Summary
PolicyWise for Children & Families worked with sector advisors from across Alberta to better understand how Canadian jurisdictions are supporting inclusion through early learning and childcare policies. The Inclusion in Childcare Policy Scan Report describes different policy approaches adopted across Canadian provinces and territories. Through a selective, cross-provincial comparative analysis, the report identifies opportunities to leverage Alberta’s strengths and enhance inclusion across its early learning and childcare system.
Policy & Practice Implications
- Policy makers can build on existing made-in-Alberta strengths and investments-including the Spark Guide, Flight Framework, and Access, Support and Participation-to enhance high-quality, inclusive early learning and childcare across the province.
- Policy makers can strengthen the early learning and childcare system by clearly defining quality and connecting expectations across policy, funding, accountability, and public reporting.
- Early learning and childcare programs, its workforce, and the sector can use the findings to better understand how policy supports inclusion and quality care in Alberta and across Canada.
- Sector organizations and partners can use the findings to inform conversations with the government, share promising approaches, and strengthen inclusion as a core feature of a high-quality early learning and childcare system.
Image source: iStock.com/Eleonora_os
