WINTER/HIVER 2017 69 Vol. 42 No. 4

JOURNAL OF CHILDHOOD STUDIES NEWS

2016 Friends of Children Recipient

Mary Beth Jonz is the 2016 CAYC Friends of Children recipient.  She is recognized for her contribution to 
the well-being of young children in leading others with a vision where all children thrive. Her voice has been 
heard at many forums, in many ways, asking hard questions, opening dialogue on the pedagogical issues of the 
day, encouraging others to have a say, advocating when needed and supporting those in roles with children and 
families. Mary Beth has made a difference in many lives! 

Mary Beth’s ability to build relationships through respectful 
conversations, listen at every opportunity to the stories of 
administrators, leaders, other system managers, those who 
support the system, educators, families and children, gave her 
the strength to influence the day to day lives of all involved, 
both locally and in the greater Ontario community of early 
childhood education. 

In a leadership role, Mary Beth inspired others to achieve 
greatness. In her role as Director of Children’s Services, 
Mary Beth contributed to the development of an Ontario 
provincial early years system that championed high quality 
supports for children and families. Her contribution to many 
numerous initiatives, including the Ministry of Education’s 
transformational journey was exemplary. As one of her 
many achievements, Mary Beth co-chaired, and championed 
a Ministry of Education advisory group responsible for the 
implementation of full-day kindergarten and the transfer of 

child care and family support programs from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to the Ministry of 
Education. Her commitment to children and their families had a significant impact over the 5 year roll-out. 

Mary Beth’s approach was always firmly rooted in partnerships. She has made significant contributions to the 
early years sector and in supporting provincial initiatives toward Ontario’s vision of a seamless, integrated, 
high-quality and accessible system of early years and child care programs. Her contributions helped shape the 
Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 as well as a number of key regulations and policies to support high-
quality programming, before and after school programs for children and the fundamental role that service 
system managers play in the sector. Retiring in 2016, Mary Beth’s legacy in Ontario as a champion for young 
children and families will be remembered and celebrated.