Childcare spaces lacking in Alberni Valley

By Katya Slepian in the Alberni Valley News on May 10, 2016

There aren’t enough day care spaces for children in the Alberni Valley, according to Katherin Charbonneau, a childcare consultant with Pacific Care and a representative of the Port Alberni branch of the Early Childhood Educators of B.C. and Alberni Children First.

Charbonneau was up in front of city council on April 25 to highlight the importance of childcare to the community.

“Quality childcare is essential to communities, employers, children and families and the economy,” she said.

“Childcare is really important and we are in a crisis. There aren’t enough spaces for children.”

The $10-a-day childcare plan that city council endorsed last April is a start, noted Charbonneau, but the conversation needs to be kept alive.

“Families are able to leave children with the peace of mind that they’re being left in enriched play based environment. Families are able to enter the workforce, to go to school, perform community service and receive essential family support that in turn allows them to support  the healthy development of their children.”

May is childcare month and the Early Childhood Educators of B.C. are looking to highlight those who go above and beyond.

“In May, we would like to highlight the important role that early childhood plays and we’d like to honour the early care and learning  providers of Port Alberni for the care they provide everyday.”