Powell River Region-wide Childcare Planning Project
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Powell River
Region-wide
Childcare
Planning
Project
“THE BEST EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
ARE THE ONES THAT SEAMLESSLY
INTEGRATE LEARNING AND CARE. THEY
GO BEYOND BASIC CHILD-MINDING AND
PROVIDE EXPERIENCES THAT SUPPORT
CHILDREN’S HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT AND
LEARNING.” - IVANOVA, 2015, P. 11
Contents Executive Summary 5 Introduction 9 Ready-to-launch Region-wide Childcare Plan 13 Community Engagement Findings 17 The Current Local Childcare Landscape 29 Projected Need over the Next Ten Years 35 System-level Analysis and Advocacy 41 Proposed Ten-year Region-wide Childcare Plan 49 Conclusion 55 References 57 Appendices 59 Appendix A: Methodology 59 Appendix B: Parent/Guardian Focus Group Summaries 61 Appendix C: Childcare Resources Maps 70 Appendix D: Letter to Minister Katrina Chen 72 Appendix E: Petition to the Honorable Ahmed Hussen, MP 74 Appendix F: Promising Practices 75 Appendix G: Local Initiatives to Date 80
We acknowledge and respect the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation where
this work takes place, and the people and teachings of this land.
Acknowledgements
Elder/Dr Elsie Paul (2014) describes traditional Tla’amin childhood in this way: “You were
part of that family unity. You are there in the circle, in the company of your Elders. You
were embraced” (p. 167). It has been through generations of ongoing colonial policies and
practices that children have been violently removed from the center of communities and
societies. The relentless persistence of many Tla’amin people (past and present) reminds
us of the vital importance of all children to community wellness, now and into the future.
There are many individuals and groups in this region who have also been working tirelessly
towards this aim for a very long time – some of whom have contributed greatly to this
report, and some who are no longer with us. We appreciate the work of all committed
advocates for children and families throughout the qathet Regional District, and all who
dedicate their lives to our younger generations in wide-ranging ways.
We are hopeful that with this project, social planning in the qathet Regional District, the City
of Powell River, the Tla’amin Nation, and the province might continue to follow their lead.
We are so grateful for the many parents/guardians, childcare providers, students,
community members, and elected officials who participated in this project through surveys,
focus groups, and interviews. We hope you see yourselves and your commitments reflected
in this report. Special thanks to the dedicated group of parents/guardians who comprised
our Childcare Planning Advisory Committee, and the childcare providers and caterers who
helped make our meetings possible. Three volunteers from Brooks’ Social Justice 12 class
helped increase accessibility by bringing the surveys to the community with iPads, and we
are so appreciative of this as well. Thanks to Margot Jantz for creating our community
engagement invitations, Daniella Fergusson and the EYPT for reviewing the draft report, and
Davis McKenzie for graphic design of the final products.
Sincere gratitude to the professionals who lent your expertise to this project: The Early
Years Planning Table (with special mention to Rita John, Alison Taplay, Christine Kennedy,
Tanja Hanson, and Lisa Heavenor for additional support); Dr. Geoff McKee at Vancouver
Coastal Health for data; our MLA Nicholas Simons for being such a strong ally in this project,
and to children and families in general; our MP Rachel Blaney and Drewen Young from her
office for supporting us in the development of a petition; Minister Katrina Chen (Minister
of the State for Childcare) for taking the time to join one of our Childcare Planning Advisory
Committee meetings; and the entire Social Action Planning Advisory Committee for your
support in this work to date – and for moving it forward!
February, 2020
Janet Newbury, Marlane Christensen, and Meriko Kubota
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 4
Executive Summary
The Region-wide Childcare Planning Project emerges from years of dedicated grassroots
work, and marks the first time childcare planning has been taken up locally at a municipal
and regional government level. Funded by a grant from the Union of British Columbia
Municipalities, it enables the qathet Regional District to join a number of regions throughout
this province in strategically thinking through childcare planning in our communities. The
project provides the opportunity to engage parents, guardians, and childcare providers
throughout the region; examine local and other data and research related to this issue; gain
an understanding of the current childcare needs; project needs and capacity into the future;
and develop a ten-year plan for addressing our childcare challenges.
The report begins with a ready-to-launch region-wide childcare plan comprised of
immediately actionable items at a local level that can make a big difference towards easing
some of the strain families and childcare providers are currently facing. The remainder of
the report includes extensive detail about the current state of childcare, needs assessment,
and a holistic ten-year childcare plan to be coordinated by the Social Planner.
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 5
41.2% OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS
SURVEYED ARE RELYING ON
INFORMAL, AD HOC SOLUTIONS
TO THEIR CHILDCARE
CHALLENGES
With licensed childcare available for only an estimated 15.3% of children aged 0-12 in the
qathet Regional District (qRD), families and childcare providers are struggling. While the
burden of addressing this challenge typically falls to parents/guardians, it is felt by all of
us: A lack of early childhood education effects early childhood development (with impacts
throughout the lifespan), gender equity (with impacts on family poverty), and economic
development (with impacts on productivity). Vulnerable families are hardest hit when
quality childcare is unavailable, and the lack of quality childcare then contributes to the
higher numbers of at-risk children by kindergarten-age in the qRD when compared to other
regions in BC. Investing in early years is an investment in the health and wellbeing of our
community over the long term.
With only 429 childcare spaces in the region and with an estimated 2800 children living
here - and at least 105 to 180 children currently on waitlists for care in this region - the
current demand is already high. 41.2% of parents/guardians surveyed are relying on
informal, ad hoc solutions to their childcare challenges.
