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Tune in live here: https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regional-government/live-webcast.aspx https://twitter.com/m2bowman/status/1329199025678069760
2/ Who was on the Regional Steering Committee that decided the 5 Regionally operated centres should close?
Specifically, which @RegionalWaterloo Councillors were on the Steering Committee?
Specifically, which @RegionalWaterloo Councillors were on the Steering Committee?
3/ I'm hearing that the affordability crisis in #childcare could be addressed.
But the KPMG report was very clear that this decision was about cutting operations to save money. How is this a cost savings venture if the Regional funds will be reinvested in childcare? @ChildCareON
But the KPMG report was very clear that this decision was about cutting operations to save money. How is this a cost savings venture if the Regional funds will be reinvested in childcare? @ChildCareON
4/ One of the childcare centres in question is named after Edith MacIntosh, Kitchener's only woman Mayor.
The closure of these centres would set women in our Region backwards.
What a shame.
The closure of these centres would set women in our Region backwards.
What a shame.
5/ Clarification question: Did the Director of Children's Services cite pandemic vacancy statistics? This is a crucial question.
This decision cannot be made with pandemic statistics. It's irresponsible.
This decision cannot be made with pandemic statistics. It's irresponsible.
6/ Anna is the 1st delegate, her son attends Edith MacIntosh. She's speaking about the skills her son has learned at childcare, his successes have impacted their family in important ways.
Anna is speaking about the return on investment.
"We should celebrate it, not close it."
Anna is speaking about the return on investment.
"We should celebrate it, not close it."
7/ Anna says our downtown is a "daycare desert".
Many schools in our downtown are too old to accommodate childcare centres.
Folks are encouraged to move downtown yet young families aren't supported.
Many schools in our downtown are too old to accommodate childcare centres.
Folks are encouraged to move downtown yet young families aren't supported.
8/ Eric is a local dad, his kids went to private independent daycare before getting into a Regional Centre
"It's like you're trying to shove this decision through and use COVID-19 as a scapegoat... we desire a strong Region to live for that sets a high standard for childcare"
"It's like you're trying to shove this decision through and use COVID-19 as a scapegoat... we desire a strong Region to live for that sets a high standard for childcare"
9/ Eric is de-bunking the "vacancy" argument.
He's saying that Regional Childcare Centres are actually at capacity because they're at their COVID-19 capacity.
He says there isn't more more money to hire staff. Again, more questions about vacancy stats the Region is citing
He's saying that Regional Childcare Centres are actually at capacity because they're at their COVID-19 capacity.
He says there isn't more more money to hire staff. Again, more questions about vacancy stats the Region is citing
10/ Danica lives in Elmira
Her 4 yr old daughter was one of the first infants at the Elmira Regional Childcare Centre. "The staff's examples influence how my partner and I parent to this day."
Highly educated staff
Peace of mind
Chose to live in Elmira b/c of centre
Her 4 yr old daughter was one of the first infants at the Elmira Regional Childcare Centre. "The staff's examples influence how my partner and I parent to this day."
Highly educated staff Peace of mind Chose to live in Elmira b/c of centre
11/ Danica says she has little trust that this is about anything other than dollars and cents
Children's well-being must be the priority, and equality needs to be a consideration
There's a need for high quality childcare in Elmira. Kids need QUALITY spaces.
Children's well-being must be the priority, and equality needs to be a consideration
There's a need for high quality childcare in Elmira. Kids need QUALITY spaces.
12/ Meron is from Kitchener. Her son attends Edith MacIntosh.
She's speaking about her experience impacted by lack of childcare availability, her son waited for over a year before he got a spot
"This change would access my right to access quality childcare"
She's speaking about her experience impacted by lack of childcare availability, her son waited for over a year before he got a spot
"This change would access my right to access quality childcare"
13/ Meron:
"How would closing these centres allow for any new spaces when most of the operating budget for next year would be used for severance pay?"
