A group of parents concerned over dwindling child care options in Smithers have penned a letter to all levels of government.
Smithers has been dealing with a child care shortage for some time, but the authors say that, despite government acknowledgement, it has only gotten worse.
In February, the Town created a Childcare Plan after identifying a shortage of placements for children under 30 months old.
But, according to the parents, not only did the Plan fall short with its initial recommendations, but they have received no update since.
As of this moment, Bulkley Valley Little Horizons is the only childcare provider for children of that age group in the Town.
Furthermore, they were required in September to suspend care for 13 families due to a shortage of licensed staff.
The letter calls for the provincial and federal governments to financially support and incentivize early childhood educators to move to and stay in Smithers, to provide adequate pay to childcare workers, and to find an interim solution to help parents find care.
It calls for the Town to advocate with the higher branches on their behalf, and with the Northern Health Licensing Office to grant Little Horizons an exemption for ECE students to offer care, as has been done in the past.
In addition, it asks the Town to work with and support local providers in planning an implementing long-term solutions.
Other concerns are also brought forward in the letter, which you can read here.
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