Edmonton Social Planning Council

Category: Social Issues: Family

  • fACT Sheet: Who is Responsible for Early Learning and Care?

    fACT Sheet: Who is Responsible for Early Learning and Care?

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    Introduction

    Early learning and care refers to the environments where young children who have not yet entered kindergarten spend a portion of their day under the supervision of adults other than their parents. Sometimes called daycare or child care, early learning and care includes licensed child care centres, early education programs, preschools, and family day homes.

    Early learning and care is seen as a necessity by some and a privilege by others. The federal government envisions a “system” of early learning and care that is high quality, affordable, accessible, inclusive, and flexible. The government intends to increase its financial support toward child care and to negotiate with the provincial and territorial governments on what a system of child care might look like for each.

    But who is responsible for actually building such a system?

    Who is Currently Responsible for Early Learning and Care?

    At present, the responsibility for early learning and care in Alberta is distributed across different authorities.

    • Local school boards provide early years programming, funded by Alberta Education, for some of the children who need preventive support to prepare for school entry.
    • Local non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses manage child care centres, preschools, and family day homes.
    • Alberta Children’s Services regulates child care centres, preschools, and family day homes. It also provides grants to programs and subsidies to low-income families.
    • The federal government provides funding for some preschools (e.g., Indigenous Head Start) and is committed to building a national system of early learning and child care. It has begun to distribute funds to some provinces and territories for this purpose.
    • City governments control land use and planning within the municipality.

    Unfortunately, these different levels of government and community typically do not work together in a coordinated way. The result is delivery of local child care programs and services that is highly fragmented, with some children and families left behind. For many in Edmonton, early learning and care can be difficult to access, largely unaffordable, and uneven in quality. 

    • The availability of child care spaces is constrained in Edmonton, especially depending on which area of the city a family lives. It is estimated that there are only enough full-day licensed early learning and care spaces for about 37% of Edmonton children under 5 years of age.
    • The affordability of child care is a substantial concern for many Edmonton families, with median monthly child care fees at $1,050 for infants, $950 for toddlers, and $925 for preschool-aged children in 2020. An Edmonton family with one infant and one toddler earning the median after-tax family annual income of $99,500 spends about 20% of that income on child care alone.
    • The quality of early learning and care varies widely across Edmonton. Depending on the specific child care program or service accessed, there can be a range of staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, group sizes, indoor and outdoor environments, and use of a curriculum framework.

    The present situation for early learning and care in Edmonton is a patchwork of programs and services that is insufficient. What is needed is a coordinated system to meet the current and future needs of Edmonton’s growing population and diverse communities.

    An integrated system of high-quality, affordable, accessible, inclusive, and flexible early learning and care would support many children and families, contribute to economic and social recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and help to address some critical societal priorities.

    What Can the City of Edmonton Do?

    The City of Edmonton has identified early learning and care as an economic and social priority.

    • Affordable and quality child care is one of EndPovertyEdmonton’s six game changers that must be addressed if poverty is to be eliminated from Edmonton in a generation.
    • Enabling accessible child care facilities in a variety of locations throughout the city is a policy priority in the Edmonton City Plan.
    • Promoting affordable, accessible, high-quality, and inclusive early learning and child care is part of the Edmonton Economic Action Plan.

    Municipal governments are in a unique position to ensure that coordinated local planning and management of the early learning and care system is translated into programs and services that are responsive to the needs of children, families, and communities. The City of Edmonton can become a municipal leader in Alberta in support of early learning and care by implementing specific actions recommended by the Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care.

    A municipal policy and strategy for early learning and care would represent a strong made-in-Edmonton approach to child care in the city. This policy could include various components to target some of the most pressing issues, grow the partnerships needed, and focus on strengthening capacities. The initial strategy could address issues and capitalize on opportunities through city planning, zoning, neighbourhood development, demonstration centres, and grant programs. Municipal advocacy to the provincial and federal governments could be important to begin the process of building an integrated early learning and care system.

    What Can Local School Boards Do?

    Local school boards in Alberta have some authority over decisions regarding the early education of children, as delegated to them by the provincial government’s Ministry of Education.

