Advocates are warning that families in Alberta may face the threat of losing access to licensed preschool programs if there are no changes made to the current child care funding model in the province. A survey conducted by the Association of Canadian Early Learning Programs (ACE) revealed that a majority of preschool operators in Alberta anticipate shutting down their schools before or during the upcoming school year. The survey results, although preliminary and not fully representative of the entire preschool sector, also indicate that a significant number of respondents are experiencing a decline in enrollment.

Krystal Churcher, the chair of ACE and owner of a preschool in Fort McMurray, expressed frustration and concern for the communities that depend on these preschool programs. She highlighted the long-term investments made by operators to provide families with preschool options for childcare needs.

The primary issue highlighted by Churcher is the provincial child care affordability grant, which offers full-time and part-time funding capped at $15 per day for parents using daycare services. In contrast, licensed preschools have the flexibility to set their fees without such restrictions, typically ranging from $160 to $300 per month based on the child’s age and attendance schedule. Parents can receive a discount of up to $100 per month per child enrolled in these programs.

The funding disparity between daycare and preschool models has led to a situation where daycare programs are favored due to their lower fees, creating challenges for preschools in attracting enrollment. Churcher emphasized that preschools focus on structured learning curriculums to prepare children for school, but increasing fees without sufficient demand from parents does not address the enrollment issue.

Both preschools and daycare programs in Alberta are licensed under the Early Learning and Child Care Act and contribute to meeting the province’s space targets under national agreements. Alissa Donaldson, executive director of North Glenora Playschool, shared concerns about the impact of the child care affordability grant on preschools, noting the challenges faced in sustaining operations.

The Ministry of Education and Childcare in Alberta acknowledged the changes in the child care sector and emphasized the need for a flexible system that recognizes the different roles of providers in supporting children’s development. The government stated its commitment to negotiating a sustainable agreement with Canada that benefits families and providers while ensuring a flexible early learning and child care system.

Churcher called for a level playing field in the child care funding system, suggesting that a simple adjustment in how spaces are recognized under the affordability grant could significantly benefit the industry. She emphasized the urgent need for changes to support the sustainability of preschool programs in Alberta.