Alberta families are facing challenges ahead of the impending teacher strike, especially those with children who have disabilities. While after-school programs are extending their hours to assist parents, the funding provided under Alberta’s Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) does not cover care during school hours. Parents of children receiving FSCD funding are now 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 care for disabled children, stressing the need for specialized assistance. Marshall and co-founder Shantel Mogos expressed their concerns in a letter to the director of the FSCD program.
To address the situation, the province announced financial support 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, are not covered by this support. The government has not committed to adjusting the FSCD guidelines to support these students, despite calls for assistance.
Alberta’s Education Minister, Demetrios Nicolaides, acknowledged the challenges faced by families and stated efforts to minimize disruptions during the strike. While additional supports have been provided, discussions are ongoing to explore ways to further assist families, particularly those with children having complex needs.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association has warned of a potential strike on October 6 if a settlement is not reached. Exploratory talks for a negotiated settlement have resumed, but the strike remains a possibility. This situation has caused distress for parents like Dave White, who must navigate limited options for caring for his son with cerebral palsy during the strike.
Trish Bowman, CEO of Inclusion Alberta, highlighted the strain on families, with concerns about potential job loss due to the need for parental care. Suggestions have been made for the government to make exceptions to FSCD rules to provide funding during school hours and support older students requiring assistance.
As the strike deadline approaches, families like White’s are anxious about the impact on their children’s well-being and routines. The lack of adequate support during the strike poses significant challenges for families of children with disabilities, leaving many in a precarious position.
