Ottawa Schools Face Child Care Crisis with 1,005 Kids on Waitlists

Families in Ottawa are facing significant challenges in securing child care, with over 1,005 children currently on waitlists for extended day programs at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB). The board’s early learning department has attributed this crisis to a nationwide shortage of early childhood educators, prompting parents to seek alternative arrangements for their children as the new school year approaches.

In an email sent to families, the OCDSB acknowledged the high demand for child care spaces and the difficulties parents are experiencing. “We understand the frustration and disappointment that families on the waitlist for our Extended Day Program (EDP) are experiencing,” said Diane Pernari, a spokesperson for the board. She noted that the board currently operates 68 licensed programs across its schools and has offered spaces to an additional 5,280 children.

As the start of the school year looms, many parents are left scrambling to find solutions. For instance, Kate Pollon-MacLeod, whose son is enrolled at Stephen Leacock Public School, discovered that he is 27th on a waitlist of 60 children. “School ends at 2:30 p.m., so obviously there’s huge demand,” she explained. Pollon-MacLeod has been actively researching after-school programs in her area but faces obstacles, including transportation issues.

Another parent, Heather Buchanan, was disheartened to learn her daughter did not secure a spot in the EDP at Woodroffe Avenue Public School. Initially, she noted over 100 children on the waitlist, a number that gradually decreased to 10. “We thought for sure we would get in,” she said, expressing hope that a spot might open this fall. Buchanan is also grappling with balancing her public service job, which requires her to find child care solutions that fit her schedule.

The situation for parents is exacerbated by the stringent staff-to-student ratios required by law, which the OCDSB must adhere to ensure child safety and well-being. “As a licensed child-care provider, we cannot compromise these legislative standards,” Pernari added. This regulation, combined with the low turnover rate in current programs, limits the availability of new spaces, as children remain enrolled from junior kindergarten through Grade 6.

The crisis is not only affecting parents’ daily lives but is also hindering their ability to return to the workforce. Meredith Charbonneau has been on the waitlist at W.O. Mitchell Elementary School for three consecutive years. She had previously enrolled her oldest child in the program but withdrew him during maternity leave. “I have never gotten back in,” she lamented, noting that securing child care is essential for her to seek employment after her fourth child. With her family relying on a single income of $65,000, the situation is particularly precarious.

The shortage of early childhood educators is a widespread issue, as highlighted in a Statistics Canada report released last December. This report indicated that the number of job vacancies among early childhood educators and assistants (ECEAs) doubled from 2,935 in 2017 to 7,356 in 2021. Low wages and limited benefits are significant barriers to recruitment and retention in this field, making it increasingly difficult for schools to fill positions.

In response to this ongoing crisis, the OCDSB is taking proactive measures to attract and retain ECEs, including increasing wages for part-time positions. “We are conducting recruitment efforts throughout the year,” Pernari stated, emphasizing the board’s commitment to addressing the staffing shortages.

In contrast, the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) reported that it is not facing the same level of challenges as its public counterpart. Spokesperson Caroline Bachynski confirmed that only two OCSB schools have waitlists for the EDP. “Once there is sufficient registration, we will be able to open additional EDP classes,” she said, expressing confidence in the board’s ability to respond to demand.

Parents have expressed understanding for the challenges faced by early childhood educators. Pollon-MacLeod noted the difficult working conditions and compensation issues that affect ECEs and their families. She fears that as more public service employees return to office work, the pressure on existing child care resources will intensify. “The problem isn’t going to magically sort itself out,” she warned.

As families navigate these complexities, the urgent need for adequate child care solutions continues to rise, underscoring the broader implications for working parents and the economy. The situation remains dynamic, with parents and school boards alike hoping for a resolution that can provide stability and support for young children as they prepare for the upcoming school year.