Bumpy ride expected on the road to $10/day childcare

Licensing requirements, shortfall of spaces and shortage of workers are all hurdles in the path of new agreement

TEN DOLLAR A DAY CHILDCARE IS COMING TO

Waterloo Region, but getting access for all could be a rough road

Anticipated problems include lack of space and staff. Families who do not use licensed care providers are unable to access funds.

Barb Cardow, director of children’s services at the Region of Waterloo, is excited about the incoming $10/day early learning and childcare program across Ontario, but acknowledges implementation could be tricky.

“[The plan] will address affordability in a way that we have never been able to address it before,” said Cardow. “It will make a significant difference for women and for all citizens to be able to go to work and go to school and know that their children are well cared for.”

“This is, I think, the most exciting time for families, women and children.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford last month announced signing a Canada- Ontario early learning and child care agreement. This is a fiveyear agreement between the province and the federal government to reduce the cost of licensed child care to an average of $10 a day by March 2026.

The program began with a reduction of an average of 25 per cent of the cost beginning this month.

The cost will be further lowered by an average of 50 per cent by the end of the year. The program applies to children under six years of age.

The initial subsidy will be retroactive to April 1, with refunds directed to parents through their