Child care options in Penhold may begin to look different if the town's Child-Care Report's recommendations are adopted.
Julie Dallaire, the town's manager of community services, and report writer Jamie Seiyama presented their Child-Care Report to town council during the regular June 23 meeting. The report generated interest and acceptance as information by council.
“Rising from the recent community survey, we found a deficiency in child care options for children aged zero to five years old,” said Dallaire. “To find out exactly what we needed to offer, we did a specific survey on that age group. Using an Early Childhood Mapping tool.”
Report writer Seiyama spoke to council on her research, which examined data from a wide cross-section of service providers.
“The first 2,000 days of a child's life, from birth to kindergarten are an important time in their future development,” said Seiyama. “Our children learn literacy, social skills, and develop character.”
She added there is a high correlation between the provision of High Quality Childhood Programs (HQCP) and successful children.
“Statistics show that high achieving, well-adjusted students who contribute positively to society receive HQCP,” said Seiyama. “From a Return On Investment (ROI) viewpoint, there seems to be a 10 per cent ROI on money spent on child care programs.”
In the process of writing her report, she identified child care options, which vary in cost and availability.
“Prices range from $650 to $1,100 per month per space for daycare,” said Seiyama. “Pre- and post-school care can cost up to $450 per month. Quality care is expensive.”
She noted that there are only 90 daycare spaces in Penhold presently, between licensed and unlicensed providers for as many as 400 children under the age of 11.
Dallaire added she recommended the town offer support and education to families and caregivers in addition to continuing to support Community T.I.E.S. with their efforts to provide daycare in Penhold.
“Under a previous agreement with Community T.I.E.S, the Town of Penhold provides space rent free for child care,” said Penhold mayor Dennis Cooper. “The agreement is coming to an end soon and we will be renegotiating it.”
The Child-Care Report is available from the Town of Penhold's community services department upon request at 403-886-4567.
