The “fund-the-parent” model assumes that parents have unfettered choice in child care, which they don’t. Their choices are constrained by cost, location, availability, scheduling, etc. #ableg
It also assumes that all parents are informed “consumers” of child care, which again they aren’t. Most parents don’t know what to look for in terms of “quality” & it may become less of a factor compared to cost, availability, etc. #ableg
There has been some Cdn research that also shows many parents don’t even realize that their private dayhome is unlicensed & not subject to any safety or quality standards. #ableg
There is an appropriate role for providing subsidies to low income parents (and arguably tax credits, but less so, IMO). But early learning shouldn’t be treated like a commodity where “parent choice” is the only guiding principle. The current system doesn’t allow for real choice.
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Tonight I'm reflecting on the incredible & overwhelming work, resilience & commitment of Alberta's teachers, school staff, administrators & school boards over the past 4 months. And I want to tell them all that I bear witness. #ableg#abed
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I watched as my daughter's Kindergarten teacher cheerfully spent extra time outside w/ them so she could take her mask off to show them how her mouth looked when she pronounced French words that were new to them. The kids had no idea this was different than usual. #ableg
I watched as my son's Grade 2 teacher brilliantly signed them up for virtual City Hall School and my son might now be more excited about what happens at City Hall than the Legislature. His teacher has done extraordinary things to keep them engaged & he's never loved school more.
At the time we called for it, @jkenney dismissed the idea claiming "It's becoming apparent that the NDP doesn't even understand the science of the rapid testing...because it is scientifically useless on people who are asymptomatic.” cbc.ca/1.5832078
Glad to hear that the Premier was able to put aside his political posturing, get briefed by his health officials & take into consideration that his own govt had already been using rapid testing on travellers at airports. #ableg
An important article about the role of a national child care program for economic recovery. It includes a specific message about the benefit in provinces like Alberta:
“Politically it is important to note that while most of the initiative and fiscal support for national ELCC is coming from Ottawa, provincial governments would benefit enormously from the new system.”
“Provincial GDP would grow, tens of thousands of jobs would be created, and provincial revenues would grow by $8-14 billion per year. In fact, the biggest gains would be experienced in those provinces with the weakest existing ELCC systems: the Prairies and Ontario.”
“Silver bullets are rare in social policy, but in childcare, one does exist: set up high-quality, universal child care...it will benefit children, families, & the country’s economy. It’s not the cure that’s the mystery here but what took the good doctor so long to prescribe it.”
“It’s not like children are thriving under the status quo. More than one in four Canadian kids enter school without all the skills...to equip them for success.”
First, they don’t want to debate their disastrous Bill 47. That’s the Bill that rolls back protections & supports for workers who are sick/injured at work & who are unsafe at work. During a pandemic. When more workers than ever are unsafe. #ableg
Second, they want to get out of the public eye during their disastrous handling of the pandemic. Being at the Legislature means Question Period & debate & daily questions from the media. They want to hide as Albertans are sick, dying, & their businesses are collapsing. #ableg
Great to see the @CalgaryChamber recognize child care as an economic necessity and highlight the Early Learning & Child Care proposal put forward by the @abndpcaucus as part of Alberta's Future. #ableg#abfuture
One question that arose during the online consultation I held last week was how to get employers & businesses more involved in ensuring their employees have access to quality child care. The pandemic has certainly highlighted for employers that this is a key issue for them too.
I've held great conversations with the @CalgaryChamber, @EdmontonChamber & @albertachambers on this & it was clear that they are very engaged on this issue as well. Ensuring that Alberta parents can get back to work is an economic issue for all of us. #ableg