Fee Affordability!!

Good morning, 
This little video was first published to our facebook page. However I realize that not everyone loves and uses facebook. I am posting it here to ensure it reaches as many people as possible. 

I had the privilege of being part of an amazing conference call about a month ago. Myself, representatives from Hastings County and other Daycare Directors all spoke about a new fee affordability pilot program. This program initiated by Hastings County Child Care Services staff reduces child care fees for all parents of infants and toddlers accessing licensed child care. Both Centre based care and home child care qualify for this program. This funding is not dependant on parental income. It simply supports all families.

This is huge to me for so many reasons.

1.  Our middle class families who make just enough to not qualify for child care fee subsidy but not quite enough to feel like they are getting ahead can greatly benefit from this funding. Money is a massive contributor to everything in our daily lives. From the roof over our heads, food on our tables, family trips, new clothes for those expected and unexpected growth spirts, car bills, unexpected costs, hydro, water,….cost of living. So having this funding to support parents to cover the cost associated with child care is amazing. Hopefully it ensures everyone enjoys a wonderful Christmas while avoiding Christmas "debt". 
2. Equality!! This is massive for me. Statistically speaking for most nuclear middle class families. If the potential income earned from a Mother returning to work does sufficiently exceed what the child care costs will be….she doesn't return. Being a stay at home Mom is wonderful and I am not casting judgment on those who "choose" to stay at home. My point is it's a choice. With this funding the choice is the mothers. It is not made for her because of child care costs. In 2018 we deserve equality in the workplace. Women can't be present at important meetings or even at the table if they aren't there. This funding ensures that if women choose to go back to work it isn't a choice made by a financial precursor. It is her choice. 
3. Licensed child care is regulated. There are ministry and agency regulations that must be followed for the Home child care provider to remain licensed. If these expectations and requirements are not being met then that provider will lose their licensing contract. When parents choose licensed child care they have assurance that programming meets early years needs, menus follow dietary requirements and that their provider is competent. More often than not licensed child care costs more than unlicensed child care. This funding helps parents to choose licensed child care over unregulated care. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. If you enjoyed this posts and the attached video I welcome you to leave a comment and share on your social media pages. Let me know what you want to hear more about! 

Enjoy this beautiful weekend. 
​Kristina xoxo