When Staff Learn, Children Benefit
Discovery will be closed on Friday, October 23, 2026, for Staff Professional Development
At Discovery, we believe that learning is a lifelong process—not only for children, but for the adults who care for and learn alongside them.
Our educators are continually observing, questioning, reflecting, sharing ideas, and looking for ways to deepen their understanding of children and create meaningful learning environments. Professional development days give our team dedicated time to step away from the daily rhythm of the centre and focus on their own learning and professional growth.
On May 23, 2025, the Honorable Tracy Schmidt, Manitoba’s Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, announced Manitoba’s commitment to increasing professional development opportunities for the early learning and child care (ELCC) workforce to five days per year by 2028. These days are aligned with Manitoba teachers’ professional development schedule.
The number of professional development days will increase gradually:
- 2026: Three (3) PD days
- 2027: Four (4) PD days
- 2028: Five (5) PD days
Child care facilities may choose to close for these allocated professional development days without a loss of fee revenue from families, the Child Care Subsidy Program, or the Reduced Parent Fee Revenue Grant.
Why professional development matters
Working with young children is complex, thoughtful work. It asks staff to continually learn about child development, relationships, environments, play, inclusion, and the many ways children make sense of the world.
Professional development gives staff an opportunity to:
- deepen their knowledge and understanding;
- reflect on their everyday practice;
- explore new ideas and perspectives;
- learn from each other and other professionals;
- revisit the ways our environments support children’s curiosity, independence, and sense of belonging; and
- bring new thinking back into their work with children and families.
We see professional development not as something separate from our work with children, but as an important part of doing that work well.
When staff have time to learn, reflect, ask questions, and grow together, children benefit too.
Discovery will be closed on Friday, October 23, 2026, for our final professional development day of the 2026 calendar year.
We appreciate that a centre closure requires families to make alternate arrangements for care. We are grateful for your understanding and support as our staff take this important time to learn and grow together.
Information about Discovery’s professional development closure dates for 2027 will be shared with families once our Board has finalized the schedule.
Thank you for being part of a community that values curiosity, learning, reflection, and growth—for children and adults alike.
We look forward to bringing our learning back to Discovery and into our relationships with the children, families, and each other who make our community what it is.