Research
The research is in and confirm the early years are critical years for learning and development.
2008 ECDA parent Survey: Needs, Expectations and Perceptions of Parents
In the summer of 2008, the ECDA conducted a survey of 247 parents through their member Centres to determine the current use, needs, and expectations of parents.
Survey respondents indicated that the primary reasons for using childcare included:
- Being unable to care for their children while at work (95%),
- Wanting them to be socially prepared for school (64%),
- Believing that they (the child) enjoyed the experience (60%)
- Wanting them to be academically prepared for school (58%)
Provincial licensing was seen as important by 189 of the respondents (93%). The qualitative data revealed that respondents who use licensed care did so because of a sense of improved quality, reliability, structure, and safety.
Eighty-two percent (82%) of respondents indicated that all families should have access to free childcare that provides for a quality educational experience during their early years.
When asked what factors would increase their satisfaction with their current childcare arrangements, respondents indicated the following:
- Accessibility (including cost, hours, age at which children are accepted, and storm days)
- Quality and diversity of educational activities
- Improved children to Educator ratio
- Improved communication between staff and parents
- Improved physical environment
- More trained and adequately compensated Early Childhood Educators
Survey respondents who use unlicensed care indicated that they did so for things such as convenience, an appreciation for a more ‘home like’ environment, and a comfort level with the person who was caring for their child.
