Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Ms. Lee on October 17, 2005, regarding day care services.
- When is the last time the ECE staff went into Lutselk'e to look at the day care program and spaces?
The regional early childhood consultant last visited the Tinkering Tots Day Care in Lutselk'e on Thursday, October 13, 2005.
- When they did, what did they find and what did they do?
The consultant met with the coordinator, four members of staff, and a representative of the Lutselk'e Dene Band. A range of topics was discussed, including the previous early childhood inspection; the health, safety and cleanliness of the premises; training opportunities for staff; programming ideas; and support and resources available from the consultant. The consultant also responded to questions regarding the funding received from ECE, and provided assistance with reporting requirements.
Mr. Speaker, both the current facility and a potential new one suggested by the band were discussed. The proposed alternative space is currently a building that is in poor repair and would require a substantial financial investment to ensure it meets fire and health requirements. The consultant clarified that if the community wishes to look into the use of this building as a day care, then the fire marshal and environmental health officer would need to be contacted for direction on the required renovations.
- What are other communities in the NWT without day care programs, and what does the department plan to do to address those?
Mr. Speaker, there are six small communities in the NWT that are without licensed early childhood programs: Colville Lake, Jean Marie River, Trout Lake, Kakisa, Nahanni Butte, and Enterprise.
Early childhood programs are initiated by local organizations in response to community-specific needs. Licensed early childhood programs are operated by local community groups. Regional early childhood consultants are available to provide assistance to all licensed early childhood programs, and to any community group that is interested in developing and operating such a program.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.