The increase in enrollment at Wee ‘R’ Daycare started around the same time as COVID-19 and has persisted with the introduction of $10.00/day daycare costs. The centre is almost always 100% booked with a wait list of approximately four-six preschool (aged two+) kids daily. There is also a wait list of approximately five infants (aged one year) and 17 infants (less than one year old). As of spring 2024 seven infants will require preschool aged spaces, which will open access to some infant spots. The wait lists could lessen during summer and holidays when families connected with the school have children in daycare.
Going forward with any expansion plans will be dependent on grants and/or fundraising.
“The Early Learning and Child Care Building Fund provides up to 60% of project costs, which leaves 40% covered by either financing or fundraising,” said Bell.
In that scenario the daycare must demonstrate an operating budget surplus by the third year of operation.
There is also a Child Care Renovation expansion grant but the 2023/24 Expression of Interest Application is closed. At this time it is uncertain if this will reopen in the future or not. The prerequisites for this grant are land space for development, proof of ownership of land/building, up to date wait list and three-year operating budget estimate. The good news is eligible centres can receive up to $2 million in capital grant funding.
Another known is expansion needs. To fulfill the ratio needs the centre includes a minimum of two more full time staff to expand by 12 spots.
“Staff recruitment would be a priority of the community,” said Forsyth.
Some highlights in following the Child Care Centre Design Guidelines include: upgraded fire sprinkler system if adding infant spots, increase number of toilets and sinks, expand boot room/cubby space and sleeping space. The required floor space for each child would be 35.5 square feet.
Some parents have also expressed a need for before and after school care.
“The current set up is challenging for families to transport their children between school and daycare for before and after school care,” added Stovin.
The Community Child Care Standards Act covers the legalities of before and after school programs. This type of care can be exempt from the regulations. Care can be provided on school premises by a school or another organization under contract with the school or its board to children who are enrolled in K-6.
“This seems to suggest that it could be easier for an organization outside of Wee ‘R’ Special Inc. to offer before and after school care in partnership with the school. A lot of licensing requirements could be avoided,” added Stovin.
There are many things to consider with a potential expansion. There must be community support and expertise. This would include a dedicated and sustainable group to investigate the feasibility of an expansion and lead any following initiatives.
In the past there was an expansion committee that was very successful in its fundraising efforts.
“The problems that arise with such a committee is that the daycare families involved often age out of needing childcare and people exit the committee,” said Sunaert.
There are also a few concerns regarding fundraising. The community is engaged in a large fundraising project with the new pool facility.
“Wee ‘R’ Special Inc. has to maintain its regular fundraising to cover operating costs. Expansion fundraising cannot fall on daycare families or compete with existing fundraisers,” added Bell.
Cathey Day, community member and Prairie Skills Inc (PSI) board member spoke about fundraising. “PSI has been fundraising for many years, much of the time at the same time as major fundraisers. I would suggest not to let other community fundraisers be a deterrent, as we met most of our goals with small fundraisers all along.”
Another consideration is projected need for daycare spaces. Of course this is difficult to assess. How long will there be a need? Is it a short term or long term problem?
“We need people to investigate all of these considerations and who will do it?,” asked Sunaert.
Perhaps the biggest deterrent for the board was the meager attendance. Other than the five board members there were six staff members, 10 community members, a media representative and a municipal councillor. There were only five families represented that would be affected by expansion.
A dedicated group of people willing to give two to three years commitment to an expansion project is needed going forward.
by JUDY WELLS, Recorder staff