In order to meet the current need childcare space availability for 50% of families is
recommended – which translates to approximately 1,350 affordable quality spaces. This
increase requires the addition of 921 spaces and roughly 131 additional qualified ECEs in
the qRD, with a 1% increase every three years. This ambitious target is in line with other
communities that have put forward universal childcare strategies (see Alberni-Clayoquot
Regional District, 2019). Importantly, a holistic approach to childcare planning would also
include supports for parents/guardians who prefer to care for their children in-home, which
could substantially reduce this number, particularly for infants and toddlers, where there is
the greatest demand for childcare.
Families in the region emphasized quality and choice as the important issues. However, due
to lack of options, they often find themselves making childcare decision based on availability
- not quality and choice. Therefore, a comprehensive and responsive region-wide plan will
include:
»» the recruitment and retention of ECEs,
»» the creation of new childcare spaces,
»» affordability and accessibility, and
»» strategies to support parents/guardians to care for their children.
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 6
429 (15.3%) of the
qathet region’s 2800
children have access
to childcare spaces.
An additional 921
spaces are needed
in order to meet the
needs of 50% of the
families in qathet.
The qRD is well positioned to successfully implement this aspirational plan because of:
»» the data that has been compiled (over many years) locally and internationally to support
meaningful investment in early years,
»» the structural support that now exists for this project locally (a full time Social Planner
for whom this is a central commitment, who reports to all three local governments, and
who is supported by three advisory committees),
»» the meaningful support this initiative is already receiving from our elected provincial and
federal leaders, and
»» the alignment of our provincial recommendations with those of other regions
throughout BC, strengthening advocacy for a robust provincial response to the childcare
crisis throughout the province (and replicated across Canada).
The qRD Social Planner’s portfolio appropriately recognizes early years, housing, poverty
reduction, and social cohesion as inextricably linked. Addressing all four of these important
social determinants of health simultaneously demonstrates a progressive approach to
childcare planning that prioritizes sustainability and quality over quick fixes.
The Ten-year Region-wide Childcare Plan strives to address the childcare challenges families
are facing by working to continue to build on existing strengths:
»» The plan begins with some immediately actionable items that can set the stage for
future successes, such as eliminating barriers through bylaw adjustments, applying for
infrastructure funding for new childcare spaces, and continuing to support local intakes
of ECEC students at VIU.
»» It moves to more concerted efforts towards increasing childcare options with a
networked approach of additional spaces throughout the region.
»» Finally, it ambitiously pushes for universal childcare throughout the qRD. All of this
includes provincial advocacy in alignment with that of other regions.
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 7
ACR O N YM K E Y CCPA: C anadian C enter for P olicy A lternatives CDRC: C hild D evelopment R esource C enter CPAC: C hildcare P lanning A dvisory C ommittee ECE: E arly C hildhood E ducation / E arly C hildhood E ducator ECEC: E arly C hildhood E ducation and C are EDI: E arly D evelopment I nstrument EYAC: E arly Y ears A dvisory C ommittee EYPT: E arly Y ears P lanning T able HELP: H uman E arly L earning P artnership i PR: inclusion P owell R iver MCFD: M inistry of C hildren and F amily D evelopment PRACL: P owell R iver A ssociation of C ommunity L iving q RD: qathet R egional D istrict SAPAC: S ocial A ction P lanning A dvisory C ommittee SD47: S chool D istrict 47 UBC: U niversity of B ritish C olumbia UBCM: U nion of B ritish C olumbian M unicipalities VCH: V ancouver C oastal H ealth VIU: V ancouver I sland U niversity Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 8
CHILDCARE HAS BECOME A CRISIS
IN OUR COMMUNITIES, WITH
LICENSED CARE AVAILABLE FOR AN
ESTIMATED 15.3% OF CHILDREN
AGED 0-12 IN THE REGION.
Introduction
The qathet Regional District (qRD)* is Furthermore, “about 23,000 families [in
celebrated for its quality of life with Canada] —many of them single-parent
accessible social services, extensive families—would be lifted out of poverty
education opportunities, and thriving after the introduction of an expanded ECE
children and families (City of Powell River, program” (Craig, Beckman, Macdonald,
2014). This is a beautiful place to live with Renner, & Stewart, 2017, p. iv). The United
access to the ocean, the Sunshine Coast Nations Convention on the rights of the
Trail, the back country, and so much more. child highlights the rights of children in the
Many people choose to live here for the early years. This requires governments
beauty and quality of life. Beneath the to “develop an integrated approach to
surface, however, people are scrambling. supporting families” – including taxation,
benefits, housing, and employment
Childcare has become a crisis in our structures (HELP, 2012, p. 1). A cost-
communities, with licensed care available benefit analysis indicates a return-on-
for an estimated 15.4% of children aged investment of $3.62 for each dollar
0-12 in the region. Research shows invested in ECE from 2018 to 2050 – if
that the early years are vital for healthy enrollment in Canada reaches the OECD
development throughout the lifespan average (Craig et al, 2017).
(Bakken, Brown, & Downing, 2017), and
that good quality early childhood services Parents/guardians care deeply about quality
are good for children in the here and experiences for their young children. But
now and also support lifelong “health, due to few options, they – along with
educational, and social outcomes” (Human childcare providers, friends, extended
Early Learning Partnership, 2012, p. 1). family, employers, and others – struggle
to find a way to provide for their families.
*Throughout this document, where the ‘region’ or ‘qRD’ is referenced, it is inclusive of the City of Powell River, the
Tla’amin Nation, and the qathet Regional District
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 94) supporting parents/guardians to care
for their own children. While the project
has a regional focus – and starts there - it
Case study A: Jane’s Story requires coordinated action across all three
levels of local government and provincial
Jane is a parent of three children and federal governments in order for
under six. She and her partner meaningful change to occur. This project is
moved to the qRD a year and a half just one component of a broader strategic
ago, specifically because of childcare plan developed by the Powell River Early
challenges; they have family here Years Planning Table (EYPT) (2018). In
who can help to lighten the load. 2019 an opportunity arose to apply for
Throughout this report, her story will a provincial grant through the Union of
appear in orange textboxes like this British Columbian Municipalities (UBCM),
to help illustrate how the ideas being and the EYPT submitted an application
discussed can impact families in our for our region – to be implemented by the
region. Social Planner who was hired in 2019. The
application was successful.