    School boards are well-positioned to be an integral part of the development, support, and sustainability of a system of early learning and care that will benefit children and families in their journey to and through the education system. Edmonton school boards can also strengthen their role in support of early learning and care by implementing specific actions recommended by the Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care.

    School boards have a vital role to play. They can provide information about distribution of and access to early learning and care within school communities and neighbourhoods. They can help address issues in finding space, co-locating services, and addressing issues in early learning and care in or around schools. They can also advocate for early learning and care to other levels of government. Local schools can form partnerships with child care centres in the school attendance area to help serve children, families, and communities.

    What Can the Provincial and Federal Governments Do?

    In Alberta, the provincial government has explicit responsibilities to provide early learning and care services for Alberta’s children and their families. However, local governments and school boards can play important roles in providing services. Needs vary widely across the province and even within cities. Therefore, the provincial government would do well to collaborate closely with regional and municipal governments, school boards, and organizations that have expertise in early learning and care and that understand local conditions and requirements. The provincial government can shift focus toward building a system of early learning and care by implementing specific actions recommended by the Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care.

    Recently the federal government has offered to help fund the cost of building a system of early learning and care in each province and territory. The provincial, territorial, and federal governments must agree on how to build such a system. This agreement will have implications for how provincial and territorial governments balance affordable care with quality, accessibility, inclusion, and flexibility that exceed what is currently available. Again, collaborating with regional and municipal governments, school boards, and organizations will be invaluable as the provincial government goes about the important task of building a system of early learning and care.fACTsheet – Who is Responsible for Early Learning and Care

    Who is Responsible for Change? Everyone!

    Building an integrated system of early learning and care that is high quality, affordable, accessible, inclusive, and flexible will require partnership and action. Responsibility to children and families lies at all levels of government and community.

    Without action, the lack of coordinated planning, management, and support will continue to result in missed opportunities, inefficiencies, and duplications. Barriers related to limited space, lack of affordable options, and inadequate assessment of needs, as well as challenges to ensure quality, inclusiveness, and cultural responsiveness will persist.

    With action, these issues can be addressed. Early learning and care is crucial to economic and social development. Access to child care is essential to workforce participation for parents, particularly women with younger children. Mothers are disproportionately affected by a lack of high quality, affordable child care, and this inequity is amplified during economic downturns and this pandemic. Experiences with high quality early learning and care are important for the learning, development, and well-being of children, as well as for reducing child poverty and educational disadvantage. Child care is a critical community service with a substantial social return on investment for communities.

    Citizens can play a significant role in supporting early learning and care! Advancing a long-term, coordinated solution can begin at the local level. Edmonton’s municipal election is an opportunity to put early learning and care on the agenda. Citizens can learn more about mayoral, city councillor, and school board trustee candidate views on early learning and care, and vote in the municipal election on October 18, 2021. In preparation for the federal election on September 20, 2021, citizens can also inform themselves about the notable differences in how federal political parties have decided to support early learning and care.

    Conclusion

    Federal, provincial, and municipal governments, school boards, community organizations, early learning and care programs, and citizens must work together. An integrated early learning and care system, with programs and services that meet the needs of Edmonton’s children, families, and communities is desperately needed.

    Special thanks to Jennifer Fischer-Summers, Jeff Bisanz, and the Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care for helping to put together this fACT Sheet.

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  • fACT Sheet: What Are the Benefits of Early Learning and Care?

    fACT Sheet: What Are the Benefits of Early Learning and Care?

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    Introduction

    Early learning and care refers to the environments where young children who have not yet entered kindergarten spend a portion of their day without their parents. Also known as daycare or child care, early learning and care includes licensed child care centres, early education programs, preschools, and family day homes.

    Early learning and care is seen as a necessity by some and a privilege by others. The federal government envisions a “system” of early learning and care that is high quality, affordable, accessible, inclusive, and flexible. The government intends to increase its financial support toward child care and to negotiate with provincial governments and territories on what a system of child care might look like for each. So far, eight provinces and territories have reached agreements with the federal government. Alberta is not yet among them.