"How can we justify eliminating 62+ jobs held by women in a profession that's already undervalued?"
"How would closing these centres allow for any new spaces when most of the operating budget for next year would be used for severance pay?"
"How can we justify eliminating 62+ jobs held by women in a profession that's already undervalued?"
14/ Tsitsi lives in Cambridge.
She says this will take away quality spots and leave the community without options or spots
Conversation should be how to raise more spots to this level, so others can share the quality - that's how we achieve equity
She says this will take away quality spots and leave the community without options or spots
Conversation should be how to raise more spots to this level, so others can share the quality - that's how we achieve equity
15/ Tsitsi is talking about being on the waitlist for 2 years, she wouldn't be able to access the same level of quality care elsewhere
This is a choice she made for her family, and she doesn't have family locally so she relies on childcare. She would have to leave the workforce
This is a choice she made for her family, and she doesn't have family locally so she relies on childcare. She would have to leave the workforce
16/ Tsitsi is describing the downstream impacts if the centres are closed
If she has to leave the workforce, she may need to have to access social assistance, housing assistance
She is talking about the many challenges accessing meaningful employment as a racialized woman
If she has to leave the workforce, she may need to have to access social assistance, housing assistance
She is talking about the many challenges accessing meaningful employment as a racialized woman
17/ Carolyn Ferns from @ChildCareON is up next
Since the report was released, Carolyn has had dozens of calls from concerned community members
Most common question, "is this a done deal?"
Since the report was released, Carolyn has had dozens of calls from concerned community members
Most common question, "is this a done deal?"
18/ Carolyn was in #WatReg 5 years ago when a similar motion was on the table - when council voted to save the centres
Higher cost of Regional Centres is because they give a decent wage to Early Childhood Educators
ECES
DESERVE QUALITY WAGES FULL STOP
Higher cost of Regional Centres is because they give a decent wage to Early Childhood Educators
ECES
DESERVE QUALITY WAGES FULL STOP
19/ A decision to close centres cannot be described any other way than as a CUT
This decision would CUT 250 high quality child care spaces
Many Regions across Ontario are strengthening their investments in directly-operated childcare programs
This decision would CUT 250 high quality child care spaces
Many Regions across Ontario are strengthening their investments in directly-operated childcare programs
20/ Tania from Cambridge is up next, she's mom to 2 young kids
Her son was born with hearing loss and lives with a speech delay. Had to extend her mat leave and reduce her income to wait for a quality spot at a Regional Childcare Centre. "It was worth it."
Her son was born with hearing loss and lives with a speech delay. Had to extend her mat leave and reduce her income to wait for a quality spot at a Regional Childcare Centre. "It was worth it."
21/ "When I first got the diagnosis of my child I worried he would never say "mommy" or "I love you"
In only 2 months at the centre, her son has learned so much
Tania is a mental health & addictions professional - says this decision would force her to choose career or family
In only 2 months at the centre, her son has learned so much
Tania is a mental health & addictions professional - says this decision would force her to choose career or family
22/ Tania says we need to remember that the pandemic won't last forever. Parents will return to work, we will need daycare and these spots won't magically appear
Tania acknowledges budgetary pressures but says "I don't understand if we're trying to save money or better service"
Tania acknowledges budgetary pressures but says "I don't understand if we're trying to save money or better service"
23/ Megan is from Elmira, her 3 year old has thrived at the Elmira Centre, her 5 year old never made it off the childcare waitlist
In Elmira, they don't have many options for #childcare - consistency has enabled her son to develop strong relationships, a sense of security
In Elmira, they don't have many options for #childcare - consistency has enabled her son to develop strong relationships, a sense of security
24/ "Teachers go out of their way to get to know our whole family, grandparents included"
Megan thanks the Region for creating this experience for her family
She has experience in an unlicensed, home-based centre and the Regionally-run centre has been far better
Megan thanks the Region for creating this experience for her family
She has experience in an unlicensed, home-based centre and the Regionally-run centre has been far better