And perhaps that is how this region is
unique. With parents, guardians, and
professionals who have been researching
and advocating this issue for years; a
Increased costs of living require more adults
Social Planner who is addressing childcare
to work more hours per week, and the
in connection with other social issues
burden of this combination of factors often
(housing, poverty, and social cohesion);
falls most heavily on women - leading to
functional working relationships among
stress in the here and now, and high rates
all three local governments around
of poverty among women in older age.
these matters; and dedicated support
In these ways, our region is not unique. from our elected provincial and federal
Throughout the province and across the
country similar scenarios are playing out.
Citizens and governments are recognizing
some of the root causes of these challenges
and the need for coordinated solutions. Case study B: Aja’s Story
This report marks the qathet Regional Aja is a qualified ECE. She is
District’s foray into joining a growing committed to providing quality
number of communities in this care that centers positive
conversation. It examines the current experiences for children, but
situation families in our region are facing has encountered many logistical
and the projected childcare needs looking hurdles in pursuing this dream.
ahead ten years. Drawing from promising
practices locally and in other parts of Throughout this report, her story
British Columbia and Canada, it proposes will appear in beige textboxes
strategies for addressing these challenges, like this to help illustrate how the
with primary attention to quality and choice ideas being discussed can impact
for families. Delivering quality and choice childcare providers in our region.
will require 1) recruiting and retaining Early
Childhood Educators, 2) creating new
spaces, 3) affordability and accessibility, and
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 10INCREASED COSTS OF LIVING
REQUIRE MORE ADULTS TO WORK
MORE HOURS PER WEEK, AND THE
BURDEN OF THIS COMBINATION
OF FACTORS OFTEN FALLS MOST
HEAVILY ON WOMEN - LEADING TO
ST RESS IN THE HERE AND NOW,
AND HIGH RATES OF POVERTY
AMONG WOMEN IN OLDER AGE.
representatives – we are well-positioned to The report starts by outlining a ready-
take bold steps towards child- and family- to-launch region-wide childcare plan
centered community planning. for local governments, organizations,
and individuals to begin to implement
The project team for this Region-wide immediately. It then moves into the
Childcare Planning Project was comprised more detailed report including community
of Meriko Kubota (Social Planner), engagement findings, research results, and
Marlane Christensen (consultant) and phased plan for the Social Planner moving
Janet Newbury (consultant), with active forward.
support from the Early Years Advisory
Committee (EYAC, a small cohort of the It is important to begin by emphasizing
EYPT). The methodology included a that quality childcare is about much more
community engagement strategy as well than enabling parents to work. “The best
as extensive research, both of which are early childhood programs are the ones that
outlined in Appendix A. Many of the seamlessly integrate learning and care. They
recommendations are based on promising go beyond basic child-minding and provide
practices already taking place locally experiences that support children’s healthy
and elsewhere; these can be found in development and learning” (Ivanova, 2015,
Appendix F. The foundation of work already p. 11). This is not to advocate out-of-
implemented in the region related to home childcare over caring for one’s own
childcare planning is outlined in Appendix children, but rather to advocate choice for
G. families - and to ensure quality is central
to the conversation regardless of people’s
childcare choices.
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 11Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 12
1
Ready-to-launch Region-wide
Childcare Plan
INFRASTRUCTURE FAIR WAGES INCREASE CAPACITY
APPLY FOR PROVINCIAL NEW NEGOTIATE COMPETITIVE FUND A NEW COHORT OF
SPACES FUNDING WAGES FOR QUALIFIED ECE WORKERS
PROVIDERS
There are currently provincial funding opportunities for both ECE wages and new childcare
spaces – both of which are significant components of a holistic approach to childcare
planning, and can support the broader vision of this report with immediate action at a local
level. In order to maximize the potential for these gains locally and to ease the immediate
child care crisis, as a first step to region-wide childcare planning, three key actions can pave
the way for the broader vision set out through the remainder of this report.
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 13»» Renovations to support quality
childcare spaces at: the Northside
Community Recreation Center
(Lund), Texada Elementary School,
THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT Kelly Creek Community School and
Lasquetti. Any changes proposed at
IS CURRENTLY OFFERING any other community/neighbourhood
where a facility upgrade is being
INFRASTR UCTURE FUNDING considered - should be carried out in
consultation with the community and
FOR LICENSED CHILDCARE with consideration of accommodating
current uses of the space.
SPACES, AT UP TO $3 MILLION. »» Pre-fabricated licensed childcare
spaces located near the hospital/
Recreation Complex, and at James
Thomson, Edgehill, and Henderson
schools.
»» Pre-fabricated licensed childcare
Apply for provincial New spaces located: near major employers
or organizations who show interest
Spaces funding (such as First Credit Union, Townsite
mall).
»» Negotiate competitive wages of $20-
25/hr for qualified childcare providers 3. Access to outdoor/natural spaces will
»» Apply for WorkBC’s Project-Based be considered, as will flexible times
Labour Market Training grant or another and the other needs identified in the
suitable grant to fund the next cohort report below, in the development of
of local ECEC students. the proposal.
»» Apply for provincial New Spaces
funding
Once infrastructure is built, a next step
The provincial government is currently would be for the new spaces to be
offering infrastructure funding for licensed networked in a way that is supportive
childcare spaces, at up to $3 million. The to childcare providers and families. For
uptake on these grants has been increasing instance: administration of subsidies,
and fast action is needed not to miss this provision of on-call workers, and scheduling
opportunity. could be coordinated in a way that is
responsive to community need and
The recommended approach – based on increases accessibility. A potential approach
the research presented throughout this would be to follow the model of Growing
report – is as follows: Our Future Childcare Co-op (based in
1. School District 47 would be Port-aux-Basques Newfoundland, with
approached to partner with the City of support from their local Credit Union). See
Powell River and the qathet Regional Appendix F for detail.
