Jenny Wasylyk, early childhood educator at CFB Shilo MFRC, is the only Manitoban to receive the Prime Minister’s Award in recognition of outstanding achievement announced on June 14.  Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag.

Jenny Wasylyk, an early childhood educator at the CFB Shilo Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), is one of the best in the country – at least according to the most recent list of Prime Minister’s awards, announced on June 14.

Wasylyk is the only Manitoban in 2024 to be honoured with the Prime Minister’s Award for Achievement in Early Childhood Education and one of fifteen nationwide recognized as outstanding educators. Since 2002, recipients have been celebrated for their leadership, exceptional early childhood education practices and commitment to building the foundations children need to make the best start in life.

Rob Lavin, executive director of the MFRC, said receiving the award shows the quality and commitment of the staff at the MFRC.

“[When staff can be themselves] it allows them to introduce outside of the box learning, so I think that is pretty key.”

Chris Cable, director of children’s service at MFRC, said Wasylyk has contributed tremendously to the Forest Program over the past 12 years.

“I feel privileged to employ a dedicated staff member like Jenny, who brings so many great attributes to the program and to the kids,” Cable said.

Wasylyk said they take the children out twice weekly for the Forest Program.

“We give children opportunities for decision-making. [We do] hands-on activities like building shelters, forts, swings and ladders. We challenge them with risky play such as climbing trees, walking on uneven surfaces, walking along logs.”

“Every day we explore in the forest, it is fuel for opportunities and fuel for the children’s interest and curiosity,” the childcare supervisor said of the group of 16 children between the ages of 2.5 years and 5 years old.

The award recipient said she hasn’t developed and progressed the program on her own. She gives praise to her supporters, Director of Childcare Services, Cable and Kailen Harte, assistant director.

Wasylyk said the program is very well supported by the centre’s staff and families. Children are out all day and can walk six to ten kilometres each day, with a map for parents to see the exploration route.

“Taking the walls away leaves nothing to bounce off,” Harte said, explaining the kids’ energy and participation in the program.
“Throughout my time at the Shilo MFRC, Jenny has taught me so much as an EC … As a mom, I feel blessed to have her be my girls’ teacher.”

In recognition of achievement, Wasylyk and the MFRC Day Care Centre have received certificates for display

On receiving the award, Wasylyk said she was proud and overwhelmed with the award.

“It is such a good feeling of comfort. Just knowing that I have support coming in every single day to work. I can truly be myself and still feel loved by them.”