    But what, specifically, are the benefits of high quality early learning and care for young children, families, and society?

    Are There Benefits for Children?

    Studies show that centre-based, high quality early learning and care can have positive effects on children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. In some cases, the impacts are long-term and far-reaching. In one well-controlled study, for example, at-risk children in a high quality preschool program showed a variety of long-term advantages over a comparison group, including better educational achievement, better behaviour in school, better employment opportunities as adults, and less involvement with the legal system. Some of these effects remained at 40 years of age! Not all outcomes are consistent across studies though, which we might expect when we consider that early learning and care programs vary widely in the children they serve and the approaches they use. Nevertheless, findings are generally positive. At-risk children tend to show greater gains than other children, but in many studies all categories of children show gains. Moreover, children typically experience greater benefits when they are in high quality programs; for example, programs with well-qualified early childhood educators and lower child-to-staff ratios have greater positive impacts.

    Are there benefits for children? Yes, children can benefit from early learning and care. If Albertans want as many children to benefit as possible, then early learning and care programs must be high quality.

    Are There Benefits for Families?

    Early learning and care has positive effects on families. For parents, especially mothers of young children, early learning and care allows parents to engage more fully in the workforce. Studies have found that the availability of quality, affordable early learning and care can lead to increases in women’s employment and income. For example, researchers cite increased participation of women in the labour force as one of the main achievements of Quebec’s system of early learning and care. Improving access to early learning and care can also lead to a reduction in social and economic equity gaps. Child care remains a barrier to paid work and the income it provides, which disproportionately impacts lower-income families and particularly lone parents. Affordable quality child care is a game changer for reducing and eliminating poverty, in part because it provides marginalized families with greater access to employment and educational opportunities.

    Early learning and care also impacts quality of life for families. Many parents, in particular those with precarious jobs and incomes, experience intense pressure because they lack child care. Without access to suitable child care, parents face challenges maintaining meaningful employment, workplace productivity, financial stability, and overall wellness. In addition, high quality early learning and care that meets the needs of families can lead to reduced parental stress.

    Are there benefits for families? Yes, families can benefit from early learning and care. If Albertans want as many families as possible to benefit, early learning and care must be available and affordable for all who want it.

    Are There Benefits for Society?

    If high quality early learning and care is good for children and for families, then it is bound to be good for communities and society. Nevertheless, high quality early learning and care costs money. Can Albertans afford it?

    Most analyses of the economic effects of early learning and care show that the benefits—short term and long-term—outweigh costs. The Conference Board of Canada has estimated a return of $1.67 to $5.83 for every dollar invested in a system of early learning and care. According to another economic study, Quebec’s low-cost, universally available system of early learning and care more than pays for itself, mostly as a result of women’s increased participation in the workforce and, therefore, higher taxes paid to governments. The Centre for the Future of Work estimates benefits of approximately $17 billion to $29 billion per year in 10 years from implementing a universal system of early learning and care across the country. These benefits would come from expanded economic activity and tax revenues—the estimate does not include the long-term benefits to children who receive high quality early learning and care.

    Are there benefits for society? Not only is early learning and care the smart thing to do for young children and their families, it is the smart thing to do for the economy!

    Who Benefits?

    What would a system of early learning and care that is high in quality, affordable, accessible, inclusive, and flexible mean for Edmontonians? It would mean everything to:

    • The young family that is trying to save money for a mortgage but cannot afford to do so as long as they have to pay for child care that costs as much as university tuition.
    • The single father who wants to upgrade his skills but has no good way to provide care for his child while attending classes.
    • The young immigrant family that struggles to make ends meet because the cost of barely adequate housing consumes more than half their income.
    • The single mother who needs to return to school so that she has options other than income support.
    • The child with physical disabilities who is turned away by most child care centres because there isn’t the capacity to accommodate their disabilities.
    • Children in all areas of the city who would benefit from access to learning environments with well-prepared, well-supported early childhood educators who have the necessary expertise to nurture the development of personal, social, and cognitive skills in young children.

