January 17th, 2020

Today, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) marks the third annual Educational Assistant and Child & Youth Worker Appreciation Day. Educational Assistants (EAs) help to deliver educational programs in our schools, while Child & Youth Workers (CYWs) are mental health professionals who work with children who face a variety of emotional, behavioural or physical problems. Today, we take time to recognize the key role EAs and CYWs play in maintaining safe, productive workplaces and learning environments.

EAs and CYWs enable students whose issues may preclude inclusion, to be part of the typical student body. This not only benefits the individual student but the entire school, as it teaches everyone the values of inclusion, acceptance and adaptation.

As many of their colleagues know, EAs and CYWs go above and beyond, every day, in pursuit of supporting our students. Their dedication and patience make it hard to imagine a day of school without their efforts.

“EAs and CYWs play a vital role in helping every student feel successful and included in their school,” John Bryant, Director of Education, explained.

He feels it’s important to recognize the role they play in our schools.

“I am happy to take time to recognize the important role EAs and CYWs play every day in our schools. Teachers, parents and students will all tell you that every student’s experience is improved by the hard work that is done by EAs and CYWs in our Board.”

We encourage you to join the community and WRDSB in marking your appreciation for this important group of staff.