The CCAAC vision for child care is one where quality child care services are publicly funded, like schools and libraries, and accessible to all who choose to use them. Services will be totally inclusive, mindful of different families' varying needs and the valuable diversity of our communities.
Licensed family child care homes and centres will be staffed by qualified personnel who are fairly compensated for the vital services they provide. The money for the system must flow to provinces and be used accountably to improve access to quality affordable services. This would include not only making spaces available, but also using public funds to ensure the availability of qualified staff receiving wages that are on par with other professions, and these goals must be enshrined in national legislation.
The CCAAC believes this vision is not only possible, it's affordable. With public funding in place, a quality universal child care system can be developed that would provide services for children ages three to five by 2010 and for all children 12 and under by 2017.
The advancement of women's equality in Canada and the advancement of child care in Canada cannot be seen as being separate from one another. They are two sides of the same coin. Economic security for women depends on the availability of quality, affordable early learning and child care services. Without it, true equality for women in Canada remains unattainable.
Thank you.