Quebec’s early childhood educators leaving profession due to emotional fatigue: union, study
Posted May 26, 2025 11:58 am.
Last Updated May 26, 2025 4:05 pm.
Emotional fatigue among early childhood educators is largely responsible for the workforce shortage in that sector in Quebec.
That’s according to a major union representing the educators in the province, citing new research. The union says among educators who leave the profession, half do so within two years of service.
The Fédération des intervenantes en petite enfance du Québec (FIPEQ-CSQ) is urging the Legault government to adopt measures to fix the situation.
“Our early childhood system is in poor shape and is struggling to retain its staff and attract new employees,” said union president Anne-Marie Bellerose. “This critical shortage of workers has serious consequences both for existing staff, who suffer from fatigue, and for thousands of parents whose children do not have access to services. There are more than 30,000 children on a waiting list.
“This is not normal, and it is high time the government and administrators assume their responsibilities.”
FIPEQ-CSQ shared results of a recent UQAM study – conducted in collaboration with the union – at a press conference in Montreal Monday. The study suggests the demands, workload, and emotional strain of the profession generate profound emotional fatigue in educators.
“We have to support them, these experienced educators, because we’re in a never-ending wheel where our older ones help the younger ones,” said Bellerose. “The younger ones are tired and then everyone’s tired. So it takes resources, it takes support.”
In order to attract new early childhood educators, and retain existing ones, the study authors provide some recommendations, including: ensuring a better distribution of tasks; respecting break periods; offering a competitive salary and attractive working conditions; and supporting training.
“The researchers are also recommending as well that there are ways to reduce the emotional fatigue,” said Josiane Houle, consultant of the FIPEQ-CSQ. “Mainly is to increase the structure of the first couple of months when educators are tired as well as clear expectations and making sure that there are as well collaborations within all the educators in the field.”
The union says among early educators who leave the profession, half do so within two years of service.
“The problems are complex, and the network is too important for children, parents, and the future of Quebec to hope that the situation will be resolved solely through the arrival of new collective agreements,” said Bellerose.
