Date: January 30, 2024

In Morden, a small city facing a significant childcare shortage, a grassroots initiative is taking shape to address the pressing issue. Spearheaded by local resident Grace Keeling, a dedicated group of community members and parents is rallying to find solutions to accommodate the childcare needs of the community.

Grace Keeling and her family moved to Morden two years ago due to employment opportunities. After the Pembina Valley Childcare Centre (PVCC) announced a shift in services due to limited spaces and changes in funding, Keeling joined the PVCC board to take an active role in resolving the childcare crisis. The funding changes led to daycares capping the eligible age groups, only caring for children four and under, leaving many parents, including Keeling, scrambling for alternatives.

Keeling also took on the role of co-chair at the Maple Leaf Elementary Parent Advisory Council, recognizing the need for a deeper understanding of the community’s desires and concerns, particularly regarding childcare. To gather insight, the council distributed a survey, receiving about 30 responses, enough to identify critical issues and needs.

Keeling’s connection to the Morden Family Resource Centre allowed her to explore past attempts to address childcare needs and led her to discover similar efforts in Winkler. Motivated by this knowledge, she reached out to community members and local organizations to collaborate on a solution.

The Morden After School Aged Programming subcommittee was formed to address the specific need for childcare for the 40 children losing their spots in September. A community survey posted on a city social media page received an overwhelming response, with 160 individuals providing valuable feedback.

• Grassroots initiative led by Grace Keeling aims to address the childcare shortage in Morden.
• Changes in PVCC funding resulted in limited daycare spaces for children over four years old.
• Community survey identified key concerns and needs for childcare solutions.
• Morden After School Aged Programming subcommittee formed to tackle the issue.
• Overwhelming community response to a new survey highlights the urgency of the situation.

The subcommittee is exploring the possibility of introducing programming at local schools, leveraging available spaces while ensuring affordability and convenience for parents. The programming aims to start in September, with schools open to offering spaces but seeking external parties to manage the operations. Coordination and funding are the current challenges, with the community working towards a sustainable and effective solution.

Citations and Sources: PembinaValleyOnline.com

The childcare shortage in Morden has mobilized community members to collaborate and devise grassroots solutions. The efforts of Grace Keeling and the Morden After School Aged Programming subcommittee reflect the community’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue. As the survey results are analyzed and action plans are developed, the community’s proactive approach serves as a model for addressing childcare shortages in similar settings.

Call to Action:

To get involved or learn more about the initiative, reach out to Mordenschoolagedcare@gmail.com. Community members are encouraged to contribute their ideas, resources, and support to ensure the success of this vital project.

Article on The Vital Role of Community in Enhancing Childcare Quality