The City of Prince George conducted a child care needs assessment (that included a child care survey) late 2019 that culminated in a Child Care Action Plan. The Plan serves as a reference for organizations seeking funding and/or working to improve access to affordable, quality childcare in the community.
Overview
The Child Care Action Plan was developed as part of the Community Child Care Planning Program Grant from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM). The City of Prince George's community engagement and data collection through a survey contributed to identifying specific issues, trends, and needs related to childcare for families in Prince George.
The survey was conducted online and in-person. Informational materials were made available at the 2019 Talktober info session and at various locations throughout the city.
Objectives
- Examine the current state of access to child care in Prince George.
- Identify the number of child care spaces by age, license type, facility type and location, and time schedules to create an inventory of licensed childcare spaces and create proposed childcare space targets.
- Survey caregivers to understand childcare preferences and needs.
- Uncover any potential barriers to childcare for underserved populations.
- Collect data on childcare space utilization patterns and needs.
- Develop recommendations for the City of Prince George and community partners to create new childcare spaces and improve access to affordable, quality childcare in the community.
Data Collection Methods
- Interviews with key stakeholders involved in childcare.
- Online survey for parents and guardians of children who require childcare.
Timelines
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2018 - BC Government unveils its ChildcareBC Plan. The Plan sought to invest $1 billion over three years to reduce childcare costs for families and create new licensed childcare spaces throughout the province.
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Sept. 7 to Oct. 29, 2019 - Total of 805 participants (parents and guardians) respond to the online survey.
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Sept. 25 to Oct. 30, 2019 - 13 interviews held with 23 people at 10 stakeholder organizations.
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Oct. 5, 2019 - City hosts public info session at South Fort George Family Resource Centre with displays and a chance to complete the survey in person.
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March 2020 - Child Care Action Plan presented to City Council.
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Sept. 9, 2020 - City announces 85 new childcare spaces, including a new childcare facility coming to downtown Prince George.
Results
Public Engagement
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SURVEY PERIOD: September 7 to October 29, 2019
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SURVEY RESPONDENTS: 805 participants
- Including 13 interviews with 23 people from 10 organizations.
The survey results were analyzed and played a role in creating the City's Child Care Action Plan.