ASSINIBOIA - Rockglen and area families have struggled for years with patching together regular, year-round childcare for their children.
This lack of childcare has prevented some parents from working, prevented some from expanding their families, and has also been a contributing factor as to why some families choose to move away from the area. This challenge was the impetus of the formation of a local grassroots board of concerned parents and community members in May of 2022 with a common goal: to open a licensed childcare centre in Rockglen.
The board immediately began work to get the project off the ground, which included planning fundraisers, seeking out corporate sponsors and applied to the government to become a licensed childcare centre. At the same time, they started looking into different building options.
This proved to be a struggle because of the lack of available buildings in Rockglen and the high cost of budding a new facility. In October of 2022 they were fortunate to have identified an existing building in Rockglen that would meet all the necessary requirements and was at a fraction of the cost of a new build. By purchasing and renovating an existing building, the project was able to be completed two years ahead of schedule.
During the renovation phase of their project, they did not have 100 percent of the funds required and were exploring the option of a loan. As a non-profit organization, they felt this was something they wanted to avoid.
Instead, the board chose to find new funding options and sought out corporate sponsors and funding from other financial granting organizations. They successfully raised the required funds by the spring of 2023, less than one year after starting their fundraising efforts.
With funding secured, it was time for them to focus on the next big challenge- recruitment. Daycares in general have a tough time maintaining proper staff ratios, and on top of that they knew that small town businesses often struggle with staffing.
Considerable work went into their recruitment efforts including a multi-faceted advertising strategy and offering what they believed to be unique perks which includes a benefits plan, wellness days (personal and/or sick leave time), free early childhood training and flexible work options. Their efforts paid off! By June of 2023, they filled every position at the daycare. They are proud to add up to 12 new jobs to the Rockglen community and surrounding area.
After 14 months of hard work and strong community support, the Rockglen Childcare Centre officially opened and began accepting children on July 4, 2023. Care is available for up to 42 children aged 18 months-12 years. And with fees for children under age 6 being just $10 per day, it is an incredibly affordable option for local families.
“Daycare is an important component for population growth and attracting investment, especially in rural jurisdictions, and even more so as we navigate coal transition.
Twelve jobs in a small rural community is very significant and with 42 daycare positions open, it means that more parents can work to support their families and enjoy a higher quality of life. The economic benefits of providing funding to the Rockglen Childcare Centre is why Â鶹ÊÓƵ Saskatchewan Ready supported this great project,” commented Sharon Adam, Chair of Â鶹ÊÓƵ Saskatchewan Ready.
“Having a licensed childcare centre in Rockglen is a win-win for our entire community. Parents of young children can work without the constant stress of arranging childcare. In addition, up to 12 new jobs have been created right here at home which will have a positive and lasting economic impact. The addition of a childcare centre makes Rockglen that much more desirable as a place to live, work and raise a family. We are thankful to have received such amazing support, including the grant funding from Â鶹ÊÓƵ Sask. Ready, in our fundraising efforts.
Having an operational and debt-free facility in only 14 months is a testament to the generosity and supportive nature of our community,” commented Rosie Montgomery, Vice President of the Rockglen Childcare Centre.