    The benefits for individual children and parents can lead to economic benefits for communities and economy.

    The current system in Alberta is far from generating these benefits. The current approach does not differ much from what was in place decades ago. There is little support for working parents, especially single parents, beyond an inefficient subsidy system. There has been limited effort to ensure high quality care and little attention paid to children and families who fall through the cracks. Few supports are sent directly to centres that are high quality and affordable, and early childhood educators (mostly women)—who do the important and challenging work of providing care—continue to earn low wages. The world has changed; support for early learning and care has not kept pace.

    Just as many children need high quality child care, Alberta needs a high quality system of early learning and care to realize potential benefits. The federal government is offering the financial support necessary for such a system. It’s up to Alberta’s policy-makers to design it in a way that ensures the high quality necessary to help our children, families, and society thrive.

    The current approach does not differ much from what was in place decades ago. There has been limited effort to ensure high quality care and little attention paid to children and families who fall through the cracks.

     

    Special thanks to Jeff Bisanz, Jennifer Fischer-Summers, and the Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care for helping to put together this fACT Sheet.

    References

    Alexander, C., Beckman, K., Macdonald, A., Renner, C., & Stewart, M. (2017). Ready for life: A socio-economic analysis of early childhood education and care. Ottawa: The Conference Board of Canada. https://www.conferenceboard.ca/e-library/abstract.aspx?did=9231

    Beach, J. (2021). An examination of regulatory and other measures to support quality early learning and care in Alberta. Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care and the Muttart Foundation. https://www.ecelc.ca/publications-archive/examination-of-regulatory-and-other-measures?rq=Beach

    Breitkreuz, R., Collins, D., Cook, K., and Gokiert, R. (2013). Child care policy and the experiences of employed Albertan families with pre-school children: Final Report. https://policywise.com/wp-content/uploads/resources/2016/07/11SGBreitkreuzFinalReportFebruary2013pdf.pdf

    Camilli, G., Vargas, S., Ryan, S., & Barnett, W. S. (2011). Meta-analysis of the effects of early education interventions on cognitive and social development. Teacher College Record, 112(3), 579-620.

    Deloitte. (2021).  Early learning and care as key economic infrastructure. http://mwmccain.ca/reports/2021/03/26/early-learning-and-childcare-key-economic-infrastructure/

    EndPovertyEdmonton. Affordable and quality child care. https://www.endpovertyedmonton.ca/affordable-quality-child-care

    Fortin, P. (2015).  A child care win-win: Quebec’s low-fee child care programme. In Shaker, E. Our Schools/Our Selves: Summer 2015 – Moving beyond baby steps: Building a child care plan for today’s families. https://www.policyalternatives.ca/our-schoolsour-selves-summer-2015

    Fortin, P. (2018).  Québec’s childcare program at 20.  Inroads: The Canadian Journal of Opinion, 42, 52-64.  Retrieved from http://inroadsjournal.ca/quebecs-childcare-program-20-2/

    Lafontaine-Émond, I. (2021).  Early childhood education and care in Canada. Library of Parliament, Publication No. 2021-07-E. https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/202107E

    Lesoway, M. (2021). Regulations can support quality early learning and care. Edmonton Council for Early Learning and Care. https://www.ecelc.ca/publications-archive/quality-and-legislation?rq=Beach

    Malik, R. (2018). The effects of universal preschool in Washington, D.C.: Children’s learning and mothers’ earnings. Centre for American Progress. https://cdn.americanprogress.org/content/uploads/2018/09/14125635/Children-Learning-Mothers-Earning-report.pdf

    Manning, M., Garvis, S., Fleming, C., & Wong, T. W. G. 2017). The relationship between teacher qualification and the quality of the early childhood care and learning environment. Campbell Systematic Reviews. DOI: 10.4073/csr.2017.1[1]

    OECD. (2018). How does access to early childhood education services affect the participation of women in the labour market?, Education Indicators in Focus, No. 59, OECD Publishing, Paris. https://doi.org/10.1787/232211ca-en

