Shortage of child care spaces
MetroValley Newspaper Group -- Agassiz Observer
27 Jun 2007

Demand for child care spaces continues to grow while securing early childhood educators and care givers is becoming increasingly challenging…

"I surveyed 160 people including parents, [and] professionals within the community," she says, "And with the growing population out in the area, [that] told me there were children [and] families who were going to need care." ..

While there is a definite demand locally, it is a trend that continues right through British Columbia.

"There is a shortage of spaces in B.C.," says Barb Presseau, director of child care for Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) services for Chilliwack and surrounding area. In addition to child care centres, "parents have always used family child care, but, most family child care providers, [both licensed and license not required] are full," says Presseau. ..

.. is advertising for an Early Childhood Educator and an Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Educator, both of which need an ECE certificate as well as an After School Care worker, which does not need an ECE certificate. She says she is always looking for staff for her substitution list.

But so far, the ads she has placed have not been very successful. She cites a shortage of ECE qualified workers in the work force. In addition, "a lot of the Early Childhood Educators either work in other areas of the field or are currently enrolled in other educational programs due to the fact that this a low-paying career thanks to the government. ..

"Pay for Early Childhood Educators does not reflect the training and experience many of them have and so many are working in other fields, also the enrollment in ECE training is down. There is a shortage of ECE staff all over B.C.," seconds Presseau.

Studies show that most British Columbians realize the importance of quality child care. In 2006 Ipsos Reid released survey results which stated, "An amazing 90 per cent of British Columbians polled say that even if they don't personally need child care, they support affordable, accessible child care for families who do."

“Providers are also aware that July 1, the government is reducing their Child Care Operating Funding so many fees will (or have) increase," says Presseau.

Two sources of help have recently appeared on the scene which Presseau hopes will help alleviate the childcare crisis.

"Locally, Chilliwack CCRR has received some funding from our Early Years table to seek out, screen and then refer Child Care Substitutes/ Assistants. [Also] provincially, there will soon be announcements from the provincial government about Capital and Operating grants available. Later this summer ECEBC will be making information available with regards to funding that students can access. Our situation is critical and I hope [these] strategies will help," says Presseau…