now!

Learn more by listening to the episode now!

Learn more by listening to the episode now!

Learn more by listening to the episode now!

In this episode, we discuss Debra's career, the best ways to introduce and engage preschool age children with Métis people, resources, and more!

In this episode, we discuss the connections between childcare and the environment, childcare facilities, powering a clean economy and more!

Prior to the election, she taught in the Department of Political Science at the University of Victoria and previously at the University of British Columbia. She taught Canadian politics, gender and politics, statistics, and research methods. Her research focused on political participation and representation, electoral systems, and social media harassment, and online violence.

In this episode, we discuss the benefits of universal health care programs,  expectations of group child care programs, next steps for child care activists, and more!

1. A strong commitment to early childhood development
2. Support in transitions from childhood to youth and adulthood
3. Increased economic equality
4. Safe and caring communities

Gyda and Adrienne chat about child and youth advocacy, child care wins for families, retention and recruitment of Early Childhood Educators in BC and improvements to services and support for families and children.

Karen shares her 3 Rs for moving forward to place the needs of Indigenous children and Families at the heart of child care changes in BC: Respect, Reconciliation and Redress. 

We end by acknowledging the challenges but also the hopes and optimism for steps to be taken towards an early care and learning model that address inherent systemic inequalities.

Sharon shares her journey to becoming a child care activist and what spurs her on in the campaign for a more equitable child care strategy for children and families.

We discuss the history and successes of the 10aDay campaign, what the Federal Government's commitment and funding means for families and care providers in BC, and next steps for people who are interested in advocating for the respect and recognition that child care providers deserve.

Listen below or find us on any of your favourite podcast sites to stream or download any of our episodes!

You can find out more about child care advocacy at www.cccabc.bc.ca and www.10aday.ca.