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Possible space found for childcare facility
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
On June 7, the Childcare Society group met to discuss a possible location for a new childcare facility in the Smoky River Region.
Routhier School in Falher has moved their Kindergarten class into the main building of the school, creating a space in the current playschool building. The playschool building is located south of the main school building.
The building has been offered to the playschool at no charge for another year, however; there is still an additional spot vacant for another program.
Smoky River Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) director Penny Fox explains High Prairie School Division (HPSD) has offered the vacant space to the Childcare Society group for their proposed childcare facility.
“Economic Development officer David Kane, many volunteers and I have been working since last year on figuring out the feasibility of a childcare facility in our region,” says Fox. “Last fall, we conducted a survey in the area to find out if there was a need for a daycare or childcare facility. We’ve discovered there are 42 children in the area who may need childcare services in the near future.”
Fox explains the group wrote a letter to local organizations to see if there was any space available in their businesses for a daycare facility.
“A while ago letters were sent out to municipalities, schools, churches, and community halls to see if someone had space they could share for a daycare,” says Fox. “High Prairie School Division responded by saying that they had space in the playschool building in Falher. This news was very exciting for the group.”
According to Fox, representatives from the playschool were invited to attend the group’s meeting last Tuesday. Cheryl Tardif went to the meeting to tell the Childcare Society group about the playschool program.
“We feel that having the two programs in the same building is a bonus, as families involved in one program may also want to attend the other, offered at the same site,” says Fox. “It will be a great convenience for parents and since this building was a daycare at one point, it already has the small toilets, storage and other necessities a daycare requires.”
A provincial daycare licensing officer also examined the building to see if the space could once again be used as a daycare. There are some items the group will have to look at, including; fencing, safety issues, bathrooms, staff and child space ratios, program plan requirements and other items.
“All the information will assist the group in determining how feasible this location is and what is needed to enable the group to set up a new daycare service at this site,” says Fox.
“The group is really excited about this opportunity and is now ready to take on the next steps,” says Fox. “Steps being taken include developing the society to operate the program and the completion of the “Making Spaces” provincial grant. The grant helps to cover costs of any renovations, furniture, toys and set up of the space.”
The grant, provided by the Alberta government, will include a $1,500 per space available fund. Fox says after evaluating the playschool building, approximately 28 children can be provided with childcare services. Kane has already begun the grant application process. He is also working on the budget and background information.
Alliance of Early Learning Programs– Northest Early Learning Consultant Bernie Napier has been instrumental in aiding the group as they work through this project. Fox says she has provided a lot of information throughout the feasibility process.
One of the issues the group is discussing is finding qualified staff to operate the daycare. The society will be looking for staff with training in Early Childhood education. There are three levels of education and staff necessary depending on the size of the daycare, number and ages of the children the facility is licensed for.
Fox explains those interested in this field can start their Child Development Assistants (formerly called the level one) by taking an on-line course through the government at no cost.
“The government realizes there is a shortage of staff in the childcare field and has created various initiatives and incentives to make this field an attractive career choice,” says Fox. “Information is available at www.child.alberta.ca.”
The course can be completed on-line, and consists of 50 hours of learning.
Fox explains that just because there is a facility opening a space in Falher, doesn’t mean the group wouldn’t consider other daycare facilities being opened in other communities. She explains only about 30 spots will be available, still leaving some parents in need of a childcare facility.
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