25/ Needs to be MORE support for families & mothers to return to work post-pandemic
"Closing the centres would take away women's economic opportunities, lack of access to childcare isn't just a result of COVID-19, it has been a burden in Canada since women entered the workforce"
"Closing the centres would take away women's economic opportunities, lack of access to childcare isn't just a result of COVID-19, it has been a burden in Canada since women entered the workforce"
26/ John from Kitchener he's a Professor of Labour Studies and a parent
Almost every Int'l org talks about building back better during the pandemic - not just recovery plans but social & labour policies
Ensuring people have good jobs and are cared for
Almost every Int'l org talks about building back better during the pandemic - not just recovery plans but social & labour policies
Ensuring people have good jobs and are cared for
27/ Ellie is wondering why her mom is furiously typing and not petting her 
28/ We shouldn't be talking about dismantling public services but talking about how we'll make investments in public services like #childcare
Subsidies won't cut it! KPMG has made this argument consistently across Canada
KPMG shouldn't audit gov services - conflict of interest
Subsidies won't cut it! KPMG has made this argument consistently across Canada
KPMG shouldn't audit gov services - conflict of interest
29/ "Self interested advice from a very large business firm is not a way to make decisions about democratic institutions" - strong points by John
30/ Maria is from Kitchener, 2 of her children attended Edith MacIntosh Regional Childcare Centre
"I don't know if anyone on Council has gone through the process of enrolling children in childcare in the last 5-10 years"
"Consult with experts in early learning, not KPMG"
"I don't know if anyone on Council has gone through the process of enrolling children in childcare in the last 5-10 years"
"Consult with experts in early learning, not KPMG"
31/ Maria is spot on - the Region is saying the right things but not providing details or a roadmap
"If this plan is about saving money during COVID it's a very poor one"
"Doesn't seem to be a commitment that the Region will invest the same amount in #childcare"
"If this plan is about saving money during COVID it's a very poor one"
"Doesn't seem to be a commitment that the Region will invest the same amount in #childcare"
32/ Samantha is from Kitchener, she works in licensed childcare locally
While in school she did a placement at a Regional Childcare Centre which shaped her career & established her understanding of quality care
She felt valued & supported by early learning educators
While in school she did a placement at a Regional Childcare Centre which shaped her career & established her understanding of quality care
She felt valued & supported by early learning educators
33/ Samantha cites correspondence w/ Councillor Clarke re: reallocating funds
She urges Council to save the jobs & livelihoods of the dedicated professionals who work at the Centres
If the priority is equitable, quality care, closing all 5 centres is counterproductive
She urges Council to save the jobs & livelihoods of the dedicated professionals who work at the Centres
If the priority is equitable, quality care, closing all 5 centres is counterproductive
34/ Aine is from North Dumfries, both her boys went to a Regional Childcare Centre
Her family had experience with home based child care & private daycare centres & the Regional Centres are so much more than childcare, they're community hubs
Her family had experience with home based child care & private daycare centres & the Regional Centres are so much more than childcare, they're community hubs
35/ Many families with children who have special needs receive a level of care that they cannot find elsewhere
Aine says it is gov's job to offer this service - community can trust the care, parents know they're held to higher standards, trust that they're caring for little ones
Aine says it is gov's job to offer this service - community can trust the care, parents know they're held to higher standards, trust that they're caring for little ones
36/ "Where we spend our money and where we cut says a lot about a community and what we value as a community. I implore you as leaders and decision makers to think about the message you're sending if you close 5 important centres"
Well done, Aine.
* paraphrased a bit!
Well done, Aine.
* paraphrased a bit!
37/ Jacqualine (sp?) from Cambridge starts that the timing of this meeting poses a barrier for parents - timing is during bedtime
A single parent would be unable to attend & speak up for these wonderful childcare centres
A single parent would be unable to attend & speak up for these wonderful childcare centres
38/ Speaking about personal lived experience of for-profit childcare vs. Regionally run centre
(Is anyone else crying while listening or is it just me?)
