Federal Government Initiatives in Canada

Federal Government Initiatives in Canada

• Canada Assistance Plan (1966-1995): Federal funding for provinces to support child care and social services.
• National Children's Agenda (1997): Focused on child-related policies.
• Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care (2003): A collaborative approach.
• Foundations – QUAD (2004): A program or initiative.
• Child Care Spaces Initiative (CCSI) (2007): An initiative related to child care spaces.

Funding Allocation for Child Care

• Mean allocation per child care space (2012): $4,070 Canada-wide.
• Mean allocation per child care space (2014): $3,561 Canada-wide. (A decrease from 2012.)

Responsibilities of Provincial/Territorial Governments

• Regulation of child care services.
• Funding arrangements for child care.
• Establishing child care standards, policies, and procedures.
• Providing subsidy funds.

Early Childhood Development in Canada

• Canada's progress in early childhood education and care lags behind other countries.
• Canada spends less of its GDP on public early childhood education and care than other countries.
• Fewer children participate in preschool education in Canada.
• Canada is working towards a national childcare program through agreements.

Summary of Government Roles

• Federal Government:*

• Provides tax measures and income support.

• Makes transfers to provinces/territories to support child-related programs.

• Directly delivers some programs: Aboriginal head start, First Nations/Inuit child care, military family resource centers, research, and information. Funds programs through HRSC (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada).

• Provincial/Territorial Governments:*

• Develops child care legislation (licensing, funding, subsidies, quality standards, employment laws, post-secondary education).

• Conducts research and pilot/demonstration sites for child care.

• Municipal Governments:*

• Creates regulations concerning zoning, parking, public health, and fire safety.

• May provide child care services and subsidies. Their involvement varies by location. Ontario's role is legislated.

Child Care Policies, Procedures, and Regulations

• Policies and procedures are comprehensive rules that specify actions and behaviors to guide programs.
• They are rooted in best practices, legislation, and policy statements. Processes for adopting and evaluating policies are crucial.
• Procedures are specific steps to implement policies.
• Quality standards provide minimum requirements for staffing, equipment, health, safety, and programming. Regulations do not guarantee quality, but they do set minimum standards for compliance.

ECE Space Considerations

• Attractive and functional design of facilities, including adequate natural light, appropriate flooring, organized layouts, and suitable storage, are essential.
• Staff should be involved in how these spaces are used, aligning them with children's needs and program objectives.
• Health and safety is paramount. Accessibility, including parking and entryways, is crucial. Facilities should be located on or below the second floor. Spaces should have opportunities for quiet time, personal space, and independence.
• Spaces should reflect program goals and be adaptable to enrollment changes and policies. Specific rooms need to address the needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers appropriately.
• Sufficient space and appropriate layouts are critical to facilitate children's movement, interactions, and learning.