Kids Care survey coming to the Elk Valley
The Free Press (Fernie)
September 4, 2008 

Kids Care, a comprehensive Childcare Needs Assessment Survey designed to help community groups better understand the level and types of childcare needed in the Elk Valley will begin circulating in the communities of Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie and Electoral Area A (Elk Valley rural district) in September, says a representative of the Elk Valley Childcare Needs Assessment Team (NAT).

Carmen Murray, Elkford Early Childhood Development Coordinator and spokesperson for NAT, says the survey will be available to all households in the study area who currently have children under the age of 13, or who are planning on having children in the next three years. The Kids Care survey is being administered by NAT and a selection of qualified volunteers in each community. IPSOS REID, a well-known Canadian research firm, who specialize in public opinion research and reporting, have been hired to work with NAT to design and develop the survey, says Murray.

"Although our communities are at different stages in the provision of childcare programs and services, we have one common concern," says Murray, "To ensure that families have access to the best quality childcare possible and that those who need to return to work can do so knowing that their children are well cared for."

"We are pleased to be working with an organization of the caliber of IPSOS REID," she added. "They have worked very closely with us to ensure that the survey addresses the needs of all our communities and partners. Their extensive experience in reporting for the provincial and federal governments will ensure a credible result and ensure its usefulness in the understanding and awareness of childcare issues across the Valley. A strong and credible result will also assist many of our partner organizations when petitioning government and other agencies for funding support."

If an Elk Valley household struggles to find child care or has concerns about their families' future childcare needs then Kids Care wants to hear from them, says Murray. She says that interested families should stay tuned in September for information about where to get a survey. Surveys will be made available at designated locations in each community. Each family is encouraged to complete one survey and promptly mail it back to IPSOS REID, she says.

Finally, adds Murray, the Kids Care survey results and final report are expected before year end and will be shared within each community….