May is childcare month and the Sea to Sky Community Services Society (SSCSS) is asking parents to remember their child's caregiver especially in light of recent announcements in the federal budget.
"As a parent the person you leave your children with is the most important link to your child," said Lisa McIntosh, parent and outreach assistant with SSCSS.
Suzie Soman, director of early child development programs at the Sea to Sky Community Services Society said finding quality childcare can be stressful for parents and is something her organization tries to mitigate through their Community Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) program.
The program identifies three different types of childcare centres and screens them for public use, and a list is available at the CCRR office at 38370 Buckley Ave. behind Squamish Elementary School.
In light of the federal budget announced last Tuesday (May 9), which announced child care funding of $100 per month per child under six in place of previously arranged funding of day care spaces, both Soman and McIntosh are concerned with the future of childcare in the country.
"We can be clear in saying $100 a month or $1,200 a year for childcare provision is not enough,'' said Soman. "We are concerned with people pulling their children out of the license facilities because they can't afford it. Then we get back to babysitters and unsafe conditions. Providing quality care is not cheap."
To celebrate childcare month SSCSS is holding a Teddy Bear Picnic for families and childcare providers on May 25 at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.
"Bring your children to the location and everything else will be done for you," said McIntosh.