District to apply for the provincial The application for the Childcare BC
funding (with support from the Early New Spaces Fund should be submitted
Years Planning Table and Social immediately. (See https://www2.gov.bc.ca/
Planner). gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-
for-young-children/running-daycare-
2. The proposal will include the following preschool/childcare-new-spaces-fund.)
new spaces:
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 14Negotiate competitive intake of ECEC students at the Powell River
VIU campus.
wages of $20-25/hr
Work BC’s Project-Based Labour Market
for qualified childcare Training grant can provide funding for a
providers cohort of students if graduates are assured
work based on labour market research
The provincial government has topped and if there is some evidence wages are
up ECE wages by $1, and will do so trending upward. This can provide funding
again in April, 2020. This does not for a cohort of on-campus students in
adequately address the low wages of a certificate ECEC program if there are
this highly qualified position. Recently, guarantees that they can be employed
some unionized and non-unionized not- upon graduation. In addition to the
for-profit organizations have successfully certificate courses, this grant can include
negotiated with the provincial government other supports for learners. The Infant
to achieve competitive wages for their Toddler courses and Special Needs courses
workers. The pay grid – varying depending are available online and could be taken by
on qualifications and responsibilities – graduates of VIU’s basic certificate.
ranges from $20 to $25 dollars an hour.
Additionally, some childcare facilities Tla’amin’s Child Development Resource
(including Sechelt Nation’s childcare facility, Center has recently submitted a proposal
Tla’amin’s Child Development Resource for the provincial New Spaces funding, and
Center, and inclusion Powell River) offer will find out imminently if it is successful. If
unionized environments for their workers, so, the 75 new childcare spaces that will be
which helps with retention of qualified staff. created would be enough to support a new
Here is one example from the Growing intake of ECEC students at VIU through this
Together Child and Parent Society: http:// funding source.
former.bcgeu.ca/growing-together-child-
and-parent-society. VIU, with support of the Tla’amin Child
Development Resource Center and from
The proposed partnership identified above the Early Years Planning Table and Social
(School District 47, City of Powell River, Planner, should apply for the WorkBC
qathet Regional District) would be well- grant for a fully funded intake of ECEC
positioned to negotiate fair wages for students at the earliest opportunity. https://
workers within the proposed networked www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/
approach to region-wide childcare planning Community-and-Employer-Partnerships/
– with support from the Early Years Project-Based-Labour-Market-Training.
Planning Table and the Social Planner. aspx This will ensure a ready workforce for
new spaces as they are developed.
Apply for WorkBC’s
Project-Based Labour We begin with this ready-to-launch region-
Market Training grant or wide childcare plan because it involves
immediately actionable items at a local level
another suitable grant to that can make a big difference towards
fund the next cohort of easing some of the strain families and
childcare providers are currently facing.
local ECEC students The remainder of this report includes detail
about the current state of childcare, the
In order for new spaces to be operational, need, and a holistic ten-year childcare plan
more Early Childhood Educators are to be coordinated by the Social Planner.
needed in the qRD. Recruiting ECEs can
happen in a number of ways, but one that is
immediately actionable is to support a new
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 15Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 16
2
Community
Engagement Findings
Input from community members was challenges, and one Early Childhood
sought between November 1 and Educator), and elected leaders at four
December 10, 2019 in the following ways: levels of government (City of Powell River,
qRD, provincial Member of Legislative
»» Parent/guardian survey and focus Assembly, and federal Member of
groups Parliament). These conversations provided
»» Childcare provider survey and focus important contextual information, informed
group development of surveys and focus groups,
»» ECEC student survey and led to particular recommendations in
this report.
Additionally, interviews were conducted
with six content experts (SD47’s Early
Learning Coordinator, VCH’s Childcare
Licensing Officer, the Child Care Resource
and Referral consultant, the coordinator
of VIU’s Powell River Human Service
programs, one parent facing childcare
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 17Parent/Guardian Survey Geography
182 Survey Responses Westview 61
Wildwood 20
South of town 20
9 21
10 Grief Point 17
10 Townsite 16
61
15 Cranberry 15
North of town 10
16 Lasqueti Island 10
Tla'Amin 9
17 20
Texada Island 2
20
Savary Island 1
What we heard from did because it was either the best or only
available option.
parents/guardians
Importantly, 81% of respondents answered
Who participated in the parent/ “yes” (37.6%) or “somewhat” (43.4%) to
guardian survey and what they the question: Does/Did your arrangement
with your childcare provider meet your
currently experience requirements? Most respondents were
182 parents or guardians participated in satisfied with the location and quality of
the survey, representing approximately care they accessed, but the hours and cost
314 children aged 0-12. There were were less satisfactory.
respondents from every area of the qathet Families face a number of childcare
Regional District, as visualized above. At challenges as articulated in the graph on
the time of survey completion, 49.2% of page 19.
respondents were accessing some form of
licensed childcare. 4% did not yet require Other challenges were also high ranking
childcare, and 5.6% indicated they do not (between 7 and 53 respondents) including
need support with childcare. The remaining arranging care for more than one child,
41.2% of respondents were using a range transportation, getting the extra support
of informal, unlicensed, and ad hoc forms needed, culturally appropriate care,
of childcare including: a friend, relative, dependable care, and finding temporary
or babysitter; one parent staying home; care. The vast majority of respondents
unlicensed care in someone else’s home (168) rely on private vehicle for
(relative or otherwise); and turn-taking transportation.
with other families. 63.9% of respondents
indicated they used the approaches they
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 18C H IL DCAR E C HA L L E N G ES
VALUES ALLIGNMENT
MOST RESPONDENTS
SCHEDULE
BABY SPACES
COST
WERE SATISFIED
WAITLISTS
WITH THE LOCATION
AND QUALITY
OF CARE THEY
ACCESSED.
