CANMORE – Success from a pilot program to provide additional childcare options last summer could return in 2023 following early success.
The Family Resource Network’s adventure club had 142 kids from 63 unique families take part in a pair of programs called the adventure club that operated from July 11 to Aug. 23.
While the program was deemed a success, there were still a number of people who signed up but didn’t attend – roughly 30 per cent – which could lead to some changes in the way registration would be done if the program returns next year.
“There could be multiple reasons why this could be,” said Christine deMontigny, the supervisor of Family Connection Centre programs. “If we were to run this program and it were in operation in 2023, we may consider adding a charge to the program to see if it does add to attendance.”
Having people sign up for programming and not attend isn’t uncommon. There can be a number of reasons people may not show up, such as a last minute emergency.
Coun. Joanna McCallum said a no-show fee might be something to look into moving forward since it may help people put more value on attending after registering.
“It’s too bad so many people chose not or were not able to attend because it took a spot from someone who could’ve attended," she said. "It’s a weird habit. Even when you’re giving something away for free on Facebook Marketplace, people just don’t place any value on it or value on your time.”
Coun. Wade Graham gave the example of a free day at his local business he provides each year. He said it quickly fills up in less than an hour, but when the free day comes roughly 50 per cent of people don’t show up, leading to him implementing a slight charge when it takes place this year.
“There’s something about the little bit of skin in the game that helps with attendance.”
Following the end of the program, surveys were given to caregivers, resulting in 23 responses. Of those received, 70 per cent indicated the program gave their kids something to do and 52 per cent said it gave their kids a chance to meet new friends.
A staff report noted only one per cent said they used it as a childcare alternative and 83 per cent indicated it helped offer affordable options for parents while also connecting to the community and supporting communication skills.
The club was created after a roughly $7,300 provincial grant surplus remained in the FRN budget after COVID-19 restrictions limited some programs from running, as well as staff turnover that led to some financial savings. The surplus had to be used prior to March 31, 2023.
It focused on outdoor programming in various community parks. The program was developed after Town staff looked at what was needed by community members.
The program for kids aged six to nine ran two days a week for four hours a day and focused on increasing social and emotional development, relationship building and supporting mental health. The 10- to 13-year-old program ran one day a week in two hour blocks to support mental health and emotional development.
It was modelled after the COVID-19 short-term and temporary childcare programs that ran in 2020 and 2021. It allowed guardians to not be on site with their kids, but were still available by phone if needed.
The staff report stated if the club were to continue into 2023, FRN would look at partnering with other community programs, holding longer sessions and having daily programming.
The proposed Family Connection Centre budget will include the club with an operating expense of $8,000.
