Media Release: British Columbians Understand the Daunting Realities Facing Families Who Need Child Care Access to Regulated Facilities Would Be a Direct Benefit of a Provincial Child Care System

Media Release

March 19, 2015

Vancouver–The Early Childhood Educators of BC (ECEBC) is pleased by the results found in the recent survey conducted by Insights West for theCommunity Plan for a Public System of Integrated Early Care and Learning in BC, otherwise known as the$10aDay Child Care Plan

The poll confirms what the early child care sector already knows, that quality early care and learning programs aresomething the majority of British Columbians want. Continuing research demonstrates how a quality, affordable child care system is important for children, families and community.

The online survey found that British Columbians:

• Are aware child care inthe province can cost as much as their housing. (82%)
• Agree having a proper child care system would eliminate the need for families to access unregulated facilities. (77%)
• Understand that child care is a benefit to children, families and to the BC economy. (75%)

“In my past role as a manager of the Westview Child Care Centre in Prince Rupert, I had daily calls from parents looking for child care spaces that were just not available,” said Emily Mlieczko, Executive Director of ECEBC. “There are only enoughspaces in this province for 1 in 5 children to access a regulated licensed facility and families are stuck.”

“It’s time to build a quality system that is affordable and accessible for all of BC,” said Taya Whitehead,President of ECEBC. “Early Childhood Educators receive specialized training that focuses on the unique development of young children and strong relationships with family.”

The $10aDay Child Care Planfor BC offers a concrete framework to solve the current child care crisis in BC. The poll results confirm that British Columbians see this Plan as a positive approach, with 82% of poll respondents agreeingthat the $10aDay Child Care Planwould be beneficial.

ECEBC has been advancing early childhood education and care since 1969. ECEBC is the collective voice to advance professional and personal commitment to the value of early care and learning by empowering the sector through education, collaboration and leadership.

For more information, please contact:
Emily Mlieczko, Executive Director at executive.director@ecebc.ca

To save or print the release please download the March 19, 2015 Media Relase (PDF).