THE HOURS AND
118 94 80 74 71 COST WERE LESS
SATISFACTORY.
Top 5 childcare challenges identified by 182 survey respondents
What parents/guardians want or natural spaces. Near the hospital was
also suggested. Some respondents also
53.3% of respondents said they do not indicate time of day and more flexible hours
believe there is adequate childcare in their are also more important than location.
community.
The two most in-demand times of
In order of preference, survey respondents care by respondents are weekends
state they would prefer to have childcare (95 respondents) and flexible care (94
near a school, then near their workplace, respondents). Also, statutory holidays,
and last was near where they live. Key after-school care, part-time care, early
exceptions to this are the more rural areas: mornings, and late evenings are in high
Texada, Lasqueti, North of town, and South demand. 81% of respondents indicated
of town – having childcare in each of these that their current arrangement either meets
locations is important. their requirements or somewhat meets their
requirements.
Several respondents stated they are more
concerned with quality than location. Respondents would prefer to see a variety
Respondents offered additional important of childcare facilities throughout the region
elements of location (connected with – including those in public buildings and
quality) such as having childcare near a park family-run home-based facilities – rather
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 19Case study A: Jane’s Story
Because he was already working and I’m just entering into the workforce now,
it feels like it’s always on me every week to call people, figure out childcare, and
return the favour if someone offers support for free. Even though he’s a really
supportive partner, it seems like this still often falls to the parent who was home
with the kids first to sort out. I am currently a student, and it’s really hard to find
well-paid part-time work. I just got offered a job and they said I can do part-time,
which is great! We worked it out so we don’t go up an income threshold … my
partner dropped a day of work to take care of the kids. Employer flexibility really
makes a big difference – and we are both lucky to have that.
So for childcare, my partner is taking one day, his parents do two other days, I
do two days, and my brother-in-law helps out. It works but honestly if we didn’t
have family or friends it would be impossible. We actually moved here because
of family support with childcare. Having flexible employers and a supportive
partner are crucial too. We’ve also made a lot of good friends here and we trust
each other’s parenting styles. We’ve met a lot of people through play groups –
“
like Strong Start and pre-school – this helps us build our informal network, which
we really love. We pick up and drop off for each other – those are some ways we
make it work.
than one large facility. Some respondents their children at home if this is their choice
like the idea of having various ages under should also be prioritized.
the same roof, but still prefer smaller groups
of children. Natural spaces and outdoor Additional insights from parent/guardian
play/learning (not just playgrounds) are focus groups
priorities for several people, culturally
Recognizing the diversity of experiences
appropriate care, and more options in
among families throughout this region,
terms of time of day and ages of children
area-specific focus groups were also hosted
(particularly need more for infant-toddler).
in order to a) deepen understanding of
The need for support in accessing childcare
the complexities that may be at play for
subsidies as well as appropriate care (and
parents/guardians in relation to childcare,
related resources) for children with special
and b) clarify differences among what
needs were also highlighted.
families in different areas experience and
Several respondents mentioned the hope for. A total of 17 people participated
importance of looking at supporting in parent/guardian focus groups. While
families and young children in more ways this is not a high number, the stories
than childcare. Thinking systemically and insights shared were invaluable to
about how communities are organized – this process. In particular, these focus
and the policies and funding structures groups were insightful in helping identify
at play – was repeatedly pointed out by some regional differences when it comes
parents/guardians (see side panel). Out-of- to childcare barriers and opportunities.
home childcare is not the only important Experiences and needs related to childcare
consideration when addressing this issue: are very different for families living within
supporting parents/guardians to care for the municipality as compared to those living
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 20“
“I am a single parent of
“In our family, my
a special needs child
ability to secure
and finding quality,
employment has
affordable care has
been contingent on
been a major challenge…
securing childcare.
While I am grateful
There is a gender
there is financial aid for
bias to this, as well,
childcare, both programs
as my (male) partner
were/are so complicated
makes significantly
and hard to access that
more money, and
most care providers will
the implied trade-
not accept it.”
off is that having
the lower-paid job
I would be staying
“I agree with those who
home more with our
speak about NOT focusing
kids. I’m definitely
as much on childcare but
not alone in this more the ability to NOT
experience. It’s need it, IE: better maternity
frustrating.” leave, benefits, etc.”
in the more rural areas of the qRD. Please additional barriers to accessing quality
see Appendix B for detailed summaries of childcare. Quality, affordability, flexibility,
responses and concrete suggestions from and choice are important for parents
each focus group. and guardians – and structural support is
necessary for this to be realized.
Overall, it is clear that there are a range
of needs, assets, and lifestyles throughout
this region, and childcare experiences
are not uniform. Rural living brings with
it supportive informal networks, but also
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 21What we heard from care (13 respondents). Interestingly, more
are willing/able to offer flexible/on call care
childcare providers (9 respondents), and care for children who
require additional support (12 respondents).
Who participated in the childcare
The major sources of funding accessed
provider survey and what they by respondents are childcare operating
currently experience funding/base funding (11 respondents)
26 childcare providers participated in the and the ECE wage enhancement (10
survey, 76% of whom are currently working respondents). Most (13 respondents)
in the field. Respondents were fairly spread also provide service to families eligible for
out over the qRD (though there were the Affordable Childcare benefit offered
none on Savary Island or in Cranberry). through the Province of BC – though some
Most (23.8%) were in Westview. Over did not and some were not sure. Likewise
half (52.3%) were located in residential (12 respondents) access support from the
buildings. Supported Child Development Program,
while some did not and some were not
15 respondents are working as ECEs or sure.
