Edmonton – The announcement today that the government will expand access to quality early child care and education is a step in the right direction say child care advocates.

The Alberta Federation of Labour has long advocated for investment in child care. In March, the organization launched the Fair Start for Kids campaign, which called for the government to lead by example in taking sensible, measured steps toward improving early childhood education and care in the province.

“With today’s announcement this government is showing leadership when it comes to caring for our kids’ futures. We are pleased to see them taking action in spite of tough economic times,” Alberta Federation of Labour Secretary Treasurer Siobhan Vipond said. “We will continue to call for a universal public system, but this is an important step in the right direction.”

Children who participate in quality early childhood education and care experience higher educational and professional attainment, lower risk for conflict with the justice system, and better physical and mental health. Investment in early childhood education and care has short term economic payoffs as well as long term cost savings.

“All children deserve a fair start in life and investing in early childhood education and care is one of the best ways to achieve this goal,” Vipond said. “In the long run, the government should replace the province’s ineffective web of subsidies and tax credits with a truly universal system that provides all children with a fair start.”

For more information on the Fair Start campaign visit www.fairstartalberta.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Olav Rokne, Communications Director, Alberta Federation of Labour at 780.218.4351 (cell) or via e-mail orokne@afl.org.