    Schweinhart, L. J. (2013).  Long-term follow-up of a preschool experiment.  Journal of Experimental Criminology, 9, 389–409.  doi: 10.1007/s11292-013-9190-3

    Stanford, J. (2020). The role of early learning and child care in rebuilding Canada’s economy after COVID-19. The Centre for the Future of Work. https://centreforfuturework.ca/2020/11/25/child-care-expansion-would-boost-economic-recovery-study-finds/

    van Huizen, T., & Plantenga, J. (2018). Do children benefit from universal early childhood education and care? A meta-analysis of evidence from natural experiments. Economics of Education Review, 66, 206-222.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.7.4″ custom_padding=”0px|20px|0px|20px|false|false” border_color_left=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Posted by:” job_title=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3IiLCJzZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJiZWZvcmUiOiIiLCJhZnRlciI6IiIsIm5hbWVfZm9ybWF0IjoiZGlzcGxheV9uYW1lIiwibGluayI6Im9uIiwibGlua19kZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6ImF1dGhvcl93ZWJzaXRlIn19@” portrait_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9hdXRob3JfcHJvZmlsZV9waWN0dXJlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnt9fQ==@” quote_icon=”off” portrait_width=”125px” portrait_height=”125px” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _dynamic_attributes=”job_title,portrait_url” _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ author_font=”||||||||” author_text_align=”center” author_text_color=”#008ac1″ position_font=”||||||||” position_text_color=”#000000″ company_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#ffffff” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|0px|4px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”32px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.65)” header_font_size=”20px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||50px|||” custom_padding=”48px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9jYXRlZ29yaWVzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiUmVsYXRlZCBjYXRlZ29yaWVzOiAgIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6ImNhdGVnb3J5In19@[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
  • Op-Ed: Alberta needs to provide more robust relief for struggling families

    Op-Ed: Alberta needs to provide more robust relief for struggling families

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    Note: this op-ed was first published in the Edmonton Journal on May 27, 2021 (p. A6).

    Written by Sydney Sheloff and Brett Lambert

    The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly all segments of our society, especially vulnerable and marginalized groups. Families with children have particularly felt the effects due to the back and forth between the closing and re-opening of schools and child-care centres as successive waves of the virus spread through the community.

    The pandemic has taken a toll on the economy, contributing to high unemployment rates and increased financial instability. At the same time, families are having to contend with increased costs related to food, child care, virtual or in-person learning, face masks, and other expenses. What is needed during this trying time is relief and stability to alleviate and reduce poverty. Child benefits are an important measure towards that end. The Edmonton Social Planning Council has long touted the advantages of enhanced child benefits for low-income families.

    Fortunately, the federal Canada Child Benefit (CCB) delivers tax-free monthly payments to families to help with costs related to raising children under the age of 18. For many families, it is a crucial stabilizer and has been credited with lifting nearly 300,000 children out of poverty. Positive impacts of child benefits include improved educational outcomes, food security, and stronger social cohesion. It also has the advantage of efficiently delivering relief during times of crisis. This was on display when the federal government distributed an extra payment of $300 per child through the CCB during the beginning of the pandemic in May 2020.

    Acknowledging that COVID-19 has continued to impact families, extra payments totalling a maximum of $1,200 per child under the age of six are being sent to families in 2021 through the CCB young child supplement. The first in a series of payments is expected to reach families on May 28.

    Despite these robust investments in child benefits on a federal level, unfortunately, the same cannot be extended to the provincial Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB). While the provincial benefit – which was revamped from the previous Alberta Child Benefit and the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit and collapsed into a single program in July 2020 – does provide a 15-per-cent increase in benefits for the lowest-income families compared to the previous iteration of the program, the benefit levels drop off more quickly as incomes rise.

    For example, a dual-income family with two children that made an annual household income of $41,000 would have received $2,640 in benefits in the previous program. Under the current ACFB, this same family would only receive $2,296. Every penny counts when you are raising children and even small reductions set families back. Moreover, the fact that these changes were implemented as Alberta was plunged into a pandemic as families were forced to navigate various restrictions did not make life easier for many working families. In addition, there have not been any plans to bring in pandemic-related enhancements to act as a bridge between the boosts to the federal program.

