‘Desperation’: Calgary parents scramble for daycare ahead of possible teachers strike

As Alberta braces for a potential teachers’ strike set to begin Monday, Calgary parents are racing against the clock to secure reliable childcare options for their kids.

The Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) has announced plans to initiate strike action on Oct. 6, prompting concerns among families about how to manage work and childcare responsibilities.

Parents like Shailja Singh, who has two daughters aged six and nine, say they are exploring options due to uncertainty surrounding the situation.

“There’s so much uncertainty about what’s going to happen next week,” Singh said. “Me and my husband, neither of us has the flexibility to leave work or provide after-school care.”

Online platforms have seen an increase in advertisements for daycare services, including some that are newly established.

Vidya Venkatraman, owner of Calgary Downtown Daycare, says she has received inquiries from parents seeking immediate placements.

“If the daycare or day home they’re considering has been established, they have other kids in there, it’s not something that just popped up,” Venkatraman advises on how to find a reliable option.

She also recommends asking whether the provider participates in the government’s affordability grant program and offers flexible rates in case the strike continues beyond one week.

Safety remains a consideration for many families. Singh noted that leaving young children unsupervised is not a viable option.

For older children, the government offers a “Home Alone” training course to help prepare them for independent care.

The provincial government announced a Parent Support Payment Program this week, which would provide eligible parents and guardians with $30 per child, per day, for children under the age of 12 who are affected by school closures.

The province also announced a toolkit to support children’s learning during a potential strike.