An early childhood educator (ECE) at the Accent on Kids Early Learning and Child Care Centre in Yorkton, has been sharing the impact the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement has had on her and her peers.
Michelle Jerg has been an ECE for 25 years, and is also a member of the national childcare workers board of Canada.
She says when the bi-lateral agreement was signed between the province and federal government, she had mixed feelings.
On the positive side, she said it’s “amazing for families, and it helps parents get to work and take care of their families”. On the negative side, however, “many private day homes have closed due to not being able to compete with licenced centres”, increasing wait lists as a result.
“On a daily basis we get phone calls from parents looking for spots that are not available.” she added.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Jerg also noted that the costs of running a childcare centre has risen, and not all costs are covered by the grants available to them. Saskatchewan and Ottawa announced $44-million in one-time grants to support regulated child care spaces in January.
In addition, she says there are many facilities in the province struggling to recruit and retain staff, adding there is no money for wage increases, benefits, and pensions for staff. All of this is creating uncertainty and stress among childcare providers.
Lobbying in Ottawa and Regina
Jerg says about 3 months ago, she was asked to join the national board, then was asked to speak at Parliament in Ottawa last month as part of Canadian Labour Congress Lobby Day.
Jerg said she spoke with Conservative MP for Yorkton-Melville Cathay Wagantall about her concerns, noting Wagantall was receptive and was committed to visiting her workplace in Yorkton. She also talked with NDP MP for Winnipeg Centre, Leah Gazan, who asked her to speak in a parliament meeting as Gazan is in the process of passing an ECE bill. Jerg doesn’t know when or if it will happen, but was honoured by the ask.
She also attended a meeting between CUPE staff, Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Don Morgan, and Minister of Education Dustin Duncan at the Legislative Building in Regina. Like Wagantall and Gazan in Ottawa, Morgan and Duncan were “very receptive and open” during the meeting.
“They’re willing to work with us.” Jerg said.
“I’m so passionate about the children I care for and it would be wonderful if the government recognized the passion in each of us.” she added.
The 10-dollar a day childcare agreement between the province and federal government starts April 1st.