    To be sure, the province did announce a one-time payment of $561 per child through the Working Parent Benefit for March 2021. While this measure was helpful, this benefit was only available to parents with children enrolled in a child care program, limiting the reach and scope of the relief.

    If we are to emerge from the other side of this pandemic fully intact, more robust relief measures that prioritize the well-being of families and children in contending with rising costs are needed from the provincial government. A re-tooling of the ACFB to be responsive to upheavals like the pandemic has the potential to transform the program to be nimble and dynamic. Allowing the provincial program to be under-utilized only furthers the risk of families that are already struggling and falling even further behind. A complete and successful recovery for families needs robust co-ordination between both orders of government.

    Sydney Sheloff is Research Officer for the Edmonton Social Planning Council.

    Brett Lambert is Community Engagement Coordinator for the Edmonton Social Planning Council.

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  • fACT Sheet — C5 Collaborating for Change

    fACT Sheet — C5 Collaborating for Change

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    Introduction

    C5 is a group of Edmonton-based agencies working toward collective action in the community since 2015. Together, they’ve established a collaborative model that improves service delivery and works to overcome systemic barriers.

    About C5

    The C5 collaborative comprises five local organizations:

    Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
    Boyle Street Community Services
    Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
    Norwood Child & Family Resource Centre
    Terra Centre for Teen Parents

    These organizations staff more than 700 and serve over 30,000 people in Edmonton. They work to shape policy and decisions that reflect the realities and hopes of Edmontonians.

    Goal of the Collaborative

    Though each organization functions independently as an agency, the collaborative supports more effective programming and leads to positive changes for children, youth, and families.

    With a strong, unified voice, the group is in a better position to impact decision-making and to dismantle systemic barriers that affect service users.

    Program Overview

    The collaborative works in community on:

    * Ubuntu: The Ubuntu CSD (Collaborative Service Delivery) Program is an innovative approach to child and family support, which leverages a network of partner agencies and Children’s Services to create customized support for children, youth, and families in Northeast Edmonton. Ubuntu offers a continuum of culturally aligned, community-based, family and child centered services. Collectively, with Boyle Street as the lead agency, Ubuntu is one point of access to a streamlined set of services that
    leverages the expertise of five networks to meet the needs of families, children, and youth.
    * North East Hub and Market: The Hub is an initiative that integrates service delivery and fosters connections. This community centre is an exciting social innovation project. Alongside the Hub is the new Essentials Market, which offers not only fresh food and pantry items, but also baby supplies, hygiene products, smudge kits, pet supplies, and arts & crafts packages.

    Programs at the Hub focus on children, youth, parents & caregivers, seniors, employment, mental health, collective kitchens, and culture. A few highlights include:

    * Employment Hub: Individuals can access support for activities such as resumé writing, interview prep, job searches, and career counselling.
    * Early Childhood Development: Children and parents are invited to participate in family events, literacy groups, and learning & development activities.
    * Youth Programming: Youth are welcome to take part in homework support groups, life and job skills development, and a variety of social groups.
    * Caregiver Supports: Evidence-based, participant-led, and Indigenous parenting programming is offered in group settings. One-on-one, in-home visitation, and community outreach are also available for those requiring additional supports.
    * Cultural & Community Services: Individuals are encouraged to join community members and staff in smudges, English classes, or to get help with filing taxes.

    Currently the Hub and Market serve 2,400 community members.

    How Does the Collaborative Work?

    Each organization has an Executive Director, and together they are responsible for the collaborative’s programs and initiatives.

    As non-profits, each organization has their own Board of Directors, which meet as a group once a year.

    There is also a C5 Managers Table that oversees the work of the North East Hub.

    Grant applications are led by the most appropriate agency, depending on the content and anticipated outcomes. Ongoing funding from the Edmonton Community Foundation, the City of Edmonton, and the provincial government allows C5 to continue its work.

