I would like to offer a different perspective on the benefits of accessible childcare in our community.
I am the parent of a two-year-old and I was lucky enough to find a full-time space at a high-quality childcare provider in our community this past fall.
Here’s what happened when my child started daycare 5 months ago: My new, predictable schedule allowed me to change from a part-time contractor to a full-time employee at my workplace.
I have a regular income stream, benefits, and a pension. I also have more opportunities for leadership and professional development.
The peace of mind this stability has provided me is invaluable.
My child has been able to interact with other kids her age. She has learned how to share, wait for her turn, and play well with others. The impact on her development – especially during this otherwise isolating time – has been astounding.
When my child is home from school and my workday is done, we are able to spend intentional, quality time together as a family.
We are happier and a stronger family unit than we have ever been.
I am now more aware than ever before at the impact childcare has on every aspect of family life. I know I am luckier than many other families in our community – not only because I have a childcare space, but also because I can afford the monthly fees, and I had the funds to pay the fee to get on the waitlist for this childcare centre.
I also had the flexibility to call this childcare centre regularly during working hours to confirm my place on the list.
I was able to work in some capacity before I had childcare so that I could jump back into my career.
Finding a space for your child at a reputable facility in Squamish should not feel like winning the lottery. We need to support the members of our community by providing them with reliable childcare.
With the influx of people moving up from the Metro Vancouver area looking for more space to start their own families, this issue is only going to escalate.
I see and applaud the work you have done to study this problem, secure spaces for childcare in new developments, and provide affordable housing options to staff our overworked, underpaid childcare workers.
This is a great start, but the work is far from done.
I will continue to advocate for improved childcare accessibility at the provincial level, but this is not just a BC problem – it is very much a Squamish problem.
Magee Walker is a local mom.
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