Advocates have raised concerns that families in Alberta might lose access to licensed preschool programs if the current child care funding model in the province remains unchanged. A recent survey conducted by the Association of Canadian Early Learning Programs (ACE) revealed that a majority of preschool operators in Alberta are considering shutting down their schools either before or during the upcoming school year. The survey also indicated that many respondents are experiencing a decline in enrollment.
Krystal Churcher, the chair of ACE and owner of a preschool in Fort McMurray, expressed frustration and sadness over the potential impact on communities that rely on these programs. She emphasized the significant investments made by operators over the years to provide families with preschool options for care.
The core issue, as highlighted by Churcher, lies in the province’s child care affordability grant. Currently, the funding model favors daycare programs by offering full-time and part-time funding capped at $15 a day for parents, amounting to $326.25 per month for full-time attendance. In contrast, licensed preschools can set their fees without restrictions, typically ranging from $160 to $300 per month based on the child’s age and part-time attendance.
Parents can avail a discount of up to $100 per month per enrolled child on these fees. This funding disparity between preschools and daycares has led to a system that encourages parents to choose daycare programs due to their lower fees, despite the structured learning curriculums offered by preschools to prepare children for school.
Alissa Donaldson, the executive director of North Glenora Playschool, expressed concerns about the challenges facing preschools in Alberta. She emphasized the need for changes to ensure the sustainability of preschool programs in the province.
The Ministry of Education and Childcare in Alberta acknowledged the significant changes in the child care sector since the implementation of the agreement and emphasized the importance of fostering a flexible system that recognizes the different roles of providers in supporting children’s development.
Advocates like Churcher are calling on the government to address the funding discrepancies and level the playing field to support the sustainability of preschool programs in Alberta. They believe that a simple adjustment to how spaces are recognized under the affordability grant could have a significant positive impact on the industry almost immediately.