Teachers are all ECEs w/ lots of training & strong bonds w/ children
(Is anyone else crying while listening or is it just me?)
Teachers are all ECEs w/ lots of training & strong bonds w/ children
39/ Early Childhood Education is much more than keeping children physically safe
Minimum standards set by province only make sure kids are alive at the end of the day
The 45 special needs children may not be able to find adequate care
Minimum standards set by province only make sure kids are alive at the end of the day
The 45 special needs children may not be able to find adequate care
40/ Lori Prospero is speaking on behalf of the Early Years Coalition, she's also the ED of Owl Childcare Services
She's opposing the recommendation to close the centres - she's had a change of heart and firmly believes the Regional centres contribute to bettering the system
She's opposing the recommendation to close the centres - she's had a change of heart and firmly believes the Regional centres contribute to bettering the system
41/ Experts warn that daycare deserts and long waiting lists put stress on families
Since we don't have a provincial commitment to more spaces, we cannot afford to lose a single childcare space
Since we don't have a provincial commitment to more spaces, we cannot afford to lose a single childcare space
42/ Ellie is digging the expertise that Lori is bringing to this public meeting
Lori says when the federal government is stepping up, this isn’t the time to cut childcare locally
Lori says when the federal government is stepping up, this isn’t the time to cut childcare locally
43/ Carrie Lynn is here from @cupenat
The information in the staff report doesn't tell the whole story
misleading calculation of overall savings
disregard for collective agreements & impacts of labour relations (could erase any cost savings)
The information in the staff report doesn't tell the whole story
misleading calculation of overall savings disregard for collective agreements & impacts of labour relations (could erase any cost savings)
44/ Carrie Lynn says there's a current legislative review of childcare which could impact quality in Ontario
Region should continue providing quality care to community rather than damage relationships with workers & families
Region should continue providing quality care to community rather than damage relationships with workers & families
45/ Carrie Lynn and Brad say the process hasn't been transparent and collaborative, not what they expect from community leaders
They want an evidence-based plan to achieve the same level of quality before a decision is made to close the centres
They want an evidence-based plan to achieve the same level of quality before a decision is made to close the centres
46/ Kinga says before becoming a mom she didn't know that the Region had childcare centres or have info about the OneList until her midwife told her to get her infant on the list
A year after she returned to work she heard back from Edith MacIntosh near her home
A year after she returned to work she heard back from Edith MacIntosh near her home
47/ "Having reliable childcare in our neighbourhood allowed our family to flourish"
Kinga got a job that she loves! This should not be underestimated. Women deserve quality work and childcare near home - impact on quality of life is very clear
Kinga got a job that she loves! This should not be underestimated. Women deserve quality work and childcare near home - impact on quality of life is very clear
48/ Kinga says families have been painted as the "elite few" but says they all waited on a waitlist.
Many families were able to access accommodations at the Regional Centres - unable to access this level of care elsewhere
"Where will families go for care post-COVID?"
Many families were able to access accommodations at the Regional Centres - unable to access this level of care elsewhere
"Where will families go for care post-COVID?"
49/ Danielle is from Kitchener, parent of a 3 year old daughter who attends a Regional Centre & a son on the way (Congrats Danielle!!)