ECE Assistants (employees) others manage
or run facilities and/or have Responsible The majority (75%) of respondents rated
Adult training. Several respondents have their job satisfaction as either excellent or
specializations: very good.
- Special needs specialization (10)
- Infant-toddler specialization (6)
- Aboriginal specialization (2)
Waitlists ranged in length from no waitlist Childcare availability
to over two years – with 50% falling in
Childcare availability varies by day of week and time of day
the six months to two years range. They
ranged in size from no children to over 15
58%
children – with 64.7% having waitlists of Of childcare providers do not
six children or greater. While definitive provide care before 6 AM
numbers of children currently on waitlists
in the region are not accessible, survey
46%
data indicates there were at least 105-180 Of childcare providers do not
children on waitlists for licensed care in provide care after 7PM
the region in November 2019. It is almost
certain that the numbers are greater.
50%
Of childcare providers do not
The vast majority of respondents are provide care overnight or on
not able to offer care before 6 am (15 weekends
respondents), after 7 pm (12 respondents),
overnight (13 respondents), or weekend
50% 50% of childcare wait lists in the quathet regional
district fall between the six months to two years range.
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 2226 childcare providers participated in the
survey, 76% of whom are currently working
in the field. Here is what they said...
“They should look at ways they can help
support childcare in rural areas which
may have a large fluctuation in the “Create a childcare co-op kind
population of children...if there was of thing. As a single operator,
some financial help to buffer some of you can never take time off -
the fluctuation, then perhaps ECEs a casual list would be a great
would take a chance on starting start. We need monthly get
programs because they know it will togethers to exchange ideas,
survive the fluctuations.” for training, and for
connection.”
“We need to address the
root of the crisis and look
at staffing - education,
“As a single operator, more
“Provide funding or a space wages, and retention
for ECEs to open their own adult bodies are needed to
before we look at
room. Eg: the church that was support vulnerable families
for sale would have been a
increasing spaces.” and children. More
perfect place for the city to (preferably free) training.”
rent out rooms for ECEs to
open a childcare program.”
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 23What childcare providers want
When asked if they were interested In response to the question “what would
in expanding, 50% said either yes or increase your capacity to support children
maybe. They said key ways the region who require additional support or for
could support the access to childcare are: vulnerable families?” the two most common
being a community champion and leader responses were 1) more trained adults in
for childcare needs (17 respondents), the community and 2) more space.
considering requesting developer provision
of childcare spaces as part of new high- Respondents’ ideas about how the region
density housing developments and/or major can address childcare challenges fell into
projects (13 respondents), considering four key themes:
utilizing tax incentive legislation, if
»» more training for ECEs
applicable, to encourage childcare space
»» higher wages for ECEs
development (13 respondents), providing
»» access to affordable space (potentially
childcare space in a publicly-owned facility
through non-profit partnerships)
(12 respondents), and updating zoning and
»» eliminating barriers (financial and policy)
business regulations (9 respondents).
to opening and operating facilities
FOUR SOLUTIONS WERE PUT FORWARD BY
CHILDCARE PROVIDERS IN THE REGION
More training for Higher wages for Access to Eliminate barriers
Early Childhood Early Childhood affordable space to opening and
Educators Educators operating new
facilities
“UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEES
WITHOUT FAIR PAY. ECE EMPLOYEES ARE BEING
OVERWORKED DUE TO SUCH HIGH DEMAND.”
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 24ECEC student survey responses
In addition to the online survey for Case study B: Aja’s Story
childcare providers, an additional survey
was distributed to the current cohort of Now that I’m qualified, I can’t be
ECEC students at the Powell River campus everywhere to help centers that
of VIU in order to learn more about their have to shut down because they
career aspirations. 12 people responded to don’t have an ECE (if someone is
this survey, 11 of whom expect to graduate absent and they need a fill-in). So,
with either a certificate or a diploma when that happens there are many families effected that
between December 2020 and December day if they have to shut down the room because they
2021 (one is unsure). don’t have the qualified staff. That’s not fair to anybody.
Having casual ECEs who can fill in regionally would really
Seven respondents plan to work as an ECE help childcare providers from burning out and shutting
immediately upon graduation and stay in down for good.
the qRD. Four do not anticipate barriers
to finding work in the short term. Others We need to be able to get together monthly – not just
identified the following barriers to being ECEs, but the people running family daycares - to talk
employed as an ECE in the region in the to each other: What works? What have you learned?
short term: If you encounter this what would you do? The world is
changing so much, so if we can meet to support each
»» low wages (4) other, that would go a long way to sustaining people
»» lack of benefits and pensions (4) working in this field.
»» few full-time positions (3)
»» age discrimination (1)
»» competition for limited employment (1)
All but two respondents were aware of including: wages that do not reflect the high
the demand for specializations, and some expectations and challenging work, lack of
intend to seek the following: benefits and pensions, and few full-time
positions.
