Established in 2009, the Quality Early Learning Network (QELN) is a dedicated group of 18 not-for-profit early learning and family support agencies. We serve more than 60,000 children in Southern Ontario.
We are a non-partisan network. Our members are multi-site, community-based agencies providing a wide range of early years services, including licensed child care programs that meet stringent government requirements for quality and accountability.
QELN’s community agencies have demonstrated expertise, honed over decades, in the provision of accessible, accountable programs and services. Drawing on our combined expertise and experience, QELN collaborates with public decision-makers to ensure that every child and family in Ontario can access a system of high-quality, affordable early learning and care services.
Our vision
A comprehensive, integrated, high-quality system of services for children and families delivered by the public sector, school boards and not-for-profit community agencies, working collaboratively in the best interests of children.
Our mission
QELN works collaboratively with public policy decision-makers to develop, deliver and sustain a system of high-quality services for all children and families, including early learning and care, which is accessible, affordable, inclusive and effective. QELN will work to ensure a strong role for not-for-profit community-based agencies in the delivery of early learning and care.
Our purpose
- To influence public policy and advocate for high-quality, accessible early learning and care programs delivered by the not-for-profit sector
- To increase public awareness regarding the value of the not-for-profit sector in an early learning and care system
- To be a recognized voice of not-for-profit, community-based, licensed early learning and care programs and services
Our principles
- Above all else, quality matters. All programs and services for children pre-natal to age 12 must be based on sound research and built on best practices for children.
- An integrated system of programs and services supports seamless access for families and reduces the likelihood of children falling through service gaps.
- Parental choice is important. All programs and services must be child and family centred and flexible enough to address the diverse needs of children and their families.
- All services, including education, licensed early learning and care, and family support programs must be appropriately and adequately funded to meet the diverse needs of children and their families.
- Not-for-profit community-based agencies have a key role to play in the delivery of services for children pre-natal to age 12 and their families, given their capacity to respond quickly and effectively to diverse and changing community and family needs.
- Government funding must be targeted to the not-for-profit and/or public system.
- Our work is done through collaboration and relationships with other groups and networks.
- We believe that a strong, universal and accessible child care system is a cornerstone of economic development.