Her daughter has health concerns that have been fully supported by the staff at the centre
Her daughter has health concerns that have been fully supported by the staff at the centre
50/ Despite being certified by the Region, their previous home care provider did not supervise their daughter to the point where they were genuinely concerned for her safety - this forced them to look for other options
51/ Strong theme from many delegates is that downtown Kitchener is a daycare desert
Lack of accessible, local, affordable childcare options is a serious issue in @CityKitchener https://www.570news.com/2016/12/13/kitchener-second-expensive-city-pre-school-child-care-canada-report/
Lack of accessible, local, affordable childcare options is a serious issue in @CityKitchener https://www.570news.com/2016/12/13/kitchener-second-expensive-city-pre-school-child-care-canada-report/
52/ Amy is from New Hamburg her 3 yr old attends Edith MacIntosh & 7 month old is on waitlist
Prior to getting off the waitlist her daughter attended a home daycare - difference between level of care is astonishing
Their daughter is flourishing bc of the culture staff created
Prior to getting off the waitlist her daughter attended a home daycare - difference between level of care is astonishing
Their daughter is flourishing bc of the culture staff created
53/ "With such a rapidly growing population, childcare centres are at the heart of a strong economy, esp. coming out of a pandemic"
Childcare is an essential service - closing these centres would limit choices parents have
Childcare is an essential service - closing these centres would limit choices parents have
54/ Key themes from Amy:
supporting children with special needs
supporting children with allergies
investment in childcare so women can reenter the workforce
supporting Early Childcare Educators who are leaders in their field
supporting children with special needs supporting children with allergies investment in childcare so women can reenter the workforce supporting Early Childcare Educators who are leaders in their field
55/ Jane Mitchell is up, former Regional Councillor from Waterloo!
(Jane has literally been fighting this fight for 30+ yrs)
Extreme shortage of spaces means children who get one of these spots win the lottery - don't use that against them
Build on good spaces don't take away
(Jane has literally been fighting this fight for 30+ yrs)
Extreme shortage of spaces means children who get one of these spots win the lottery - don't use that against them
Build on good spaces don't take away
56/ @janemitchell brings up an excellent point: #WatReg social housing & Sunnyside Home receive significant funds from the Region, are they next on the chopping block?
Again - they are the GOLD STANDARD of care, just like Regional childcare centres
Again - they are the GOLD STANDARD of care, just like Regional childcare centres
57/ Silvana says these are the best childcare centres in our area, where are the children going to go?
Parents will not be able to live, study, care for children with special needs, etc.
Silvana wants to know what will happen to the staff if the centres are closed
Parents will not be able to live, study, care for children with special needs, etc.
Silvana wants to know what will happen to the staff if the centres are closed
58/ "After the pandemic ends there's going to be a great need for these centres. There are new babies coming! Where are all of these kids going to go?"
Of note - every single delegate has been against closing the 5 regionally operated childcare centres
Of note - every single delegate has been against closing the 5 regionally operated childcare centres
59/ Brennan is from Kitchener, mentions it's a tough time of night to be on the call since it's bedtime and they have 2 kids
"Didn't think 2020 could get worse and then we found out our daycare could be closed"
"Didn't think 2020 could get worse and then we found out our daycare could be closed"
60/ "Cutting the staff is something we can't get our heads around, we keep hearing about vacancy in the area but that hasn't been our experience. Points made about COVID impacting enrolment needs to be taken into consideration" - Brennan
61/ Brennan's son Parker has a severe peanut allergy, they were rejected by multiple local daycares
They were beside themselves and unable to access proper care for their son
Wife's mat leave was over - cobbled together temporary solutions then got into Edith MacIntosh
They were beside themselves and unable to access proper care for their son
Wife's mat leave was over - cobbled together temporary solutions then got into Edith MacIntosh
62/ They immediately saw developmental differences when he got into the Regional centre
"The teachers are like family"
Miles is their 19 mo old, he lost his spot b/c of COVID, got in & now they're back in chaos b/c of this budget proposal
"The teachers are like family"
Miles is their 19 mo old, he lost his spot b/c of COVID, got in & now they're back in chaos b/c of this budget proposal
63/ Julie is from Cambridge, her daughter attends a Regional Centre. Thanks the staff who put their health on the front line during the pandemic to care for children of essential workers
Big love to all of our Early Childhood Educators who showed up for our community
Big love to all of our Early Childhood Educators who showed up for our community
64/ Regionally run centres are the gold standard of care, one of the few employers who provide a good wage to ECEs who are primarily women-identified
Of note - these salaries are the benchmark for the field locally (what a damn shame it would be to lose that benchmark)
Of note - these salaries are the benchmark for the field locally (what a damn shame it would be to lose that benchmark)
65/ Julie says the budget "savings" that have been presented to the public are misleading
Julie called around to other childcare centres to debunk the myth being spun that there are huge vacancies (30-40%) in local childcare centres
LOVE that initiative, Julie! What a hustle.
