A Nova Scotia mother, Andrea Ferguson, is pushing for the federal government to expand childcare funding to include private operators in response to a lack of available daycare spaces in her community of East Hants. She is currently facing difficulties finding childcare for her two children, ages two and four, as many centers have long waitlists and are turning away families. While her children currently attend a private daycare, she is concerned about the lack of after-school programming and the impact it will have on her ability to work full-time once her oldest child starts school.
Ferguson’s advocacy around childcare has earned her a seat as a non-profit board member, where she is working to address the childcare crisis in her community. She is calling on the federal government to allow private daycares to be eligible for expansion funding in order to fill the gaps in the current system. However, Childcare Now Nova Scotia, an advocacy group, warns against the expansion of private daycares, citing evidence that quality care is typically provided in non-profit childcare centers. They express concerns about the potential for private daycares to prioritize profits over quality care, as well as the possibility of these daycares being acquired by global corporations.
In February, Nova Scotia Education Minister Becky Druhan submitted a formal expansion request to the federal government regarding childcare funding. The conversation is ongoing, with Druhan meeting with Minister Jenna Sudds to discuss the issue further. Until an official response is given, questions remain for Ferguson and other parents in similar situations. Ferguson has expressed concerns about her ability to continue working full-time once her daughter starts school, highlighting the challenges many parents face when trying to find quality, affordable childcare options in their communities.
Overall, the lack of available daycare spaces in East Hants has prompted Andrea Ferguson to advocate for the inclusion of private operators in childcare funding. While she is pushing for changes to the $10-a-day childcare agreement between the province and federal government, advocacy groups caution against expanding private daycares due to concerns about quality of care and potential corporate acquisitions. The ongoing discussions between provincial and federal officials will hopefully address these issues and provide solutions for parents like Ferguson who are struggling to find suitable childcare for their children.
