Peel region needs 40,000 new spaces if Ontario agrees to $10 per day childcare deal

A staff report highlighted a lack of child care workers in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. It is a “work force crisis,” staff said.

The Region of Peel will need to dramatically ramp up the number of childcare spaces available if the provincial and federal governments agree to a $10 per day childcare deal in Ontario.

A staff report highlighted a lack of childcare workers in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. It is a “work force crisis,” staff said.

Demand for childcare in the region sits at 45 per cent of pre-pandemic levels but childcare providers said it is increasing. Staffing challenges are a barrier to the growing demand, regional staff said.

A 2018 report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found there was less than one licensed childcare space for every four non-school-aged children in Brampton.

It also found the city had a childcare coverage rate of 21 per cent; Mississauga sat at 35 per cent.

The region said recruitment and retention of childcare workers has been “challenge” during the pandemic. Childcare workers have worked extra hours, extra duties and remained on the front lines throughout, staff said.

Councillors will consider the report on March 24 at a regional meeting.

The report recommended spending $11.5 million from the Ministry of Education on an initiative to train more childcare workers.