Providers say they’re looking at laying off staff in what was an emotional meeting about the state of childcare in their community. As of July 1, some of the biggest childcare operators in Prince Albert will be taking losses of thousands of dollars per month to provide care for the same number of families who require care.
Childcare spaces in Prince Albert are paid by the government at a much lower rate than spaces in Regina and Saskatoon making the margins for a childcare centre even tighter in the region.
“Childcare providers in Prince Albert face unique challenges — property taxes, recruiting staff and the fact that the government contributes a lower rate to spaces outside the big cities,” said Joan Pratchler, Shadow Minister for Childcare & Early Learning. “It is nearly impossible for operators to make ends meet.
“Operators are telling us they’re operating at a deficit, laying off staff and then hoping for the best every day.”
Childcare operators shared with Carla Beck’s team that they all operate with a deficit ranging from $10,000-40,000. They all say that the lack of contributions and investment by the provincial government has created an eco-system where childcare providers simply can’t make ends meet.
“We struggle every month. We have to fundraise $20,000-30,000 every month, it's really difficult. We have an incredible board; they work hard. It doesn’t make sense that we are struggling financially,” said a childcare provider from Shellbrook, a constituency represented by Scott Moe himself.
The upcoming July 1 changes are especially worrisome for home-based childcare providers, leading many to close. These changes are driving up waitlists across the province, many of which are already 5-7 years long. Woman are increasingly unable to rejoin the workforce because they can’t secure a childcare spot.
Operators also shared with Carla Beck’s team that they are now forced by these provincial changes to download new costs onto parents that were previously covered as the childcare provider. Things like sunscreen, wipes and mosquito spray are no longer affordable for childcare providers and are new required costs for families.
“If you have the goal that you need childcare as an economic driver, but you’ve got providers telling us that the Minister is being dismissive of the very real struggles and concerns of the people on the front line, the result is a failing system,” Pratchler said. “It is Saskatchewan families and ultimately the Saskatchewan economy that is going to suffer because of Scott Moe’s failures on childcare in this province.
“Childcare centres are either going to close or the quality of care is going to diminish. They won’t be able to afford things like paint each month, even meat to serve for lunch.” said a Prince Albert childcare provider.
Carla Beck’s team will continue to fight Scott Moe’s crippling changes to childcare funding.
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