By Clark Stork

Childcare report shows rising costs

Dec 15, 2017 | 9:51 AM

According to a report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Saskatchewan ranks in the lower half of the nation when it comes to childcare costs.

The report states child care costs are rising faster than inflation. In Regina and Saskatoon the rates vary from $575 a month, up to $900 per month.

Communities Melfort’s size weren’t part of the report, but according to NDP child care critic Carla Beck, a toddler will cost roughly $600 per month. Beck said overall child care rose 10 per cent last year in the province. While Saskatchewan still has lower rates than other provinces, wait times are a big issue even in rural areas.

“We’ve confirmed that the Melfort area does have wait lists in all the categories; infants, toddlers, preschoolers. This is something we see across the province,” Beck told northeastNOW.

The federal government has promised $7.5 billion over 11 years to fund early childhood education. The provincial government has promised $39 million over three years to fund services. Beck said money isn’t the largest issue; its staffing. Beck said she recently spoke with a Sask. Polytechnic representative about the industry.

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“They do have a constant flow of people through the program but find sometimes people working in child care centres can’t afford the rates for their own child care,” she said.

Beck added rising food costs and power rates could force smaller community centres to raise rates. Some municipal governments provide tax breaks or lower mill rates, while other communities may charge commercial business rates leading to an uneven playing field.

Heather Hersberger is the director of Melfort Daycare Co-operative. She said most clients aren’t taken aback by the cost of child care; it’s the waiting list that surprises parents.

“Some people come in on a Wednesday and expect to have care the following Monday. That’s not possible,” she said.

The daycare operates three sites with a waiting list in almost every age group. Hersberger added the youngest age groups are particularly full.

The Co-op is the only licensed daycare in the city. Hersberger said Melfort would benefit from more spaces.

According to the Government of Saskatchewan’s website, there are three licensed home-based daycares in Melfort. Comparatively, Nipawin has five licensed centres, where Tisdale has four.

Clark.stork@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ClarkStork