Extended $10/day childcare opt-in may only convince some operators

Childcare operators in the province have extra time to opt-in to $10/day childcare, but a local early learning centre says the extension may only make a difference for some operators. 

On Wednesday, the province announced the September 1 deadline would be extended to November 1 — a move meant to get more operators to sign up.

Municipalities also have to share examples of a standard agreement with all licensed operators in their region by August 29.

Lori Prospero, CEO of Rising Oaks Early Learning Centre said she believes Education Minister Stephen Lecce considered the concerns of some operators.

“I understand that there's been an advisory table that's been formed, although it's been difficult to get information on that. My sense, from the bit we've heard, is that it involves a number of for-profit operators, so he's certainly listening to those concerns,” she said. “I understand there were a number of non-profits involved, although we haven't been able to confirm who that is.” 

But, she said non-profit and for-profit operators have different concerns. 

“For-profit operators from what we hear are concerned about what happens to the ability to make a profit within the childcare business,” Prospero said. “On the non-profit side, we're looking at making sure we have funding to adequately pay our early childhood educators, who are an undervalued and underpaid workforce.”

She said for-profit operators may be convinced to sign on to the $10/day program with the extra time and standardized process, but there are other issues causing hesitancy.

“First off, it's the timing. It's in the summer. There's vacations. We're in the midst of a staffing crisis and so a lot of our focus right now, is on making sure our programs are adequately staffed,” Prospero said.

She said many non-profit operators were already planning to apply by the September deadline, but are working through the process.