Sylvie Melsbach, Pedagogical Director
les Mousses du Mont inc., a centre de la petite enfance (CPE) 
St-Bruno, Québec.

In 1975, Sylvie Melsbach was unhappy at her job as a pattern designer. Then she learned about an opening at a child care centre and applied. Thirty years later, she’s still with les Mousses du Mont.

Sylvie’s job includes managing an education budget and staff. She also oversees services for children with special needs and the centre’s waiting list. In addition, she supervises one-third of the family child care providers affiliated with le Mousses du Mont.

After she started working in child care, Sylvie took a college course on family studies. Eventually, she received university certificates in ECE, pedagogical intervention and facilitating small groups.

Sylvie works a 37½-hour week. She earns almost $45,000 a year, gets five weeks paid vacation and 11 personal leave days, including sick leave. The centre pays for her professional development courses and workshops.

Sylvie says the intelligence of the children never ceases to amaze her. She takes great satisfaction in knowing that she is making a difference in the lives of the teachers and children at the centre.