As a provider of childcare and early learning in this province Wee College has always felt it necessary to be an advocate for the industry as well as for the families entrusting us with their children. Founder, Melody Munro,  was doing so back when the province was in need of provincial standards and has championed for an industry which was built by women and which is still largely a business supported by and for women. Behind the scenes Wee College has been active in making positive changes for childcare, those working within and the families needing the service.

Over the past couple of years, we have been addressing the need for accessible and affordable childcare which is necessary to build strong foundations of learning for our children. As reported in the Globe and Mail, “Canada can no longer afford not to invest in childcare. As economists, historians and child-development experts have convincingly argued, a family policy that includes affordable, accessible child care is not only a crucial ingredient for a healthy economy in an aging nation banking on the talents – and taxes – of the next generation.”

As educators, mothers, fathers and now grandparents, we are conflicted to increase fees as we recognize the increasing financial burdens with our hardworking, dedicated and engaged families. With rising costs, we recognize the need to advocate even more for this-industry, writing to all government levels requesting their support for all families.

We have been active and direct with our thoughts and our views on affordability of childcare and on how government can directly and indirectly contribute to the working families of New Brunswick/Canada. As well, noting ways to ease the cost of childcare through a review and re-working of the current standards and regulations to ensure childcare facilities are more self-sustainable and to ease the burden of imposing more on an industry that has difficulty meeting the current demands without support, resources and tools.

The Government of NB has made the good news reel as of late with many announcements; tuition relief for middle class families; the establishments of wellness centers; investments in software companies; additional investments in jobs in the Edmunston area; investment in health care and literacy, all of which we applaud.

The time to make a difference in the lives of all working families, from all working environments with accessible and affordable childcare is NOW!

Wee College has written policy reform changes, concepts of how to make childcare more affordable and a seven step action plan to help support families and enhance delivery models of childcare to the Provincial Government. Further, Wee College has written a resolution to be forward to the Federal Government on the need for accessible and affordable childcare for all Canadians.

This post is to keep families informed and current on what Wee College has and continues to do behind the everyday scenes of laughter, play and learning.

Together we can make a difference, a real difference yet only TOGETHER!!

Below you will find the resolution…

Resolution: Early Childhood Development and Childcare

WHEREAS disciplines and authorities throughout our Nation have recommended the Canadian Federal government take action to make childcare more affordable and accessible. The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
United Nations expert Committee asks Canada to make child care affordable and accessible

WHEREAS the Government of Canada under the authority of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to work on securing investment within the social infrastructure to include a New National Early Learning and Childcare Framework to deliver affordable, high quality, flexible and fully inclusive childcare for all.
https://www.liberal.ca/realchange/child-care/

WHEREAS Canada’s current childcare system is composed of an incoherent approach by the federal government and a variety of unique provincial and territorial systems. To counter this, Canada needs to rethink the piecemeal legislation that currently exists in this domain and develop legislation and supporting agreements in partnership with pertinent stakeholders, including all levels of government, parents, and childcare and early learning experts.
http://canada2020.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Canada-2020-Analytical-Commentary-No.-6-Universal-childcare-Jan-29-2014.pdf

WHEREAS the modern and social, educational and economic forces are combining to make early care and learning more of a public policy necessity than ever before:

Increase of Women in the Workforce

Today’s two-income household requires working parents to have access to affordable, quality child care that reassuringly supports their efforts to balance work and family. ⁽¹⁾

The Looming Global Workforce Crisis

Companies in developed economies are facing a growing labor shortage as the number of older, retiring workers grows and the wave of younger employees to replace them, shrinks. Economic viability will depend on policies and services that can help attract and retain a competent labour force. Affordable and available child care is critical. ⁽²⁾

Emerging Research on the Brain and Early Childhood Development

Advancements in science and understanding of brain functioning are significantly impacting how we can influence the cognitive, social-emotional and physical development for children and how those influences can effect public policy.

If Canada is to experience a social, educational and economic renaissance, early learning and childcare services will play a critical role in supporting the framework to secure lasting growth and development in job creation and support to families. (3)
(1)” Women in Canada; A Gender-based Statistical Report: Statistics Canada. Catalogue no 89-503x, 2011
(2) “Workforce 2020; The Looming Talent Crisis”. Oxford Economics and SAP-SE. 2014
(3) “The Seven Step Plan, 2015” – Wee College Inc., Moncton New Brunswick Canada

BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal Liberal Government would:

• Create a New Federal/Provincial Early Childhood Education Advisory Council to review all current Policies/Programs whereas to create a National Program, administered in collaboration with Provincial bodies with respect to all parties. Establishing a National Program of support and inclusion for all.
• Secure and ensure that funding coincides with best practises, benchmarking excellence as it measure the effectiveness of early learning education and the delivery of all related programs. Ensuring the holistic development of the child thereby honouring the rights of the child to achieve their full potential.  Today’s generation needs skills for the 21st century.
• Provide incentives to Employers to offer workplace childcare.