The BC government has launched a child care survey, and we want you to take it! But before you answer, we have a few thoughts on the survey design.

Unfortunately, there are some pretty big issues with this survey. Specifically, it: 

• Offers too few or overly vague response options to support informed answers;
  
  
• Creates false choices, including between universal low capped fees (like $10-per-day) and additional support for lower-income families, when both are necessary;
  
  
• Avoids fundamental questions about whether child care should be funded collectively through the progressive tax system rather than through higher parent fees;
  
  
• Conflates distinct issues such as capital and operating funding, workforce qualifications and experience, and auspice with physical location;
  
  
• Asks respondents to rank priorities that should be strengthened simultaneously.

So, we've developed a detailed Survey Primer to help you respond.

The Survey Primer walks through key questions one by one, explains where the wording is confusing or problematic, and shares how we're responding ourselves. We strongly recommend opening the Primer before you start — or keeping it beside you as you move through the survey. 

👉 Open the Survey Primer here:

👉 Then take the survey here: https://feedback.engage.gov.bc.ca/829274?lang=en

The main thing to get across is simple: B.C. should be building a quality $10aDay system, not asking people to choose one piece of a system.

That means low capped fees plus extra support for the lowest-income families; planned expansion; competitive, equitable wages for educators; inclusive supports; quality programs and facilities; and sustainable operating funding. Read more about the progress BC needs here.

Download a copy of our media release about this survey here.