CHAPTER 2: GOVERNMENT OF CANADA EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
ACTIVITIES AND EXPENDITURES
Health Canada
Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities
Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC) is a comprehensive early intervention program for First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and their families living in urban centres and large northern communities. It is primarily a preschool program that prepares young Aboriginal children for school by meeting their spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical needs.
There were no major changes during 2003–2004 in the program's objectives, target population, mandate, delivery or design. The projects are required to follow provincial or territorial child care regulations.
Expenditure
As part of the Federal Strategy on Early Childhood Development for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children, announced in October 2002, Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities received additional funding of $12.5 million per year beginning in 2002–2003. The total program budget for 2003–2004 was $31,241,000.
Approximately 80% of the funding was directed towards staffing; however, exact proportions are difficult to assess because many AHSUNC projects receive "in-kind" contributions.
Availability
As a result of the increased funding, the AHSUNC program expanded during 2003–2004 and provided services to 3 616 children by the end of June 2003. This represents the number of children at project sites that were "fully operational".
The following summary is based on reports from the regions about work undertaken during 2003–2004 to increase program availability:
- The Northern Secretariat is developing two new projects in Nunavut and establishing a new site in Inuvik, Northwest Territories.
- In British Columbia, all project sites received expansion/enhancement funding and three new sites were started. In total, 475 additional children are attending programs.
- Increased funding for project sites in Alberta meant that 135 additional children took part in the program in 2003–2004.
- The Manitoba program will be reaching 105 additional children.
- Ontario started work to create 174 new spaces throughout the province and finalized plans to offer services in four new communities–Fort Frances, Kenora, Moosonee and Niagara.
- In Saskatchewan, average attendance figures at the 16 AHSUNC sites increased from 622 children to 754 children.
- In Québec, two new sites are in development.
- In the Atlantic region, one new site is in development.
Spaces in the AHSUNC program are not dedicated to specific groups of children (e.g., children with special needs, children in French-language minority communities, or other specific groups). However, according to data collected during a national survey in 2003:
- 485 of children participating in AHSUNC were identified as having special needs;
- 22 Aboriginal Head Start sites deliver their program in Inuktitut; and
- four sites deliver their program in French.
Affordability
There has been no change. All AHSUNC programs are provided at no cost to the parent.
Quality
There have been no changes to the national principles and guidelines of AHSUNC, which were described in the 2002–2003 Baseline Report. Requirements for staff training and caregiver-to-child ratios vary according to provincial and territorial regulations.
The AHSUNC program continues to invest in training, both nationally and regionally, as a means of improving the quality of services. Some highlights of regional training during 2003–2004 included the following:
- 40 Aboriginal Head Start coordinators, parents and teacher assistants attended aPan Territorial Aboriginal Head Start Training Conference in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Workshop topics included sessions on working with children who have learning disabilities, how to bring language and culture to children in a way that supports holistic child development, and methods of increasing parental involvement in projects.
- AHSUNC staff in British Columbia took part in training on such issues as evaluation tools and techniques, curriculum development, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and cultural protocol in teaching.
Another initiative to improve quality was a work plan developed by the Inuit Head Start Committee in Nunavut in March 2004 to address the lack of Inuit resources for children.
The quality of AHSUNC is monitored regularly through national and local evaluations, which measure not only statistical data, but also program impact. Details about the most recent national evaluations are featured in the section on AHSUNC in Chapter 6 of Section I: Early Childhood Development Activities and Expenditures, Government of Canada Report 2003–2004.
Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve
Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve (AHSOR) is an early intervention program for First Nations children (ages zero to six) on reserve and their families. It is intended to prepare children for their school years by meeting their emotional, social, health, nutritional and psychological needs.
There were no major changes during 2003–2004 in the program's objectives, target population, mandate, delivery or design. Also, there were no changes reported in relation to the regulation of projects.
Expenditure
As part of the Federal Strategy on Early Childhood Development for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children, Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve received additional funding of $21.5 million per year beginning in 2002–2003.
