When your searching for a childcare program there are several things to keep in mind. Perhaps you have considered the cost of care, as well as the physical location of the program in relation to your child’s home or school. However, have you ever considered questioning the qualifications of those who are taking care of your kids? This is often overlooked. Perhaps this is due to the ongoing struggles that persist around finding childcare that is actually available. Or perhaps it’s the skyrocketing childcare costs which is the larger concern. No matter the reason, all parents need to consider who is looking after their kids.

After teaming up with Public Interest Alberta in 2016 to conduct the second study on the state of early learning and care in Alberta, we found that an increasing amount of employers are hiring lower qualified staff. After surveying 300 organizations, it was revealed that 36% of employees obtained minimal training to become Chile Development Assistants (requires a 45-hour course). While 18% were trained to become Child Development Workers (requires a one –year certificate). While only 46% were fully qualified to become Child Development Supervisors (two to four-years of study).

Within this same study it was found that non-profit organizations were hiring higher qualified staff in comparison to for-profit organizations. For example, 52% of individuals employed in non-profit childcare organizations were qualified as Child Development Supervisors, while only 40% of for-profit organizations hired employees with the same level of qualification. More disturbingly, 31% of Child Development Assistants were employed in non-profit organizations, while 40% of workers were employed in for-profit ventures.