DAYCARE
ISSUES
As most are aware, a letter of understanding was included in the 11th Collective Agreement regarding the formation of a joint committee to discuss issues related to the establishment of a daycare on campus. Initially the committee consisted of Heather Ongo and Gary McIver representing the administration, and myself and Lance LaRocque representing AUFA. Gary McIver has since been replaced by Anne Mercer-Hall. After several attempts, meetings have finally begun and are taking place on a biweekly basis. In general, discussion has centered on issues such as financial and space concerns that present obstacles for establishing a daycare centre. All committee members, however, appear to agree that a university daycare would be beneficial for faculty, staff, students and the university. Furthermore, there is recognition that a daycare would have important implications for the recruitment and retention of faculty. Where do we go from here? After some discussion regarding the mandate of the committee, we have agreed that the product of this committee’s efforts should be more than a list of issues, but should also include suggestions for how a university daycare could be established, and what form it might take. To this end we are engaged currently in a fact finding mission. We are looking at several models of university daycares across the country, and have requested input from AUFA members. One thing is clear: university daycare is the norm in Canada, not the exception, and there appears to be no obstacle specific to Acadia that should prohibit the establishment of a daycare on this campus. Therefore, we will continue to work toward the goal of getting the administration to agree to create an Acadia daycare centre that will increase the number of childcare spaces in Wolfville, and not simply replace existing ones. Ideally this daycare would include infant care spaces and will be flexible enough to meet the needs of faculty, staff, students and the broader community. Please feel free to contact myself (darlene.brodeur@acadiau.ca) or Lance (lance.larocque@acadiau.ca) if you have any comments or concerns.
Darlene Brodeur