That's a great question.
The YMCA has been at this for a number of decades now, and we have an established national curriculum that was developed at the YMCA of Greater Toronto, which is implemented across the country.
In each province where we're operating, we also ensure that we are not only meeting, but, as often as we can, exceeding the regulations and guidelines that are set out. We take great pride in our ability to train ECEs when they join our organization, are matched with mentors, and hopefully have opportunities for growth and development while they're with us.
However, that doesn't prevent attrition. We are still losing ECEs on a very regular basis to other sectors, including school boards and municipalities, where wages are much higher.
We're doing everything we can to compensate ECEs fairly with the resources we have, but we're finding that there is not a level playing field in terms of system delivery. Certainly ECEs are leaving en masse to work with school boards and municipalities, and even to take up careers in other sectors where they can earn more.
We would really like to see that compensation of ECEs be addressed. It is such an important component of the quality of the program experience that we're able to deliver. The quality of the staff and the relationship that ECEs have with children really contribute to the valuable experience they have in child care. Without those high-quality ECEs, we won't be able to meet the mark when it comes to quality. That's a big priority for us.