부산대학교 도서관

Changes in Childcare policy at the federal level have implications for children, families and the economy. In 2005, Canada's federal party negotiated bi-lateral agreements on early learning and childcare with its provinces and territories, pledging $5 billion over five years to begin building their own childcare systems. These systems were to be based on a shared vision, adhere to specific principles and objectives and be accountable to a national quality framework. This article argues that by terminating these commitments, the current government will drive more families into unregulated childcare arrangements of questionable quality. Although income support, in the form of a $100 per month/child under six, benefit, may be welcome, it should not be considered social policy and it doesn't provide the institutional framework that this author argues is crucial. Canada's spending on early learning and care lags well behind most countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Canada spends more than $6,000/child, per year, on K-12 education, but spends less than one-sixth of this amount for 0-5 year olds. Public spending on early learning and care should be considered an investment, not a consumption expense. It is unfortunate that a change in philosophy at the federal level puts the foundation for a national system of early learning and childcare at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]