In the latest release of the 2023 Canadian Survey on Early Learning and Child Care, a comprehensive examination of child care arrangements sheds light on evolving trends since the pre-pandemic era of 2019. The report delves into the impact of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System, revealing intriguing insights into the choices made by parents and the challenges they face.
The report indicates a notable increase in child care participation rates from 2022 to 2023, with 56% of children aged 0 to 5 years in licensed or unlicensed child care arrangements. However, this figure remains below the pre-pandemic level of 60% recorded in 2019. Center-based child care saw an uptick, surpassing the 2019 rate at 34%, while home-based child care struggled to return to pre-pandemic levels, standing at 9% in 2023.
Provincial and territorial variations were observed, with most regions reaching child care participation rates similar to those before the pandemic. Ontario, however, stood out as the only province where child care participation was lower in 2023 (48%) than in 2019 (54%), though an improvement from 2022 (41%).
The data underscores the challenges parents face in finding suitable child care options. The proportion of parents reporting difficulty finding child care increased from 36% in 2019 to 49% in 2023, with availability remaining the top concern. These difficulties translated into significant impacts on families, including changes in work or study schedules, working fewer hours, or delaying a return to work.
A concerning trend emerged regarding children not in child care, as 26% were reported to be on waitlists in 2023, up from 19% in 2022. This aligns with the difficulties expressed by parents in finding available child care. Younger children, especially those under 1 year, faced a higher likelihood of being on waitlists.
The most common reason cited by parents for not using child care in 2023 was the preference to have a parent stay at home (35%). Parental leave was another significant factor, with 28% of parents choosing to stay home during this period. Affordability and shortages also played a role, with 23% citing high costs and 18% mentioning a shortage of spaces or being on a waitlist.
An interesting shift was noted in parental child care expenses. In 2023, the average monthly expense for the main full-time child care arrangement decreased to $544, down from $649 in 2022. The decrease was particularly pronounced in center-based child care, while home-based child care expenses remained relatively stable. Expenses varied based on the child’s age, type of arrangement, and geographical location.
The findings provide a nuanced understanding of the evolving child care landscape in Canada, highlighting improvements in some areas while underscoring persistent challenges that parents continue to face in securing affordable and accessible child care options.