    Collective Action

    There are five core elements that are critical to the success of C5:

    *Focus on action
    * An appetite for risk
    * Living the C5 commitment within agencies
    * Relationships that are strengths-based and rooted in mutual respect
    * Backbone support

    Members of the collaborative take part in communities of practice, joint professional development, opportunities to connect and exchange ideas and knowledge, and represent the collaborative at events.

    They also represent their communities, and bring these voices to decision-making tables.

    For More Information

    C5edmonton.ca
    www.edmontonnortheasthub.com

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  • fACT Sheet — An Overview of ABC Head Start

    fACT Sheet — An Overview of ABC Head Start

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    Introduction

    To increase awareness of the dynamic social agencies that serve the diverse communities within Edmonton, this fACT Sheet provides a summary of ABC Head Start Society and its history, mission, and the services it offers.

    About ABC Head Start

    ABC Head Start Society is a registered charity that has been committed to promoting and supporting strong children, families, and communities in Edmonton for over 35 years. By giving children the best possible early learning and development opportunities in life, ABC Head Start ensure the future well-being and prosperity of our families and communities.

    Head Start programming began in the 1960s and is globally recognized as one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty for children and families. Early intervention provides improved educational outcomes, has a long-term impact on self-esteem and self-control and shows improved intergenerational outcomes through positive parenting strategies and strengthened social connections.

    We are committed to inclusive, equitable, and diverse programming to create safe spaces for all our children and families to thrive as valued members of our community.

    What Do They Offer?

    Our programs include:

    Quality Early Learning Education: ABC Head Start has 14 classrooms, in 5 locations throughout the city, making ABC Head Start Society the largest Head Start program in Edmonton. They offer both full and half-day classes, 3 or 4 days per week, for children ages 2.8 to 5 years old.

    Their programs provide educational opportunities with the foundation of a play-based philosophy, with an interdisciplinary team working together to meet the unique needs of each child.

    Family Programs: ABC Head Start believe parents and caregivers are the first and most important teachers in a child’s life and aims to support that role by providing family support and education on topics relevant to family life. Topics of our workshops include:

    • Kids and Technology
    • Speech and Communication
    • Understanding Children’s Behaviour
    • Establishing Routines
    • Importance of Play
    • Financial Literacy
    • Understanding Autism
    • Fine and Gross Motor Skills
    • Toilet Training Readiness
    • Feeding Picky Eaters
    • Choosing a School for Kindergarten
    • others on health, parenting and child development.

    Parenting Courses: ABC Head Start offers a variety of parenting courses including:

    • Active Parenting
    • Kids Have Stress Too
    • Building Stronger Kids
    • Intercultural Parenting

    They also offer parent and caregiver support groups to increase social connections and parental well-being, as well as work with families to connect them to other community supports and programs as needed.

    Family Wellness Summer Program: ABC Head Start provides summer programming at three of our locations. Each two-week session provides opportunities for children ages 4-9 to experiences a variety of activities, with a focus on art, science and physical play.

    Who Do They Serve?

    The organization supports over 700 children and families every year through their programs. Eighty-two percent of our families originate from somewhere other than Canada, representing 64 different countries and speaking 50 different languages! Eighty-five percent of our families have incomes of less than $42 000 with an average of three children per household.

    ABC Head Start primarily accepts children with developmental concerns such as speech and communication delays, behavioural challenges and fine and gross motor skills.

    The ABC Head Start Team

    Each ABC Head Start site is comprised of a highly skilled interdisciplinary team to address the complex needs of the children and families in their programs. Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, Speech Language Pathologists and Assistants, Behaviour Specialists, Occupational Therapists, Family Engagement and Community Engagement Workers all collaborate to create personalized learning plans to build on the strengths of each child and address learning needs.

     

    Community Impact

    Every year ABC Head Start staff hear stories from families about how they see improvements in their child’s speech, communication skills and behaviour. These programs help set children up for success in Kindergarten and beyond, as well as help families build resilience and increase their capacity to meet their needs.

     

    How Can You Support ABC Head Start?

    There are three ways to give to support ABC Head Start!

