The Region of Peel has selected Nakiema Palmer as the new Director of Early Years and Child Care Services (EYCCS), effective January 3, 2023. Nakiema will be replacing Suzanne Finn who retires at the end of 2022 after 32 years of dedicated service at Peel.
Reporting to the Commissioner of Human Services, Nakiema will lead the planning, oversight, and accountability for the entire early years and child care sector in Peel. This includes licensed home and centre-based child care, child care subsidy, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, and special needs resources.
Nakiema Palmer
Nakiema has worked with the Region for over 14 years, holding several progressive roles including Acting Director for EYCCS in 2020. Most recently, in her role as the Manager, Program and Funding Administration, she led the operational implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program to make 27,000 licensed child care spaces in Peel more affordable. Her work involved engaging with more than 195 agencies to support their viability and accountability to provide services that are high-quality, affordable, accessible and inclusive for all Peel children and families.
Nakiema has a proven track record as a strong and strategic leader with a commitment to the sector. She is passionate about ensuring that families across Peel have access to the services and opportunities their children need to thrive throughout each stage of their lives. Nakiema has a master’s degree in Social Policy from the University of West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
“I am delighted that Nakiema will be leading Peel’s early years and child care sector at a time when the delivery of child care services is being transformed. She brings strong people and leadership skills along with a deep commitment to build a system that is responsive to the needs of children and families in Peel” said Sean Baird, Commissioner of Human Services
In addition to her leadership roles with the Region, Nakiema serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Peel Children’s Aid Society.
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