Julie called around to other childcare centres to debunk the myth being spun that there are huge vacancies (30-40%) in local childcare centres
LOVE that initiative, Julie! What a hustle.
66/ Keith is a local teacher w/ specialization in early learning - he's also a parent
Parents & concerned community members have had less than a weeks notice of this meeting
Keith & others are holding down stressful jobs on the front-line of the pandemic
Parents & concerned community members have had less than a weeks notice of this meeting
Keith & others are holding down stressful jobs on the front-line of the pandemic
67/ Keith says he understands COVID related budgetary pressures
Is eliminating these centres for as little as $500,000 worth it?
This is the question of the day, honestly. Pls see screenshot attached.
Is eliminating these centres for as little as $500,000 worth it?
This is the question of the day, honestly. Pls see screenshot attached.
68/ Report itself indicates that parents may not be able to find other spaces, and that children with special needs may not be able to find spaces AT ALL
Keith calls this reckless. Couldn't agree more. "Potential net gain for new spaces is as low as 92 spaces"
Keith calls this reckless. Couldn't agree more. "Potential net gain for new spaces is as low as 92 spaces"
69/ Moya says for every $1 invested in early education $17 is saved in future social services
"You will either pay today or pay later"
"Research shows children in high quality programs do better in later in life & their children do better - intergenerational impact"
"You will either pay today or pay later"
"Research shows children in high quality programs do better in later in life & their children do better - intergenerational impact"
70/ @smoestoe is up from Kitchener (love to see Sam reppin' our hood)
Sam is a racialized, working mom in tech, they enrolled M in the only childcare centre in the Region w/ extended drop off and pick up times - huge cost so they can both work
Sam is a racialized, working mom in tech, they enrolled M in the only childcare centre in the Region w/ extended drop off and pick up times - huge cost so they can both work
71/ @smoestoe tells Council that this is upstream investment & many in our community have perceived the move to defund childcare as a way to pay for the WRPS's request for a budget increase when community members have been advocating for the Region to #defundpolice
72/ "We need to prioritize upstream services like quality childcare instead of prioritizing downstream services like policing"- @smoestoe
Regional Council, please listen to the community. Our requests could not be more clear.
Regional Council, please listen to the community. Our requests could not be more clear.
73/ Heather is an Early Learning and Childcare Professional and she is talking about having a placement at a Regional Child Care centre during her schooling - it solidified her learnings & shaped her career
1,600 people have signed @ChildCareON's petition to save the centres
1,600 people have signed @ChildCareON's petition to save the centres
74/ "To remove this benchmark of quality in the Region is unfair and unjust"
Appreciate Heather sharing her expertise.
Appreciate Heather sharing her expertise.
75/ Noelle is sharing the story of a parent
At 9 months the baby was diagnosed with life threatening allergies, parents researched to find a quality centre to accommodate child's medical needs, development & emotional needs - Regional centre only one suitable
At 9 months the baby was diagnosed with life threatening allergies, parents researched to find a quality centre to accommodate child's medical needs, development & emotional needs - Regional centre only one suitable
76/ Ellie has given up on accessing cuddles & my hands literally won’t let me type anymore but I’m looking forward to listening to the second half of delegations.
Thank you to everyone who is fighting for the future of quality childcare in our Region, y’all give me hope
Thank you to everyone who is fighting for the future of quality childcare in our Region, y’all give me hope
