Unfortunately there has been a good deal of misinformation and misunderstanding around our programs and motives for offering before and after school programs, so my best response is to provide you a detailed rationale and information about our programs and how they will benefit more families in more schools.
Those that currently benefit from a co-located childcare within a school appreciate the quality, convenience and stability these programs offer. These programs closely resemble the “seamless day” that researchers have indicated best supports students. These programs see fewer transitions for students and fewer adults delivering the care. Currently there are 29 schools that offer licensed childcare of this nature. While this may seem impressive, the fact remains we have 103 elementary schools in Waterloo Region meaning the vast majority of students do not have access to a program that researchers, childcare advocates, the Board, and so many parents know works for children and families. So while select families who live in select schools feel the system works, when one looks at the whole system the cold reality is that it is an inequitable patchwork that does not work for many more families than it does work for. While we respect this is a major change, we are convinced this is a positive change because it will ultimately offer better childcare options from just 29 schools to all schools across the region. This expanded program will benefit thousnds more children over the course of the 5 year Full Day Kindergarten implementation.
Many parents have been wondering why we cannot simply “leave these third party partners alone” and operate in these under served sites…some call this the “hybrid model”. Our answer to this is rooted in a current reality that sees childcare operators located in our newest and largest schools which are also the most thriving childcare communities. These sites are profitable for providers, who then use these profits to subsidize their toddler and infant programs. While this works to support the clients of the childcare centres, it has created a reluctance to expand care beyond only select communities. Under our plan, families will continue to have access to high quality care in these 29 schools, yet we will be able to use these thriving programs to expand into many communities that do not have access to care in their school under the current model. In short, care will be offered to all school communities. We currently see this working successfully on a smaller scale within the 8 programs we currently operate.
As we expand care we will be offering two programs that operate before and after school should there be sufficient parent demand:
1. Extended Day Programs for children JK – grade 2
This is a play based program that operates out of a Kindergarten classroom and is run by WRDSB Early Childhood Educators and supported by Educational Assistants, it may also use the gyms, libraries and playgrounds of the school
2. Recreational Programs for children Grade 3 and up
This program will be run on our behalf by Child Care Partners and will expand their presence beyond the 29 sites they are in now. Recreational programs can operate in a variety of school spaces (gym, library, classroom) and will be targeted to the junior learner by offering social and cooperative games, homework support, physical activity, drama, etc.
Both of these programs will operate during the school year, PD Days, March Break and the non-statutory week of Christmas. Parents may enroll in our programs any time and there is always space (no wait lists). Children with special needs are supported by Educational Assistants. Under this plan there will be thrid party childcare partners present during the summer months and they will be encouraged to offer expanded summer programs for families that need care over the summer.
Our costs are competitive and reflect that our programs operate on a cost recovery basis. Those defending the current providers based on cost differential should be cautioned. Market forces in the childcare sector are rapidly changing with the five year phased in implementation of Full Day Kindergarten. This means thousands of higher paying jobs for Early Childhood Educators across Ontario who no longer need to settle for the average ECE wage of just under $14/hr. Lower cost programs are offered based on lower wages and providers will be effected by these realities as more and more jobs become available that offer well over $20/hr plus full benefits. While we in the WRDSB have certainly not created these conditions, they are a reality that will see costs of lower wage providers rise. Due to increased enrollments we have been able to lower our cost $3/day over last year and are confident our rates will only become more competitive over time.
We are very conscious of the concerns of our third party partners and the parents who enjoy their service. We are committed to ensuring that our third party partners, who have long filled an important gap in the childcare system, remain strong and viable. This is why we want to work with all of our partners to look at expanded recreational services as well as expanded summer programs across the region. We think there is room for everyone, but in order to accomplish our goal of offer high-quality and accessible care to all children and parents in the region, we need to think and act like a region.
I hope this offers a bit more insight into our programs and sheds light on our desire to increase accessibility across the Region.