CCCM, Winnipeg, 23 Apr 07 Media Release
Childcare Challenges in Rural, Northern, and Franco-manitoban Communities
Services under-developed despite significant local economic impact
As Manitobans prepare for a provincial election, political leaders can expect pointed questions about childcare access and quality in rural, northern, and franco-manitoban communities. Three new studies on Thompson, south-western Parkland and St-Pierre-Jolys find numerous challenges confronting parents, children and staff. Despite Manitoba's just-concluded “Five Year Plan” for childcare, significant problems remain.
New research shows childcare services are severely stressed across Manitoba. Fees are high, subsidies are restrictive, quality is compromised, and trained early childhood educators are scarce.
Services are under-developed, even though they make a significant local economic contribution. Every $1 spent on childcare in Parkland, Thompson or St-Pierre-Jolys directly returns $1.58 when direct and indirect ripple effects are assessed. Every 2 childcare jobs create one full-time equivalent position.
“How would Manitoba's NDP, Liberal and Conservative Parties redress the documented inequities and build on the demonstrated strengths?” asks Susan Prentice, author of the three new childcare reports prepared by the Child Care Coalition of Manitoba.
Three childcare research reports will be launched Monday, April 23rd, from 1:00- 1:30, at the Gateway Room (Mezzanine level), Fort Garry Hotel. Author Susan Prentice will present key findings and recommendations. Reports will be available for download at www.childcaremanitoba.ca on April 23.
The launch is being held concurrently with a one-day workshop, “Reframing Childcare as Economic Development,” featuring visiting US expert Dr. Mildred Warner (Cornell University). Dr. Warner will be delivering a public talk “Reframing Childcare” at University of Winnipeg Eckhardt-Grammate Hall, Tuesday April 24th, at 7pm.
Project reports in available online.
Reframing childcare as economic development readings.
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Contact: Susan Prentice - Susan_Prentice [@] umanitoba.ca - tel:Cell: 471-6384
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