Issues & Solutions

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Alberta is the lowest spending province on ECEC in Canada. Additionally, our government, rather than providing the support required for accessible public childcare, is comfortable treating our childcare system like a commodity rather than a serious investment in our collective well-being and prosperity. The problem with this approach is that market based childcare provision results in an access and quality crisis. Profit driven centres are more likely to pay childcare providers less, and staff often do not have enough early childhood education training. Inadequate pay results in high staff turnover and inconsistency of care for children. Profit driven centres will also open facilities in higher income neighbourhoods and charge what the market will bear – leaving lower income families to fall through the cracks.

Even though lower income families may receive subsidies for childcare, the current fee structure still barely covers the cost of the staffing for childcare at the centres they may access, leaving infrastructure, and program and professional development wanting. It is self-evident that we cannot accomplish poverty reduction in Alberta without addressing childcare access issues.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?

1. Develop a provincial framework for Early Childhood Learning and Care in Alberta.
2. Recognize and support our children’s mentors and caregivers as professionals.
3. Make early learning and care affordable for all.
4. Support families with different needs.
5. Keep childcare public / non-profit.

Every year, the Childcare Task Force develops advocacy strategies to address the most pressing issues affecting Alberta's families. Follow the links below for more information on past areas of attention:

• Corporate Childcare - Preventing a takeover by "big box" childcare in Alberta
• Quality & Access - Quality, affordable care for all Alberta's families
• Childcare in Budget 2010 - The future of publicly funded childcare