Unfortunately, those designing public policy don’t often turn to parents to ask what they prefer when it comes to childcare choices.
When Canadians are asked what the best childcare arrangements are for children under six, the majority at 76% believe it is good when a parent is home. This is their distinct preference when contrasted with a competent caregiver.
This holds true across age, income, gender, working arrangements and, to a lesser extent, across regional lines.
On funding, Canadians prefer, not surprisingly, to see funding go directly to them, rather than into school bureaucracies or institutional daycare.A total of 61% of Canadians believe that when it comes to government funding of childcare, funding should go directly to parents.
Download the full report below
Poll: Canadian daycare desires
Canadian daycare desires Part II: Quebec
Canadian daycare desires Part III: Education
Questions and methodology
Op-ed: Canadians express their preferences