The government will begin reopening select licensed child care centres to provide child care for core service workers.
For workers that provide services that Albertans rely on during the COVID-19 pandemic Children's Services is working with child care provides in order to open up to 15,000 spaces to have child care available to these core service workers.
“All Albertans are relying on those who are working in core service areas like health care. That’s why we want to make sure child care is available for those who need it during this crisis," said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Children’s Services
The process as to which facilities are initially chosen will be based on the proximity to health-care facilities and these facilities will be reopened in a phased approach based on areas of need, starting the week of March 23.
“We are ready and able to contribute to this important effort. We will ensure our staff strictly follow the health guidance we’ve received and parents can rest assured that while they are at work, their kids are safe and cared for," said Anil Karim, executive director, Kids U.
Currently, the access will be prioritized to health-care practitioners and critical infrastructure workers, in addition, spaces will then be available to first responders including firefighters and police officers and others.
If a parent qualifies to send their children to one of the newly reopened centres they will be notified during this coming week through their employer.
Children’s Services will be in contact directly with centres, and the centres will be limited to 30 people that will include staff. Along with the restrictions to the number of people allowed, each centre will have to adhere to strict sanitization practices, these practices will be based on specific instructions from the chief medical officer of health and Alberta Health. Parents who qualify for subsidy will receive it and centres will charge their typical rate, within reason.
At this time all other licensed child care centres are to remain closed. As previously stated, licensed day homes may remain open but limited to six children, not including the operators’ own children.
The Albertan Government continues to ask that all use resources judicially. For parents who are eligible to access these facilities, they should only do so if it is the only way they’ll be able to go to their work in a core service sector.