Child Care

I had a great time at Valley Gardens Playschool on Monday. I’ve had the chance to visit the nursery school a number of times over the past couple of years and have always been impressed with the high quality of the organization.

I keep hearing concerns about child care from Concordia residents. One mom told me she was struggling keeping her job, because she was told her four kids wouldn’t qualify for subsidy. Without subsidy, she would only have about $200 left a month to pay for rent, food and all other necessities. She relies heavily on extended family to fill the gap.

I’m glad she at least has that resource, but I think of families I have worked with that have no lines of support like that. Sometimes the only realistic option for parents is to remain on Employment and Income Assistance, even if they want to work, because child care is not available to them.  A well-functioning child care system enables parents to hold down jobs, and that would be good for Manitoba.

February 2, 2010