If you’re considering sending your child to preschool or daycare, you’ll need to know how to choose the best place to go. Costs, Regulations, Convenience and Quality are all things to consider. Here’s a look at the differences. Let us know what you think.
Costs
Preschool and daycare fees in Canada vary significantly, depending on the age and type of care. In addition, public funding varies greatly between provinces, which can make costs more or less expensive for parents. In Ontario, for example, fees for infant care can run $1,790 per month, while fees in Quebec and Prince Edward Island are much lower.
Parents in Toronto spend about $19,000 a year on childcare, which amounts to almost $3500 per child. By contrast, a $10-a-day daycare would cost parents about $250 a month or $3,000 per year. If the Ontario government’s plan works, families could save as much as $16,000 per year. However, it’s not yet clear what the impact will be, as data won’t be available until next year. Meanwhile, the Alberta government’s $25-a-day program has had some success, but its participation rate is low. This means that parents are often paying higher market rates.
Regulations
In Canada, there is a wide variety of childcare options, including licensed programs, family-based care, and unlicensed providers. Some provinces, like Ontario and Quebec, have more restrictions than others. Some provinces, such as Manitoba and Newfoundland, allow parents to choose the type of care that best fits their needs.
In the past, governments have tended to avoid tighter regulations in the unlicensed childcare sector. They have been reluctant to do so because of concerns about reduced access and the emphasis on parental choice. However, research has shown that only a small number of factors influence the decision of parents to enroll their children in unlicensed childcare.
Quality
Preschool and daycare programs in Canada have grown significantly over the past 25 years. The increase in the number of working mothers has created a need for this kind of child care. Research shows that a good early childhood education can have a positive impact on child development. However, it can be difficult to find accurate information about these programs. In Canada, there are few statistical surveys to determine the quality of childcare services and costs.
The authors of this paper reviewed the available evidence and determined that the level of quality in nonparental child care is inadequate to meet the developmental goals of young children. Although the vast majority of regulated care is safe and supportive, much of it fails to develop the cognitive, language, and social skills of children optimally. On the other hand, there is a small body of evidence regarding the average quality of unregulated child care.
Convenience
When it comes to the choice between a daycare or a preschool, you’ll need to balance cost and convenience. In Canada, there are many different options for daycare, preschool, and nannies. But which one is the best fit for your child?
While the majority of preschools require children to be three or four years old to attend, some are open to children as young as two. While both offer age-appropriate activities and care, preschools generally separate children by age so that each one can be offered the most developmentally appropriate experience.
Alternatives
Canadian parents are increasingly worried about rising childcare costs. A new report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives details how much it costs for daycare in major Canadian cities. The federal government has committed to cutting the cost of child care by 50% by 2022 and has stated that it aims to lower daily fees to $10. However, it is estimated that parents in Toronto spend upwards of $20,000 per year on daycare.
The Government of Canada has committed to investing over $30 billion over the next five years to improve childcare services. This investment will reduce fees for parents, and increase the demand for spaces. However, the increase in demand will not be met by expanding existing childcare facilities.