The 2003–2004 expenditure for AHSOR was $35,095,244 million. This was an increase of $368,244 compared with the previous year's actual expenditure of $34,727,000.
Availability
The AHSOR program in 2003–2004 provided services to 9 101 children at 354 project sites serving 383 communities. Additionally, new information received in 2003–2004 as part of a 2003 Progress Report confirmed that 7 429 children had attended programs at 307 project sites during 2002–2003, and the total number of programming hours that year was 201 169.
Affordability
There has been no change. All AHSOR programs are provided at no cost to the parent. In fact, it is against policy to charge for participation.
Quality
The national principles and guidelines of AHSOR were described in the 2002–2003 Baseline Report, and there have been no changes. Caregiver-to-child ratios and the maximum group size for projects are determined by provincial or territorial licensing requirements.
Quality of service for AHSOR is addressed continuously through regional and community-based training opportunities. The 2003 Progress Report indicates that, in 2003–2004, all Regions made professional development for staff a priority and provided training on a continuous basis. Some of the ongoing training included: infant CPR, first aid training, special needs training including training in FASD, and health and safety.
The first evaluation of AHSOR was conducted during 2001–2003. This was intended to be primarily a baseline report; however, it included some details about the positive impact the program is having on children and parents. This information is reported in Chapter 6 of Section I: Early Childhood Development Activities and Expenditures, Government of Canada Report 2003–2004.
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative
The First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative (FNICCI) supports First Nations and Inuit communities in developing and implementing child care programs designed to address their local and regional needs. The objective is to increase the supply of quality child care services in First Nations and Inuit communities. This initiative also supports parents who are working, actively seeking work or taking part in educational or training programs.
There were no major changes during 2003–2004 in the program's objectives, target population, mandate, delivery or design. Licensing and monitoring procedures for the program were described in detail in the 2002–2003 Baseline Report, and no changes have been reported with regard to 2003–2004.
Expenditure
As part of the Federal Strategy on Early Childhood Development for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children, announced in October 2002, the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative received additional funding of $9 million per year (for program and operating resources) beginning in 2002–2003.
The 2003–2004 budgetary allocation was $50,140,000, which represents no change from the previous year's funding.
Availability
The funding enhancement for 2003–2004 was used to create 500 new spaces, both in communities previously served and in 18 new communities. This brought the total number of spaces to 7 500 at 407 different sites. Most of the spaces are dedicated to children under age six, however children ages seven to 12 are eligible for after-school care.
Affordability
Information about fees, subsidies and access to spaces was outlined in detail in the 2002–2003 Baseline Report. The average subsidy from FNICCI in 2002–2003 was $6,500 per space. This same rate applied to all existing spaces, including the 500 new ones, in 2003–2004.
Quality
There has been no change to the guiding principles for child care centres funded by FNICCI. The principles ensure that the centres provide quality, affordable and culturally appropriate care for children.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Child/Day-care Program–Alberta
The Government of Canada has a financial and administrative agreement with the Government of Alberta through which Canada directly funds over 750 First Nations child care spaces on reserve. The purpose is to provide early childhood development programming and learning services comparable to those offered by the provincial government to people living off reserve.
There were no changes reported for 2003–2004 with regard to licensing requirements, program objectives, target population or mandate.
Expenditure
Two child/day-care facilities that received funding in previous years were not funded in 2003–2004 because they did not meet licensing requirements. The number of child/day-care facilities receiving funding decreased from 17 in 2002–2003 to 15 in 2003–2004.
The 2003–2004 expenditure on the Child/Day-care Program–Alberta was $2,502,620. This is a decrease of $162,380 from the previous year's expenditure.
Availability
Due to the licensing issues noted above, the number of available spaces decreased from 812 in 2002–2003 to 762 spaces in 2003–2004. This meant there were 50 fewer spaces available.