»» special needs specialization (4)
»» infant-toddler specialization (3) When asked if they believe they might run
»» Aboriginal specialization (2) their own childcare center, three said no
and most were unsure. Several indicated
When asked about their career aspirations they would be open to the idea.
in five to ten years:
Priorities for a region-wide childcare plan
»» One respondent hopes to still work in identified by this group focused primarily on
the same childcare center (if working quality and included:
conditions are good)
»» Seven plan to move on to a different »» Supporting children with diverse
career and/or a different community abilities needs (7)
»» Four are unsure or didn’t respond »» Flexible hours to accommodate
different schedules (5)
Ten respondents expect they may return »» Lowering the costs of care (4)
to school for further studies, several of »» Making subsidies and resources
whom intend to move on to other fields – (and information about them) more
such as Child and Youth Care or Education. accessible (2)
One respondent sees the high demand for »» Transportation (2)
childcare in the region as an indication that »» Cultural diversity (1)
employment will be forthcoming. Others »» Hearing voices of parents and ECEs (1)
identified a number of significant barriers to »» Making mindfulness more present in
long-term participation in the field of ECE the curriculum (1)
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 25“
“I have a really “Most outdoor pre-
great friend who school or any pre-
helps me out school programs are
tremendously. only 2 hours and it
If not for her I makes it very hard to
wouldn’t be able arrange work for only
to work.” 2 hours. Then your
4-year-old ends up
”
in a daycare program
which is not focused
“I don’t have family to their age.”
in town to help so
I have had to rely
“We love
on the kindness of
our childcare
others - which feels
provider and it is
like a big ask.”
the best option
for our child(ren).”
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 26Additional insights from childcare Key insights identified
provider focus group through community
There were 15 participants in this focus engagement
group, including ECE students, childcare
providers in daycare centers, and What parents/guardians need (flexibility,
family daycare operators. Participants affordability, accessibility, and choice) and
represented a range of generations and what childcare providers are able to offer
genders, providing insight into the state of are not the same. While parents/guardians
childcare in the qRD. Key themes raised by need childcare that accommodates
this group include: shiftwork and holidays (for example),
childcare providers are not adequately
»» Working conditions for childcare resourced to offer very much outside of
providers Operators and employees regular business hours.
can’t get sick or take vacation. It is a
huge burden if they do. Many family-run centers have existed until
»» Lack of ECEs in the community The now because operators have offered time
waitlists are huge, and there are a and supplies voluntarily. Current economic
number of aging childcare providers realities – including housing prices –
who would like to retire at some preclude the next generation of ECEs from
”
point but continue working because making this kind of life-long commitment
they worry about the parents who to a field that literally does not pay the
desperately need their services. The bills for them. ECE students graduate their
majority of current ECEC students program with significant debt and without
are not regarding ECE as a long-term the promise of competitive wages. This
career. makes recruitment to the field challenging,
»» The need for structural support and retention of workers even more
Providers need support from each challenging. There are facilities in our
other in knowing how best to apply for region that have waitlists – not necessarily
grants and receive training. because of limited space, but because of a
»» Meeting the needs of children and lack of workers.
families Shift work is almost impossible
to accommodate with the hours Because the qRD is not densely populated
of childcare being provided. Some and families do not all live in or near the
providers would operate longer hours if municipality of Powell River, responding to
they had the staff. Without this, there childcare challenges by building one central
is a lot of illegal daycare being accessed facility will not be adequate. A range of
after hours by parents. quality options with diverse approaches, in
»» The economic landscape Childcare various locations, is more likely to provide
providers are often not paid a living the variety families are seeking.
wage or provided health benefits;
In order for a region-wide childcare plan
therefore it is not a viable profession.
to be realistic, it must take all of these
More space is not the primary issue.
challenges into account, as well as a clear
Though there is limited space for rent/
picture of the current local childcare
lease that is viable for childcare, wages
landscape.
of ECEs, tuition relief, and supporting
existing facilities first should be the
priority.
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 27THERE ARE
AN ESTIMATED % OF CHILDREN BY AGE GROUP
2,800 Ages 0-2
N=545
Ages: 3-5
20%
CHILDREN IN 23.5%
N=640
THE QATHET
REGION
Ages 6-12 56.5%
N=1,535
+ an estimated 80 children 0-12 in Tla’amin, age breakdown unavailable
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 283
There are an estimated 2800 children aged 0-12 in qRD
Area A: 110 children
Tla'amin Nation: 80 children
Area B: 180 children
Area C: 210 children
The Current Powell River: 2175 children
Local Childcare Area D: 45 children
Landscape
Area E: Data unavailable
What do the numbers say?
The qathet Regional District is located on statistics for Tla’amin, “as of February
traditional and treaty Tla’amin territory. It 2019 the total number of registered status
spans the Sunshine Coast from Lund to Tla’amin people is 1134, of which 605
Saltery Bay, and includes the islands of are living in the village” (Kaaij, Newbury, &
Lasqueti, Texada, and Savary. Poelen, 2019, p. 21). A recent overview of
Child and Family Services at Tla’amin Health
2016 data from Statistics Canada indicates (Christensen & Newbury, 2020) suggests
12,195 households, a total of 2,965 with the following numbers of Tla’amin children
children throughout the region – excluding living in the village as of 2018:
the Tla’amin Nation. The age distribution is
as follows: Ages 0-6: 43
Ages 0-2: 545 children Ages 7-14: 65
Ages: 3-5: 640 children Total ages 0-14= 108
Ages 6-12: 1,535 children While community engagement findings
make clear that families rely on a number
Total 0-12 = 2720 children of ad hoc, informal solutions to childcare
challenges, reliable numbers only exist for
Data for Tla’amin Nation was not provided,
licensed (or license-exempted) childcare
and numbers are shifting due to changes
operators in the region.
in citizenship laws and rising birth rates.
While there are no definitive age-specific
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 29The population of children aged 0-12 years spans the region as follows.