    1) Make a donation online at www.abcheadstart.org/donate

    2) Mail a cheque (payable to ABC Head Start Society) to:

    ABC Head Start
    12122 68 St. NW
    Edmonton, AB
    T5B 1R1

    3) Provide goods & services to:  giving@abcheadstart.org

    Contact Us

    Email: info@abcheadstart.org
    Call: 780-461-5353

    Central Office

    ABC Head Start Society
    Jerry Forbes Centre
    12122 68 Street NW
    Edmonton, AB T5B 1R1

     Special thanks to ABC Head Start for providing the content included in this fACT sheet.

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  • Media Release: COVID-19 has shone a spotlight on child and family poverty in Alberta, says new report

    Media Release: COVID-19 has shone a spotlight on child and family poverty in Alberta, says new report

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    EDMONTON – The Alberta College of Social Workers, the Edmonton Social Planning Council, and Public Interest Alberta have jointly released a report on the state of child and family poverty in Alberta, Spotlight: Lessons on Child Poverty during a Pandemic.

    Over 160,000 or 1 in 6 children experience the all-encompassing effects of childhood poverty in Alberta – a staggering statistic which has been made even more dire by the dramatic economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. This report highlights the communities most affected by systemic poverty and lack of access to support services such as Indigenous communities, immigrants and refugees, and families in rural environments. It details the effects of poverty on the development of children, including issues affecting mental health, educational attainment, employment, and housing throughout their lives up to adulthood.

    Sandra Ngo, the Research Coordinator for the Edmonton Social Planning Council, explained the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on child poverty in Alberta.

    “Unemployment in Alberta hit a record high of 15.7% in June 2020,” said Ngo. “It is clear that these bleak employment numbers have wreaked havoc on the ability for families to provide for their children. This is demonstrated in the significant increase in food insecurity during the pandemic due in part to job loss, reduced work hours, and impacts on income. Canadians living with children have felt the effects of COVID-19 even more so: food insecurity rose by 7% to a staggering 19.6% in households with children at the onset of the pandemic. That’s nearly 1 in 5 Canadians who can’t always afford healthy nutritious food for themselves and their families.”

    “However, the state of child and family poverty is not solely due to the pandemic,” Ngo added. “If anything, this crisis is shining a spotlight on already-existing problems. COVID-19 has exposed deficits in how our society has cared for the most vulnerable experiencing poverty.”

    Ajay Hartenfeld Pandhi, President of the Alberta College of Social Workers, called for the reduction of child poverty to be front and centre as the government plans for the economic recovery in a post-COVID world.

    “As both the federal and provincial governments make plans for an economic recovery, they need to remember that implementing strategies to end child poverty is an investment into healthier families and communities, not a cost,” said Pandhi. “We know that without equitable, public services and support available for all children in Alberta, there will continue to be generational impacts of childhood poverty. Investing upstream in poverty reduction mitigates downstream costs and is good for all of us.”

    Joel French, Executive Director of Public Interest Alberta, warned of the cuts the provincial government has made which have exacerbated the issue of child and family poverty.

    “The pandemic has shown how critical a robust network of well-funded public services are for all Albertans,” said French. “Without our essential public health care system and income supports, it would have been impossible for many Albertans to keep their head above water. However, decisions like the minimum wage freeze, massive layoffs, cuts to supports like AISH, and cutting dependents off seniors’ drug coverage have made an already-dire situation even worse.”

    “One of the lessons of this report is that Alberta does not raise enough revenue to properly and sustainably fund our essential public services and social supports,” added French. “If Alberta adopted the tax system of any other province, we would raise between $14.4 to $25.5 billion more per year in revenue. The provincial government needs to make some significant changes so that everyone in Alberta has the ability to not only survive, but thrive.”

    -30-

    Media Contacts

    Laura Kruse, Communications Officer, Public Interest Alberta
    communications@pialberta.org

    Jody-Lee Farrah, Executive Director (Acting), Associate Director, Professional Practice Support & Advocacy, the Alberta College of Social Workers
    assocdirector@acsw.ab.ca

    Brett Lambert, Community Engagement Coordinator
    BrettL@edmontonsocialplanning.ca

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