Implications

Since 2002, there has been a decline in the proportion of First Nations children living on reserve who are participating in formal child care programs or receiving child care at home, and an increase in the proportion who are receiving child care in an informal setting. Informal settings are less likely to provide quality learning experiences that enhance cognitive development and language acquisition for First Nations children. There is a considerable difference in quality between formal and informal care; children in informal care settings watch more television per day, and spend less time on reading and math activities, with corresponding differences in learning.³ There are a variety of reasons why parents choose informal care settings for their young children, including limited information about quality, the need for flexible arrangements, cost, and limited access to formal care settings.²

²Loeb, S. (2016). Missing the target: We need to focus on informal care rather than preschool. Evidence Speaks Reports, 1(19). Retrieved October 12, 2017 from https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/childcare2.pdf