There are an estimated 2800 children aged 0-12 in qRD
Area A: 110 children
Tla'amin Nation: 80 children
Area B: 180 children
Area C: 210 children
Powell River: 2175 children
Area D: 45 children
Area E: Data unavailable
Municipality of Area A Area B Area C Area D Area E Tla’Amin
Powell River Nation
2175 110 180 210 45 Data N/A 80*
*An estimated 80 of Tla’amin Nation’s 108 children are in the 0-12 age range
*No statistics reported for Area E
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 30In total, there are 429 licensed childcare spaces in the region, for an
estimated 2,800 children aged 0-12. (including
429 Licensed Tla’amin Nation)
Childcare Spaces
For children 0-12 in the quathet Regional District
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
28 82 146 85 39 49
Group Group Licensed Group Multi-age Family In-home
childcare childcare preschool childcare childcare childcare multi-age
(birth-36 (30 months (school spaces childcare
months) to school age)
age)
The hours of operation of existing childcare providers
Childcare availability
are primarily regular business hours, with the following exceptions:
Childcare availability varies by day of week and time of day
58%
Extended hours Before
Of school After school
childcare providers do not Overnight care Open on
(before 6 am and/or care provide care before
care6 AM statutory
after 7 pm) holidays
2 providers 1 provider 4 providers 1 provider 1 provider
46%
Of childcare providers do not
(14 spaces) (30 spaces) (857PM
provide care after spaces) (7 spaces) (7 spaces)
50%
Of childcare providers do not
provide care overnight or on
weekends
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 31How are children in our
Case study B: Aja’s Story
region doing?
The Human Early Learning Partnership
It’s important that people recognize (HELP) at the University of British Columbia
that we are teachers- not babysitters. (UBC) has been undergoing population
A child’s early years are the foundation research about children’s wellness since
for their development. This is when 2004. With a tool called the Early
children first learn to interact with others, Development Instrument (EDI), they have
including their peers, teachers, and parents. been measuring the developmental health
of the kindergarten population across the
province with what has now been seven
waves of research (and a new tool – called
the Toddler Development Instrument – is
in its final stages of development). Each
wave of the EDI represents a two- to three-
Childcare provider survey responses year data collection period (Human Early
indicated that providers generally choose Learning Partnership [HELP], 2016).
a location that works for them. This leads
to a situation in which the location of Given that Healthy Childhood Development
childcare resources is not strategic or based is one of the 12 Key Social Determinants
on family need. Maps provided by VCH of Health recognized by the World Health
that indicate the distribution of childcare Organization (2020) and the Government
resources throughout the region in relation of Canada (2019), this research is vital
to populations of children and families can in determining how children living in
be found in Appendix C. this region can be better supported
throughout the lifespan. The EDI measures
Clearly, there are inadequate affordable vulnerability on the basis of five scales.
childcare resources in the region to
accommodate the number of children and “Vulnerable children are those who,
families who live here. As indicated by without additional support and care, are
community engagement results, the burden more likely to experience challenges in their
of this is felt by parents, guardians, relatives, school years and beyond” (HELP, 2016, p.
friends, employers, and childcare providers. 6).
Levels of emotional and financial family
stress are impacted, and this has a bearing
on children themselves.
Case study A: Jane’s Story
The childcare we get from family is
free, so I feel like I can’t have high
expectations about quality: If my kids
eat hotdogs and watch TV, I can’t really
complain, even though that’s not the way I
parent. There are definite trade-offs.
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 32A total of 235 participated in Wave Seven
from our region (SD47). The study found
that children in our region are slightly more
vulnerable than the provincial average CHILDREN IN OUR
on each of the five scales, with 37% of
our children vulnerable on one or more REGION ARE SLIGHTLY
scales. Throughout the seven waves of
this research, children in Powell River are
becoming increasingly vulnerable overtime.
MORE VULNERABLE
This is especially the case in relation to
elements of physical health and wellbeing, THAN THE PROVINCIAL
social competence and emotional maturity.
AVERAGE AND THEY ARE
While these results do not give causal
explanations, the community engagement BECOMING INCREASINGLY
findings in the current report highlight some
of the stresses families are facing. With the
increasing need for parents to work outside VULNERABLE OVERTIME.
of the home and growing costs of living
– coupled with the shortage of affordable
childcare spaces – many parents/guardians
interviewed indicated that while quality is
extremely important to them, oftentimes
childcare choices are made simply on the
basis of what is available – not what is best
for their children. The EDI data supports
the need for a more strategic region-wide
approach to childcare that has quality at its
core.
The Human Early Learning Partnership Early Develop Instrument measures children’s
wellness and vulnerability along 5 scales.
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 33Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 34
4
2006-2030
19,599 19,906 20,070 22,495
2006 2011 2016 2030
Projected Need over
the Next Ten Years
Overall1, the population in this region is depending on many factors, including
growing, but at a rate significantly slower whether or not economic or other
than the provincial average. Taking a look pressures elsewhere could encourage
at the numbers of females in Powell River younger families or people of childbearing
of childbearing age indicates that only two age to move to the region.
age groups grew in size between 2011 and
2016. While there is no Census data to verify
this trend yet, the City of Powell River’s
That said, in British Columbia, the general (2018) website boasts that “the region
trend is for people to have their first child has experienced a surge in migration,
later in life, and that the number of births with real estate sales hitting record levels
overall in the province has been steadily in 2016 and 2017.” This surge is also
rising since at least 2006 (Provencher, reported in an article in the Powell River
Milan, Hallman, & D’Aoust, 2018). So, it Peak (Donnelly, 2017) that notes an “influx
might be realistic to expect small rates of young families” which “may be in part
of population growth to continue for our due to City of Powell River’s resident-
region, even as the median age continues attraction campaign that targeted skilled
to rise. workers between the ages of 25 and 55.”
There are no population statistics for these
In terms of projecting forward, it is dates at this time, but one indication of
difficult to estimate. The Childcare Needs this trend is the fact that applications for
Assessment conducted seven years ago new business licenses indicate a marked
(Powell River Association for Community increase between November 23, 2016 and
Living, 2013) predicted population growth December 6, 2017 up from 74 to 107.
in the region might level off by 2023
1) Data in this section retrieved from Powell River Association for Community Living (2013) and Statistics Canada (2016) unless
otherwise indicated. These numbers are inclusive of Tla’amin First Nation and all areas of the qRD.
Region-wide Childcare Planning Report 35You can also read
