Alberta families are facing challenges as teachers gear up for a strike on Monday, particularly impacting families with children who have disabilities. While after-school programs are extending their hours to assist, the funding from Alberta’s Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) does not cover care during school hours. Parents of children receiving this support are now urgently seeking specialized childcare, which can cost around $25 per hour.
Keltie Marshall, co-founder of Hold My Hand Alberta, emphasized the difficulty in finding suitable caregivers for disabled children, as typical solutions like hiring local teenagers may not meet their needs. Marshall and fellow co-founder Shantel Mogos expressed their concerns in a letter to the FSCD program director.
The provincial government recently announced financial support of $30 per day per child for parents of children aged 12 and under during the strike. However, families of middle and high school students with disabilities, who require care during school hours, have not been addressed. There is no commitment yet to adjust the FSCD guidelines to assist these students.
Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides stated that efforts are focused on minimizing disruptions for families during the strike, without directly addressing support for children with disabilities. While the government is exploring ways to enhance assistance for families with complex needs in case of a strike, Marshall believes more proactive measures are necessary.
With talks at a standstill following the rejection of the latest contract offer by teachers, the Alberta Teachers’ Association is prepared to strike on October 6 if a settlement is not reached. Although “exploratory conversations” have resumed with the government, the strike remains a looming possibility, potentially making it the first province-wide teacher strike in Alberta’s history.
Parents like Dave White, whose son has cerebral palsy, are grappling with the challenge of finding suitable care options during the strike. White highlighted the struggles faced by families of children with disabilities, urging for more inclusive support measures. The uncertainty of the strike’s impact on children’s education and well-being remains a pressing concern for many families.
