Daycare could be getting more affordable for families living in and around Bonnyville.
The Bonnyville and District Daycare is in the midst of applying for a provincial program that would lower the cost to $25 per day.
Mid-November, the Government of Alberta announced their proposal of capping childcare fees at $25 per day. Their first step in making this a reality is a pilot program that will see 18 early childhood centres receive up to $500,000 in operating funding, allowing them to reduce their fees.
“Three of those centres will be in northern Alberta; Bonnyville would like to be one of those three,” said David Beale, director of community services for the town. “It's a bit of a long shot. There are about 40 daycares in the north applying, and we hope to be one of the three chosen.”
In order to submit their expression of interest, the daycare had sent a request to town council for their Dec. 13 meeting, asking for a letter of support. As the landlord of the building the daycare's in, the town would need to be willing to amend the current lease agreement to allow for additional space.
“On the upside, the lease can include an increase in cost for the increased space, which could offset any costs the FCSS incurs in finding space to do our work,” said Beale.
Part of the criteria for daycares applying for the pilot program is their ability to expand the number of childcare spaces available, and to show collaboration with other local organizations and government.
“It would require them to expand their services, which would mean the FCSS and Parent Link will have to get creative with how we offer our program, use joint space – we will have to do some sorting out if successful,” explained Beale, adding that he feels it's worth it.
“My recommendation is that the benefit of $25 per day daycare to the citizens of Bonnyville outweighs the discomfort of FCSS.”
Not only does the initiative offer the reduced cost, but Beale noted the subsidy also still applies.
“So if your daycare costs less than $540 at $25 per day, your fee would be $0. This is a huge bonus to people; it would radically reduce the cost for daycare.”
The government will be choosing locations based on where the demand is greatest. Those 18 centres that are successful will also be eligible for an extra two years of funding, depending on the outcome of the first year.
In addition to the focus on reducing fees, the government program will also be honing in on ensuring there are flexible options for parents who do shift work, accessible locations in places like hospitals and other public buildings, and supports for children with diverse needs.
The deadline for daycares to apply to for the pilot program is Jan. 20, 2017. The centres receiving the funding will be announced shortly after.
