Dear Parents and Guardians,
As you may know, Kids & Us has not been immune to ongoing staff shortages. The number of RECE’s is shrinking as the Ontario College of ECE is seeing an alarming number leave the sector after just 3 years, the main reason being compensation.
Coupled with staff shortages, is funding shortfalls. Currently, the province is planning for a revamp of the CWELCC childcare funding model for 2024, however the initial discussion paper leaves many unanswered questions and a “status quo” funding model, based on 2022 averages. The 2.75% increase in funding for 2023 does not cover inflationary costs let alone allow for wage increases to staff or grow the childcare system. These factors are impacting our operations, and those of other operators across the province.
I share this information with you, in hopes that it might help you understand the situation that Kids & Us is facing, and to ask you to be kind to staff. This is not a situation that they have created, but one we are all managing the best we can. We have had program closures and we will no doubt continue to experience reduced operating hours and limited childcare spaces in some programs due to these ongoing issues. Please know that we are advocating for the sector and will continue to advocate until staff are fairly compensated and recruitment and retention issues are addressed. We understand how important childcare is to you and to growing our local economies.
Thanks in advance for your ongoing understanding and support.