There were 976 children under the age of 12 sharing the available spaces in 2003–2004. This means that, compared with the previous year, there were 30 fewer children with access to care.
Affordability
No change in affordability was reported for 2003–2004.
Quality
No changes were reported for 2003–2004 with regard to the quality of the Child/Day-care Program–Alberta.
Child/Day-care Program–Ontario
The Government of Canada has a financial agreement with the Government of Ontario to support on-reserve child care services. The purpose is to provide early childhood programming and learning services comparable to those offered by the provincial government to people living off reserve.
There were no changes reported for 2003–2004 with regard to licensing, program objectives, target population or mandate.
Expenditure
The 2003–2004 expenditure for the Child/Day-care Program–Ontario was $15,367,292. This represents an increase of $1,076,292 over the 2002–2003 expenditure, which was $14,291,000.
Availability
Although the expenditure on this program increased and the number of program sites remained consistent (57 program sites in 51 First Nations communities), the number of children receiving services decreased from 3 018 in 2002–2003 to 2 797 in 2003–2004.
Affordability
No change was reported for 2003–2004 with regard to the manner in which eligibility is determined for program subsidies.
Quality
No changes were reported for 2003–2004 with regard to the quality of the Child/Day-care Program–Ontario.
First Nation Child and Family Services Head Start–New Brunswick
The main objectives of the First Nation Child and Family Services Head Start–New Brunswick program are to maintain the strength of the family unit; assist children with physical, emotional, social and/or educational deprivation; and support and protect children from harmful environments. It is provided for children under six. The program offers centre- or home-based care for children and services for parents.
There were no changes reported during 2003–2004 in the program's objectives, target population, mandate, delivery, design or guiding principles. Since Head Start in New Brunswick is part of an integrated Child and Family Services program, no specific breakdown of Head Start data is available.
Expenditure
The 2003–2004 expenditure for this program was $1,408,000. This represents no change from the expenditure for 2002–2003.
Availability
Entry to this program is determined by a risk assessment of the child. During 2003–2004, the program continued to operate at 15 sites; however, information about the number of children involved in the program is not available.
Affordability
As in previous years, there was no fee for program services in 2003–2004.
Quality
Quality requirements for this program were described in the 2002–2003 Baseline Report, and no changes were reported for 2003–2004.
The First Nation Child and Family Services Head Start–New Brunswick program underwent a review in 2003–2004. The results are reported in Chapter 6 of Section I: Early Childhood Development Activities and Expenditures, Government of Canada Report 2003–2004.
National Defence
Military Family Services Program
As part of the Military Family Services Program, Canadian/Military Family Resource Centres (C/MFRCs) at Canadian bases, wings and stations provide information and referral for families, services for children and youth, and prevention and intervention services, among other programs. Many different kinds of services are offered under the Children and Youth Component of C/MFRCs, including child care services.
There were no changes reported during 2003–2004 in the Program's objectives, target population, mandate, delivery, design or licensing arrangements.
Expenditure
The approximate expenditure in 2003–2004 for children age zero to six was $4 million. This represents no change from the expenditure reported in 2002–2003.
Availability
As in previous years, the services provided depended on demand. The following is a summary of early learning activities and child care services provided at 42 program sites during 2003–2004:
- There were 2 179 parent and tot groups, attended by 13 417 adults and 18 070 children.
- There were 3 876 preschool play groups, attended by 8 622 adults and 38 180 children.
- There were 1 304 approved requests for emergency child care, resulting in 10 989 hours of emergency child care service.
- In total, the various activities organized by the C/MFRCs were attended by an estimated70 507 children in total. (Note: the number of children does not indicate individual participation–the same child can participate in a number of activities and be counted each time.)
Affordability
The fee structure for programs was outlined in the 2002–2003 Baseline Report, and there were no changes reported for 2003–2004.
Quality
Although there were no changes reported with regard to such matters as training and program delivery in 2003–2004, there was a decision made during the year that will have a significant impact on the quality of programs offered by the C/MFRCs in the future.
