A report released recently by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives gave Saskatchewan a failing grade in childcare. According to the report, Saskatchewan's more than 17,700 licensed childcare spaces are only enough for 18 percent of children under the age of five, but 70 percent of parents with children under five years old work for a living. Here in Weyburn, it can take up to two years to get an infant into a licensed daycare, making going back to work difficult for many parents.

Georgia Siourounis is the executive director of the Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association (SECA), which is a non-profit organization that advocates for early childhood educators (ECEs), children, and families. She said there are several issues leading to the lack of childcare spaces.

"There is, of course, a need for spaces but when we look at increasing spaces throughout the province what we often miss is quality. So, quality, it's very hard to define what a quality childcare centre looks like however, it starts with the workforce. So, when it's really difficult to employ ECEs who have their certificate or diploma it directly affects quality," explained Siourounis.

She said certified early childhood educators in Saskatchewan are under-compensated, making it difficult to keep them employed. The report agrees, stating ECEs in Saskatchewan are amongst the lowest paid in the country, second only to Alberta.

Siourounis said the cost of licensed childcare is also an issue for many families.

"Subsidy, as we all know, is not beneficial for families within Saskatchewan. The threshold for full subsidy is $19,000 a year. So, a family can't even make $19,000 a year to qualify for full subsidy within Saskatchewan."

With limited options for parents, Lori Hiltz, director of the Sunrise Early Learning and Teen Parent Support Centre, said parents should do their research before choosing a daycare, especially if they are considering an unlicensed day home.

"I would suggest that parents do their research when they're looking into childcare for their children, remembering that the first five years are the most important years of their life," said Hiltz.

Thankfully, a new 51-space childcare centre is being built as part of the new Weyburn Elementary School, which is set to open in the fall of 2021. The new space, which will be run by a fully licensed childcare operator, should help to take some of the burden off of the four existing licensed daycares in the city. The new school will also offer a pre-kindergarten program.

"Childcare nowadays shouldn't be looked at [like] you're just dropping your kids off for care, it's a learning facility for our youngest and most vulnerable children in our community," said Hiltz.

 

READ MORE: Weyburn Parents Face Child Care Challenges