Child Care Needs Assessment

In 2019, a Child Care Needs Assessment (PDF) was completed to gain a better understanding of the child care needs across the ACRD.

The assessment was completed by a project team of three former Early Years Community Developers from across the region, who worked with the ACRD, City of Port Alberni, District of Tofino, and District of Ucluelet to compile a comprehensive plan.

The assessment, titled "Collaborative Child Care Planning Across Alberni-Clayoquot: A Child Care Needs Assessment for the ACRD, 2019" is both a report and a call to action. Initiated by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Community Child Care Planning Program, this process recognizes the importance of appropriate child care in creating enriching environments for young children and in supporting parents in their employment, education, and other goals, all of which contribute to a strong social and economic fabric. It also recognizes the role that local governments - municipalities, regional districts, Nuu-Chah-Nulth communities and school districts - have in facilitating access to quality child care.

Many different sources were used to gather information about the current state of child care in the ACRD, including a parent survey, a child care provider survey, parent focus groups, parent and stakeholder open houses, and interviews with early childhood educators and other knowledgeable early years professionals.