After a series of consultations with Canadian Forces families and experts in the field of early childhood development, the Military Family Services Program decided to switch to a community development model for the design and delivery of programs, starting in April 2005. Additional information about the anticipated impact of this decision is provided in Chapter 4 of Section I: Early Childhood Development Activities and Expenditures, Government of Canada Report 2003–2004.
Activities and Expenditures Tables
Table 2.1: Programs Providing Direct Support
Health Canada
| Expenditures | Regulated spaces | |
| 2002–2003 | $25,821,117 | 3 536 children |
| 2003–2004 | $31,241,000 | 3 616 children |
| Data about the number of regulated spaces is not available. 2002–2003: Due to the late announcement (October 2002), full annual funding of $35 million could not be fully allocated in fiscal year. Actual expenditures for contributions were $25,821,117. Expenditures for 2002–2003 have been revised from allocations to actuals. 2003–2004: Expenditures include: actual contributions (including regions); salaries and other operating costs for national office only. The number of sites has increased since December 2003 to 128 sites as of March 2004, but most of the new sites did not enroll children until the fall of 2004. |
||
| Expenditures | Regulated spaces | |
| 2002–2003 | $34,727,000 | 7 429 children |
| 2003–2004 | $35,095,244 | 9 101 children |
| Expenditures include: grants and contributions; operations and management costs; and salaries. Data about the number of regulated spaces is not available. 2002–2003: Due to the late announcement (October 2002), full annual funding of $46.5 million could not be expended in this fiscal year. All available funding was allocated to meet regional health program needs, including to those services that First Nations have identified as priorities. 2003–2004: Full annual funding of $46.5 million could not be expended in this fiscal year. All availabe funding was allocated to meet regional health program needs, including to those services that First Nations have identified as priorities. |
||
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
| Expenditures | Regulated spaces | |
| 2002–2003 | $50,140,000 | 7 000 spaces |
| 2003–2004 | $50,140,000 | 7 500 spaces |
| Expenditures are budgetary allocations and include program and operating resources (including Employee Benefit Plan). Also included are infrastructure dollars. Data about the number of children served is not available. All amounts above are for children under age 12, but are mostly for children under 6. 2002–2003: Funding was increased by $9 million under the Federal Strategy on Early Childhood Development for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children. |
||
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
| Expenditures | Regulated spaces | |
| 2002–2003 | $2,665,000 | 812 spaces |
| 2003–2004 | $2,502,620 | 762 spaces |
| Expenditures are allocations and include: grants and contributions only. Some of the children accessing the service are from ages 6 to 12. 2003–2004: Expenditures decreased due to two day-care centres not meeting provincial licensing standards. Day-care centres are not funded unless provincial standards are met. |
||
| Expenditures | Regulated spaces | |
| 2002–2003 | $14,291,000 | 3 018 children |
| 2003–2004 | $15,367,292 | 2 797 children |
| Expenditures are allocations and include: grants and contributions only. Data about the number of regulated spaces is not available. 2001–2002: Expenditures do not include provincial share of expenditures. |
||
| Expenditures | Regulated spaces | |
| 2002–2003 | $1,408,000 | Not available |
| 2003–2004 | $1,408,000 | Not available |
| Expenditures above are allocations and include: contribution dollars only. Data about the number of regulated child care spaces is not available. This funding is calculated using the registered on-reserve population 0 to 6 years of age. If a child becomes 7 years of age prior to completion of the case plan, their case will still be considered. |
||
National Defence
| Expenditures | Regulated spaces | |
| 2002–2003 | $4,000,000 (estimate) | Not available |
| 2003–2004 | $4,000,000 (estimate) | 70 507 children (estimate) |
| Expenditures above include: grants and contributions; operations and management costs; and salaries and are estimates for children aged 0 to 6 years. Data about the number of regulated child care spaces is not available. 2003–2004: The number of children does not indicate individual participation–the same child can participate in a number of activities and be counted each time. |
||